If there’s one thing Apple TV+ excels at, it is science fiction. With hits like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo, the tech giant has consistently delivered compelling narratives set in futuristic worlds. Now, Murderbot, their latest offering, has premiered on May 16, starring Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot with a twist: it secretly gains free will. The series has debuted to an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that this sci-fi action comedy is resonating well with audiences and critics alike.
Based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed series of novels, The Murderbot Diaries, the show has been praised for its faithful adaptation and engaging storytelling. Carly Lane from Collider remarked,
“When held up against book-to-screen adaptations, Murderbot will arguably go down as one of the strongest so far this year.”
Critic Kate Sánchez echoed these sentiments, noting that Apple has once again delivered high-quality science fiction, stating,
“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.”
The Unique Appeal of ‘Murderbot’
While the future of Murderbot beyond its initial 10-episode season remains uncertain, the series has a wealth of material to draw from, with seven books in Wells’ series already published. Craig Mathieson from Australia’s The Age compared the show to the classic 1987 action flick 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 typical rogue robot narratives that veer into Terminator-like territory, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—sets itself apart by focusing on a partly biological security cyborg that prefers binge-watching futuristic soap operas over completing important missions. This humorous premise allows for rich social commentary, as Sam Barsanti from IGN Movies highlights:
“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 Future Prospects
MovieWeb’s Greg Archer described Murderbot as a series “that feels fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly noted that “viewers will likely have to wait for a season 2 to see Murderbot reach its killer potential.” Meanwhile, Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine pointed out that fans unfamiliar with Skarsgård’s comedic abilities 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 first two episodes of Murderbot are available on Apple TV+ as of May 16, with the remaining eight episodes set to air every Friday until the series concludes on July 11. In addition to Skarsgård, the series features a talented ensemble cast, including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones.
Implications for Apple TV+ and the Sci-Fi Genre
The success of Murderbot not only reinforces Apple TV+’s reputation for quality science fiction but also highlights the potential for more book-to-screen adaptations in the genre. As streaming platforms continue to vie for subscribers, the ability to deliver innovative and engaging content becomes increasingly crucial. With its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and positive critical reception, Murderbot sets a high bar for future sci-fi series.
As audiences eagerly await the continuation of the series, the potential for further seasons based on Wells’ novels remains promising. If renewed, Murderbot could explore even more complex themes and narratives, ensuring its place as a staple in the sci-fi television landscape.
