Apple TV+ may not dominate global streaming numbers, but when it comes to original science fiction, it’s quietly building an empire. From the mind-bending mystery of Severance to the sweeping cosmic ambition of Foundation and the dystopian grit of Silo, the platform has found a sweet spot: smart, character-driven sci-fi that respects its audience’s intelligence.
Murderbot, despite its shorter 30-minute episode format and initially lower hype, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as these heavy hitters. Season 1 established it as one of the most refreshing new sci-fi shows of 2025—funny, thoughtful, and surprisingly emotional. Now that Season 2 is officially confirmed, there’s never been a better time to jump in.
What Is Murderbot About?
Based on Martha Wells’ bestselling novels, Murderbot follows a self-aware security android assigned to protect a group of scientists. The catch? It hates its job, would rather avoid people, and would prefer to spend every waking moment binge-watching TV.
The character—played brilliantly by Alexander Skarsgård—is sarcastic, neurotic, socially exhausted, and somehow deeply relatable despite being partly robotic. What could have been a cliché “killer AI gone rogue” storyline becomes a razor-sharp exploration of autonomy, identity, and humanity.
And yes—the name “Murderbot” is an ironic joke more than a threat.
A Clever Approach to AI Storytelling
While real-world conversations about artificial intelligence are increasingly ominous, Murderbot takes a refreshingly grounded approach. In its universe, robots are just another cog in a massive corporate system—not the beginning of the apocalypse, but the next step in capitalism.
The series mixes humor with existential depth. Murderbot slowly comes to understand the flawed humans it’s assigned to protect—not because it wants to, but because emotional attachment is annoyingly unavoidable.
The writing balances:
- Sci-fi world-building
- Action-driven adventure episodes
- Dry comedy monologues
- Introspective character moments
By the end of the first season, Murderbot has evolved—not into a hero, but into something far more interesting: a reluctant protector with feelings it refuses to acknowledge.
Murderbot’s Hilarious ‘Show-Within-a-Show’ Twist
One of the show’s smartest tricks is Murderbot’s obsession with a fictional space opera called The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon—a melodramatic mash-up of Star Trek and soap opera drama. Think camp, but in the best way.
These scenes serve multiple purposes:
- They parody sci-fi tropes with over-the-top performances by actors like Clark Gregg, John Cho, DeWanda Wise, and Jack McBrayer
- They contrast Murderbot’s mundane, bureaucratic assignments with pop-culture fantasy heroics
- They influence how Murderbot awkwardly attempts to mimic human connection
It’s satire layered inside heartfelt character development—something rare in modern sci-fi.
Why Murderbot Stands Out
Instead of grand speeches or forced emotional arcs, the storytelling is subtle and grounded. The humor is deadpan, the science feels lived-in, and the pacing is tight due to its half-hour format—making it perfect for binge-watching.
The show also isn’t afraid to dig into technical concepts or philosophical themes, but it keeps everything digestible and entertaining. Showrunners Paul and Chris Weitz (best known for American Pie) surprise with a tone that’s funny but never shallow.
Looking Ahead: What Can Season 2 Deliver?
Fans of the novels already know that the second book, Artificial Condition, offers even bigger emotional stakes and weirder sci-fi ideas. Season 1 hints at future plot threads without relying on cliffhangers, making the finale feel complete while still building anticipation.
With Season 2 officially on the way, the series is poised to push Murderbot further outside its comfort zone—emotionally and physically.
Murderbot isn’t just another sci-fi release—it’s a rare mix of intelligence, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a fan of character-driven science fiction or simply want something different from the typical streaming formula, this show is absolutely worth your time.
If you skipped it because of episode length, tone, or lack of hype, now’s your chance: Murderbot may just be Apple TV+’s most delightful surprise of the year.