If there’s one thing that Apple TV+ excels at, it’s science fiction. With successful series like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo, the tech giant has carved a niche in the genre. Now, Apple TV+ adds 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, indicating that this new sci-fi action comedy hits all the right notes.
Based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed series The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation has been praised for its fidelity to the source material. Carly Lane from Collider notes, “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 highlights Apple’s consistent delivery of high-quality science fiction, stating, “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
The debut of Murderbot comes as a testament to the successful transition from novel to screen. With seven books in Wells’ series, the show has a wealth of material to explore, should it be renewed beyond its initial 10-episode run. Craig Mathieson of Australia’s The Age draws parallels to the classic 1987 film Robocop, albeit with a comedic 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 Sci-Fi Comedy
While many might steer a story of a rogue robot with free will into Terminator-like territory, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—distinguishes itself with a unique premise. The partly biological security cyborg is more interested in binge-watching futuristic soap operas than completing its missions. This humorous concept 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.”
Alexander Skarsgård: A Comedic Revelation
Skarsgård, known for his roles in True Blood and The Northman, surprises audiences with his comedic prowess in Murderbot. Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine remarks, “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.”
MovieWeb’s Greg Archer describes Murderbot as “a series that feels fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly suggests that viewers will be eager for a second season to see the series reach its full potential.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ‘Murderbot’
The first two episodes of Murderbot are set to premiere on Apple TV+ on May 16, with the remaining episodes airing weekly until July 11. Alongside Skarsgård, the series features a talented cast including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones.
As Apple TV+ continues to expand its science fiction repertoire, Murderbot stands out as a promising addition, blending humor with thoughtful commentary. With its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, the series is poised to capture the imaginations of both fans of the novels and newcomers alike.
