If there’s one thing that Apple TV+ has mastered, it’s the art of crafting compelling science fiction. With hits like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo, the streaming service has cemented its reputation in the genre. Now, another title joins their esteemed lineup: Murderbot. Premiering on May 16, the series stars Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot that secretly gains free will. Impressively, the show has debuted with a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating it has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike.
Based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed series of novels, The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation has been praised for its faithful and engaging transition from page to screen. 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.”
Echoing this sentiment, critic Kate Sánchez noted 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.”
Comparisons and Inspirations
While the future of Murderbot beyond its initial 10-episode season remains uncertain, the series has ample source material to draw from, with seven books currently in Wells’ series. Craig Mathieson from Australia’s The Age likened the show to the classic 1987 action film Robocop, albeit with a playful twist. He commented,
“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 Unique Take on a Familiar Trope
Unlike other narratives that might steer a rogue robot into Terminator-like territory, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—distinguishes itself with a humorous premise. The partly biological security cyborg prefers binge-watching futuristic soap operas over completing critical missions. This comedic angle allows for rich social commentary. Sam Barsanti from IGN Movies observed,
“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 the series as “fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly suggested that viewers might have to wait for a second season to see Murderbot reach its full potential. Meanwhile, Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine highlighted Alexander Skarsgård’s unexpected comedic talent, noting,
“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 releasing weekly every Friday until the series concludes on July 11. In addition to Skarsgård, the show features a talented ensemble cast including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones.
As Murderbot continues to capture the imagination of viewers, its success could pave the way for further adaptations of Wells’ novels, potentially expanding the series into a multi-season saga. For now, fans and newcomers alike can enjoy the blend of humor, action, and thought-provoking themes that Murderbot offers.
