‘Severance’ and ‘The Last of Us’ Win Big at Set Decorators Society of America TV Awards

When it comes to creating worlds that feel so textured and real you could step right through your screen, the work of set decorators often goes overlooked. But not this time. The Set Decorators Society of America TV Awards spotlighted the impeccable work behind our favorite shows, and what a showcase it was! “Severance” and “The Last of Us” walked away with the night’s top honors, and honestly, we’re not surprised.

Set Decorators Society of America Honors ‘Severance’ for Its Hypnotic Office Aesthetic

Let’s start with “Severance,” which snagged Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a One-Hour Contemporary Series. That corporate dystopia? Yeah, it’s as crisp and chilling as you’d imagine the severed world might look.

Set decorator David Schlesinger and production designer Jeremy Hindle turned sterile office spaces into storytelling gold. Every fluorescent light, every angular desk, and even the muted palettes work together to suck you into Lumon Industries’ eerie universe. It’s minimal, it’s unnerving, and it’s perfect. Just try walking into your office after bingeing “Severance” without side-eyeing your breakroom.

Fun fact? This win cements “Severance” as a major contender at the upcoming 2025 Emmy Awards, where it’s already generating significant buzz. If the Set Decorators Society of America win is any indicator, it’s definitely one to watch.

‘The Last of Us’ Brings the Apocalypse to Life (Literally)

Over in the dystopian wasteland category, “The Last of Us” cleaned up in the One-Hour Fantasy or Science Fiction Series category, and for good reason.

Set decorators Jonathan Lancaster and Lisa Lancaster teamed up with production designer Don Macaulay to craft a post-apocalyptic landscape so detailed you can practically smell the decaying world through your TV. Think crumbled cities overtaken by nature, subtle nods to pre-outbreak times, and a level of lived-in grunge that makes the show as heartbreaking as it is breathtaking.

The Set Decorators Society of America award was well-earned, and if we’re being honest, there isn’t a single aisle in your local hardware store that could recreate that level of detail.

More Victories and Highlights

While “Severance” and “The Last of Us” stole the spotlight, the Set Decorators Society of America Awards weren’t just about these two heavyweights. Other winners included Amazon’s glossy “1923” (hello, period drama fans) and Apple TV+’s razor-sharp comedy “The Studio.” Oh, and did you hear? Even “Saturday Night Live” got in on the action, proving that variety shows can slay set design just as well as narrative dramas.

Check out the full winners’ list to see if your personal faves scored bragging rights.

Why These Wins Matter

Awards like the Set Decorators Society of America don’t just hand out shiny statues for fun; they highlight how critical design is to telling compelling stories. A dystopian nightmare doesn’t hit the same without immersive details, and a period piece? Forget it without historically accurate backdrops.

These creative geniuses provide the foundation that lets performances, writing, and cinematography shine. We’re talking about world-building at its finest, and the people behind it finally getting the flowers they deserve.

What’s Next?

It looks like Apple TV+ and HBO Max will be riding high on these wins right into Emmy season, which means the rivalry is ON. “Severance” and “The Last of Us”? Both shows are poised to snag more accolades, but who really will reign supreme?