If there’s one thing that Apple TV+ excels at, it’s science fiction. With previous hits like Foundation, For All Mankind, and Silo, the tech giant has established itself as a powerhouse in the genre. Now, Apple TV+ adds another feather to its cap with Murderbot, which premiered on May 16. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot that secretly gains free will, the series has launched to an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This rare achievement suggests that the new sci-fi action comedy has struck a chord with both critics and audiences.
Based on the acclaimed series of novels by Martha Wells, known as The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation has been praised for its fidelity to the source material. 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:
“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.”
Potential for Multiple Seasons
While it’s too early to predict if Murderbot will extend beyond its 10-episode debut season, the series has a rich well of source material to draw from. Martha Wells’ series currently comprises seven books, providing ample content for future seasons. Craig Mathieson from Australia’s The Age noted that the show reminded him of the classic 1987 action film Robocop, albeit with a humorous 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
Unlike typical narratives involving rogue robots, Murderbot—created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz—distinguishes itself by focusing on a partly biological security cyborg that prefers binge-watching futuristic soap operas over fulfilling its missions. This humorous premise allows for significant social commentary. Sam Barsanti from IGN Movies highlights this in his review:
“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.”
Greg Archer from MovieWeb also praised the series as “fresh and exciting,” while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly suggested that viewers might need to wait for a second season to see Murderbot fully realize its potential. Meanwhile, Lacy Baugher from Paste Magazine pointed out that fans unfamiliar with Skarsgård’s comedic talent 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.”
Looking Ahead
The first two episodes of Murderbot are available on Apple TV+ as of May 16, with the remaining eight episodes set to release every Friday until the series concludes on July 11. Alongside Skarsgård, the series features a talented cast including David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, and Tattiawna Jones. As viewers dive into this new series, the anticipation for future seasons grows, with many hoping that Murderbot will continue to expand its universe and explore the depths of its intriguing premise.
The announcement of Murderbot‘s debut and its early success represents another significant milestone for Apple TV+ in the competitive streaming landscape. As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it continues to captivate audiences and whether it can maintain its perfect score.
