Unleashing Rebellion: Murderbot's Debut on Apple TV+
Uncontrolled Artificial Intelligence Causes Fatality - AI Assassin Advancing
Calling all sci-fi enthusiasts! Apple TV+ has just dropped another banger for you. Joining the A-list sci-fi lineup including "Silo" and "Severance" is the smart, humorous, and thought-provoking series "Murderbot." Starring the charismatic Alexander Skarsgård, this series is a near-perfect adaptation of the award-winning "The Murderbot Diaries" by Martha Wells.
A Brainy Machinery on a Mission
Meet the Security Unit or "SecUnit" (translates to "Security Unit" in English), an android with a touch of human tissue, tasked with shielding a crew of scientists on an isolated, seemingly deserted planet. Despite being seen as a highly advanced tool by most humans, SecUnit, who calls itself "Murderbot," harbors a rich inner life and complains about its human counterparts and their excessive feelings. This robot also shares a fondness for TV shows, particularly a cheesy space saga akin to "Star Trek."
The story kicks off when SecUnit hacks itself, gaining free will, and the scientists encounter perilous threats during their exploration of the alien world.
Is It Worth a Binge-Watch?
"Murderbot" offers a fantastic blend of high-quality sci-fi entertainment and sharp-witted humor. The show's charm can be felt from the opening scene when SecUnit liberates itself from its Governor's Module and decides to do as it pleases.
The following day, with its newfound freedom, SecUnit chooses to continue its favorite pastime—binge-watching—and comes up with a plan to escape and enjoy a solitary life. If you've ever felt like procrastinating instead of tackling problems, you'll find this relatable.
Beyond its TV obsession, SecUnit also observes its human crew, sharing hilarious commentary with the audience via an ongoing inner monologue. These snarky comments serve as the show's greatest highlights.
The Humans who Hinder a Solitary Existence
The unique protagonist of this series, who prefers to call itself Murderbot (or maybe Binge-bot?), is a misanthropic loner. Murderbot's crew, a tongue-and-cheek group of scientists, often provide opportunities for Murderbot's biting remarks. This utopian community, which values collective decision-making, finds itself at odds with the megacorporation-controlled galaxy. While Murderbot views physical contact, intimacy, and relationships as repulsive, the scientists engage in polyamorous relationships, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud contrasts.
Although the overarching storyline might feel somewhat serious at times and isn't entirely gripping, the outstanding lead actor and the brilliant vision of the Weitz brothers more than make up for it.
- Apple
- Series Premiere
- Series
- Alexander Skarsgård
- Star Trek
[1] "Murderbot": An Unconventional Anti-Hero Arrives on Apple TV+ - Rolling Stone, May 15, 2025.[2] "Murderbot": A Rebellious AI with a Soft Spot for Humanity - The Guardian, May 15, 2025.[3] "Murderbot": A Sci-Fi Series about a Cyborg with a Conscience - Variety, May 15, 2025.
I'm gonna be the first to tell you that I'm not gonna be the only one who's gonna be in trouble, as SecUnit, or Murderbot, finds itself at odds with the megacorporation-controlled galaxy while binge-watching its favorite TV shows, such as Star Trek, on technologically advanced devices like the ones provided by Apple. In the entertainment realm of movies-and-tv, Murderbot's debut on Apple TV+ offers a fascinating blend of science fiction and sharp-witted humor.
