“Murderbot”: What We Know About Apple TV+’s 100% Rotten Tomatoes Sci-Fi Comedy Series Starring Alexander Skarsgård
There’s a new sci-fi series coming out, it’s called “Murderbot”, and it already has a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score (as of May 13). Yes, that Alexander Skarsgård stars in it. No, he’s not playing a Viking or vampire this time. He’s a robot — a Security Unit, technically — who just wants to be left alone to binge his favorite soap opera in peace. Same, honestly.
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning “Murderbot Diaries” books, the Apple TV+ series is a sleek, snarky, and surprisingly heartfelt blend of space action, workplace comedy, and philosophical pondering about identity, humanity, and… content consumption. The first season is adapted from All Systems Red, the first novella in the series, and consists of ten short episodes (most under 25 minutes — a true gift).
“Murderbot” Premise (Don’t Worry, No Spoilers)
Skarsgård plays the titular “Murderbot”, a part-organic, part-robot security construct assigned to protect a group of idealistic scientists on a research mission to a remote alien planet. But there’s a twist: Murderbot has hacked its own programming and is now secretly operating without corporate control. It’s not out for blood, though — it mostly just wants to be left alone to watch thousands of hours of its favorite space opera, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon. Unfortunately, it keeps having to save humans from corporate goons, giant bugs, and other space perils — very inconvenient.
The tone is quirky, dry, and weird in all the right ways. It’s got shades of “The Office” meets “Black Mirror”, with a dash of “The Mandalorian” if the Mandalorian just wanted to stream shows and ignore everyone. There’s action, sure, but it’s the character work — particularly Murderbot’s dry internal monologue — that really carries the show.
Across the board, critics are pretty much loving Murderbot. While some point out that the supporting characters could use more depth or that the visuals sometimes feel a bit flat, everyone agrees on one thing: Alexander Skarsgård is fantastic.
He brings surprising vulnerability, deadpan humor, and subtle charm to a character who literally hates making eye contact. It’s a performance that balances comedy and melancholy, and one that makes Murderbot feel both deeply relatable and completely alien — no small feat when you’re playing a socially anxious killing machine with a soap opera obsession.
Why “Murderbot” Matters
“Murderbot” joins the ranks of beautifully made but niche sci-fi shows that may not go viral but absolutely deserve your attention. It’s a funny, strange, and emotionally resonant ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still sneaks in thoughtful ideas about personhood, autonomy, and connection.
Plus, it’s one of those rare shows that feels truly original — not part of a franchise, not a reboot — just a really good story told well.
So if you’re looking for something new, short, smart, and delightfully weird to stream, “Murderbot” might just be your next obsession. Just don’t be surprised if you start quoting it… or feeling oddly seen by a grumpy robot who just wants to be left alone. “Murderbot” streams on Apple TV+.
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