Murderbot: Where to Watch? Episodes, Casts & Reviews
Murderbot captivates sci-fi fans with its unique blend of humor and action on Apple TV+. With one season of 10 episodes and a second on the way, this adaptation of Martha Wells’ diaries offers thrilling plots, stellar casts, and mixed reviews—explore more!
How many seasons and episodes does Murderbot have?
As of July 2025, Murderbot has one season with a total of 10 episodes. The series premiered on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025, with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases until the season finale on July 11, 2025. Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes, offering a compact yet engaging format. The show has been renewed for a second season, though no specific release date or episode count has been announced yet. Based on the adaptation of Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries, the series is expected to continue exploring the expansive book series, which includes seven novels.
What is the plot/storyline of Murderbot?
Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller-comedy that follows the journey of a self-hacking security android, voiced and portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, who gains free will and struggles with its newfound autonomy. Set in a high-tech, hyper-capitalist future where space travel is routine, the story centers on Murderbot, a construct made from cloned human tissue and mechanical parts, designed to protect corporate clients. After disabling its governor module, Murderbot secretly gains sentience and names itself, preferring to binge-watch soap operas like The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon over interacting with humans. However, its desire for isolation is challenged when it’s assigned to protect a team of scientists from the Preservation Alliance on a dangerous planetary mission.
The plot kicks off with Murderbot joining the PresAux team, led by Dr. Ayda Mensah, a terraforming specialist. Initially detached and sarcastic, Murderbot’s internal monologue reveals its disdain for human emotions and its mission, yet it finds itself drawn to the vulnerability of its clients. The first season, adapting All Systems Red, unfolds over 10 episodes, blending action, humor, and existential questions. As Murderbot navigates threats from corporate rivals and internal team dynamics, it hides its autonomy while grappling with ethical dilemmas about free will and humanity. The narrative explores its awkward attempts to protect the team, including tech expert Gurathin and scientist Pin-Lee, while evading detection of its hacked state.
The storyline balances dark humor with poignant moments, as Murderbot’s dry wit contrasts with its growing empathy. Episodes feature high-stakes encounters, such as SecUnit showdowns and leadership shake-ups, while delving into the team’s trust issues and a survivor’s integration. The season culminates in a critical standoff, leaving Murderbot to confront its purpose. Beyond entertainment, the series mirrors real-world debates on AI, autonomy, and corporate exploitation, offering a fresh take on the killer-robot trope. Fans of the books appreciate the adaptation’s fidelity to Murderbot’s inner voice, though some note the short episodes limit deeper character exploration. The renewal for Season 2 hints at further adventures, potentially covering the next books in the series.
What are the casts of Murderbot?
Murderbot features a standout cast led by Alexander Skarsgård, who brings the titular security android to life with a mix of sardonic humor and subtle vulnerability. Noma Dumezweni plays Ayda Mensah, the composed yet caring leader of the Preservation Alliance team, while David Dastmalchian portrays Gurathin, a tech-savvy augmented human who challenges Murderbot. Sabrina Wu shines as Pin-Lee, the team’s legal counsel and scientist, adding wit to the group. Other key members include Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski, who round out the PresAux crew with distinct personalities.
The cast also introduces Anna Konkle as LeeBeeBee, a unique addition not in the original novella, bringing fresh dynamics. Supporting roles feature John Cho, Clark Gregg, and DeWanda Wise in smaller capacities, enhancing the ensemble’s depth. Skarsgård’s performance, blending physicality with internal narration, anchors the series, while the supporting actors’ chemistry elevates the team’s interactions. The diverse lineup, filmed in Toronto and Ontario, Canada, reflects the show’s global appeal and sets the stage for Season 2’s anticipated expansion.
What are the reviews of Murderbot?
Reddit Reviews
Posts on Reddit show a mix of enthusiasm and critique. Fans love Skarsgård’s portrayal and the show’s adherence to the books’ tone, with many calling it a delightful adaptation. Some wish for longer episodes, feeling the 20-30 minute runtime cuts off momentum, though binge-watching is recommended for a smoother experience.
Douban Reviews
Douban users praise the series’ unique premise and humor, giving it solid marks around 8/10. The visual style and Skarsgård’s performance are highlights, though some note the short episodes and pacing as minor drawbacks, especially for non-book readers adjusting to the format.
IMDB Reviews
IMDB ratings hover around 7.5-8/10 based on early feedback, with viewers applauding the fresh sci-fi concept and cast. Some criticize the brevity of episodes, suggesting a feature film format might suit the story better, but the engaging plot keeps audiences invested.
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 96% critic score and a high audience rating, lauding the show’s witty take on AI and Skarsgård’s dry delivery. While praised for its originality, a few reviews mention the short episodes and tonal shifts as areas for improvement, though overall reception is overwhelmingly positive.
Where to watch Murderbot online?
Murderbot is exclusively available on Apple TV+ with a subscription, costing $9.99/month after a 7-day free trial for new users. The first season’s 10 episodes, released from May 16 to July 11, 2025, can be streamed globally. It’s also accessible via Apple TV+ on Prime Video as a channel. For international viewers, a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted access.
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