Fifth Season Chiefs Reveal Secrets Behind "Severance" Emmy Sweep and Indie Studio Ambitions

Fifth Season Chiefs on 'Severance' Emmy Win and Building an Indie Studio LOS ANGELES, CA - In a surprise turn of events, the Apple TV drama "Severance" topped the leaderboard in this year's Emmy Awards derby with 27 nominations. Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor described waking up to the news as "surreal," echoing the show's themes. "We had hoped for some love, but hadn't imagined what happened," Rice said on the Daily Variety podcast. "Twenty-seven nominations is an unimaginable number for us. So we were extremely pleased and grateful." The nomination count marked a milestone for Fifth Season, which has been building its reputation as an independent studio in the competitive television landscape. Taylor noted that the company's success was not limited to "Severance," citing other notable projects such as "The Morning Show" and "For All Mankind." "We're proud of what we've accomplished, but we know there's still a lot of work to be done," Taylor said. Background on Fifth Season's rise to prominence highlights the company's commitment to innovative storytelling. Founded in 2014 by Rice and Taylor, the studio has established itself as a hub for creative talent, with a focus on genre-bending content that pushes boundaries. The Emmy nomination count underscores the growing recognition of independent studios like Fifth Season, which are challenging traditional networks' dominance in the industry. Industry insiders point to the success of "Severance" and other indie productions as evidence of shifting viewer preferences and changing market dynamics. As the Emmy Awards approach, Fifth Season's nomination tally has sparked debate about the future of television contracts. In a bold proposal, Rice and Taylor have suggested revising the current TV contract model to prioritize independent studios' needs. "We believe it's time for the industry to rethink its business model," Rice said. "Independent studios like ours are driving innovation and creativity in television. We deserve a seat at the table." The proposal has sparked interest among industry leaders, with some calling for greater transparency and flexibility in contract negotiations. As the Emmy Awards near, Fifth Season's nomination count serves as a reminder of the company's growing influence in the television landscape. With 27 nominations under its belt, Fifth Season is poised to make a significant impact at this year's Emmys. The company's success has also raised questions about the future of independent studios and their role in shaping the industry's direction. As the Emmy Awards approach, one thing is clear: Fifth Season's nomination count marks a turning point for the company, and its bold proposal for the TV contract model may signal a new era for independent studios. *Reporting by Variety.*