If there’s one thing that Apple TV+ excels at, it’s delivering compelling science fiction. With hits like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo already under its belt, the streaming service has now added another gem to its collection: Murderbot. Premiering on May 16, the series stars Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot that secretly gains free will. It has debuted with an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling that this new sci-fi action comedy is resonating with critics and audiences alike.
Based on the popular series of novels by Martha Wells, known as The Murderbot Diaries, the show has been praised for its faithful adaptation and engaging narrative. 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, highlighting Apple’s consistent delivery of high-quality science fiction:
“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 Legacy of Source Material
While it’s too soon to predict the longevity of Murderbot beyond its initial 10-episode run, the series has a rich reservoir of source material to draw from, with seven books currently available in Wells’ series. This potential for expansion has not gone unnoticed by critics. Craig Mathieson from Australia’s The Age noted the show’s nostalgic nod to the classic 1987 action film Robocop, albeit with a 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.”
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Trope
While many stories involving rogue robots veer into Terminator-like territory, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—distinguishes itself with a unique twist. Its partly biological security cyborg protagonist prefers binge-watching futuristic soap operas over completing important missions. This humorous premise allows for rich 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.”
MovieWeb’s Greg Archer described Murderbot as a series “that feels fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly suggested that “viewers will likely have to wait for a season 2 to see Murderbot reach its killer potential.” Meanwhile, Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine highlighted Alexander Skarsgård’s comedic talent, a side of the actor that may surprise fans familiar with his more serious roles:
“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.”
Looking Ahead
The first two episodes of Murderbot are set to premiere on Apple TV+ on May 16, with the remaining eight episodes airing weekly every Friday until the series concludes on July 11. Alongside Skarsgård, the series features a talented ensemble cast including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones. As the series unfolds, viewers and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this latest offering from Apple TV+ lives up to its initial acclaim and paves the way for future seasons.
