"Severance" memes highlight work-life balance discussions in 2025

The popular AppleTV+ series "Severance" has inspired a new wave of memes focusing on the concepts of "Innies" and "Outies." These terms refer to how individuals experience their work and personal identities. The show has become the most-watched series on the platform, with notable actors like Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette. "Severance" follows employees at a company named Lumon who have undergone a procedure that splits their memories. This leads to a complex ethical exploration about identity and awareness. Mark, the main character, becomes increasingly paranoid about his life outside work, which remains unknown to him. In the show, an "Innie" is the work persona, confined to the office and unaware of personal life. Conversely, the "Outie" is the person outside work, who has consented to this separation. While the Outie lives a normal life, they struggle with the lack of knowledge about their Innie's work activities. Since the series premiered in 2022, memes showcasing both Innies and Outies have grown in popularity, particularly in 2025 with the release of the second season. These memes often play on daily activities of the Outie, contrasting them humorously with the Innie's work life. The themes in "Severance" resonate widely, highlighting issues of corporate culture and identity. The dialogue around Innies and Outies reflects ongoing discussions about work-life balance and the impact of capitalism in society today. As these memes continue to spread, they foster conversations about how closely the show's premise mirrors real life.