If there’s one thing Apple TV+ excels at, it’s science fiction. With hits like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo, the tech giant continues to establish its dominance in the genre. Now, another series joins the ranks: Murderbot. Premiering on May 16, the show stars Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot that secretly gains free will. It has debuted with an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that this new sci-fi action comedy ticks all the right boxes.
Based on the acclaimed series of novels by Martha Wells, known as The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation has been met with critical acclaim. Carly Lane from Collider praises the series, stating,
“When held up against book-to-screen adaptations, Murderbot will arguably go down as one of the strongest so far this year.”
Similarly, critic Kate Sánchez highlights Apple TV+’s continued success in delivering high-quality science fiction, noting,
“Murderbot continues Apple TV+’s winning streak with sci-fi television. This is a series that deserves your attention, and as many seasons as there are books in the series.”
From Page to Screen: A Successful Adaptation
While it’s too early to determine if Murderbot will extend beyond its initial 10-episode season, the series is based on seven books, providing ample material for future seasons. Craig Mathieson from Australia’s The Age draws parallels to the classic 1987 action film Robocop, albeit with a unique twist:
“Guided by the dry, not-quite-human tone of its protagonist, this sly and sometimes subversive series feels like a mix of Robocop and an old adventure serial, complete with cliffhangers and 25-minute episodes.”
Unlike traditional narratives of rogue robots, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—distinguishes itself by portraying its partly biological security cyborg as more interested in binge-watching futuristic soap operas than completing its missions. This humorous concept allows for significant social commentary, as noted by Sam Barsanti from IGN Movies:
“The funny irony is that the things that make Murderbot a nice watch would probably make Murderbot dislike its own TV show. It’s about people, and a robot, caring about and deciding to value each other even when it’s inconvenient.”
Critical Acclaim and Audience Anticipation
MovieWeb’s Greg Archer describes Murderbot as a series “that feels fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly suggests that viewers may need to wait for a second season to see the series reach its full potential. Meanwhile, Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine points out that fans unfamiliar with Skarsgård’s comedic talents will be pleasantly surprised:
“Those who only know him from HBO’s True Blood or the Viking film The Northman may be surprised to discover how genuinely funny Skarsgård is, with a real gift for deadpan line delivery and comedic timing.”
The Future of ‘Murderbot’
The first two episodes of Murderbot are set to debut on Apple TV+ on May 16, with the remaining eight episodes airing every Friday until the season’s conclusion on July 11. Alongside Skarsgård, the series features a talented cast including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones.
The show’s debut comes at a time when streaming platforms are fiercely competing for original content that captivates audiences. With its unique blend of humor, action, and social commentary, Murderbot is poised to be a standout in Apple TV+’s lineup. As the series unfolds, viewers and critics alike will be watching to see if it can maintain its perfect score and secure a place among the greats of sci-fi television.
