A security android struggles with emotions and free will while balancing dangerous missions and desire for isolation, evading detection of its self-hacking as it finds its place.A security android struggles with emotions and free will while balancing dangerous missions and desire for isolation, evading detection of its self-hacking as it finds its place.A security android struggles with emotions and free will while balancing dangerous missions and desire for isolation, evading detection of its self-hacking as it finds its place.
Browse episodes
Summary
Reviewers say 'Murderbot' is appreciated for its faithful adaptation of the source material, clever humor, and engaging character dynamics. Alexander Skarsgård's performance as Murderbot is often praised for capturing the character's essence. However, criticisms include the short episode lengths, deviations from the original plot, and mischaracterizations of supporting roles. Some reviewers also express disappointment with the show's pacing and the decision to humanize Murderbot too much. Despite mixed opinions, the series is generally seen as a solid, if imperfect, adaptation that retains the core charm and wit of the books.
Featured reviews
This should be an amazing show. The humor, writing, and acting are all top-notch, and the visuals are fantastic. However, with only 10 episodes per season and each one running just 22 to 24 minutes, it feels frustratingly brief.
I doubt we'll ever return to the good old days of TV seasons with 22 to 26 episodes, but let's be honest-this feels severely limited. In terms of total content, it's the equivalent of just five full-length episodes. That's even less than what typical UK series offer. (Personally, I even find 10-episode seasons too compressed-it takes me a while to get truly invested).
Unfortunately, my review focuses more on this structural aspect than the creative side, simply because I believe it's the most critical (and maybe only) flaw. In my opinion, this is a misstep. Time will tell if others feel the same.
P. S. If this series were a person, I'd rename it M. Short Shorty McShortface. From ... This would be an amazing show. The humor, writing, and acting are all top-notch, and the visuals are fantastic. However, with only 10 episodes per season and each one running just 22 to 24 minutes, it feels frustratingly brief.
I doubt we'll ever return to the good old days of TV seasons with 22 to 26 episodes, but let's be honest-this feels severely limited. In terms of total content, it's the equivalent of just five full-length episodes. That's even less than what typical UK series offer. Personally, I even find 10-episode seasons too compressed-it takes me a while to get truly invested.
Unfortunately, my review focuses more on this structural aspect than the creative side, simply because I believe it's the most critical flaw. In my opinion, this is a misstep. Time will tell if others feel the same.
P. S. If this series were a person, I'd rename it M. Short Shorty McShortface.. from Shortistan..... on planet Shortia.
I doubt we'll ever return to the good old days of TV seasons with 22 to 26 episodes, but let's be honest-this feels severely limited. In terms of total content, it's the equivalent of just five full-length episodes. That's even less than what typical UK series offer. (Personally, I even find 10-episode seasons too compressed-it takes me a while to get truly invested).
Unfortunately, my review focuses more on this structural aspect than the creative side, simply because I believe it's the most critical (and maybe only) flaw. In my opinion, this is a misstep. Time will tell if others feel the same.
P. S. If this series were a person, I'd rename it M. Short Shorty McShortface. From ... This would be an amazing show. The humor, writing, and acting are all top-notch, and the visuals are fantastic. However, with only 10 episodes per season and each one running just 22 to 24 minutes, it feels frustratingly brief.
I doubt we'll ever return to the good old days of TV seasons with 22 to 26 episodes, but let's be honest-this feels severely limited. In terms of total content, it's the equivalent of just five full-length episodes. That's even less than what typical UK series offer. Personally, I even find 10-episode seasons too compressed-it takes me a while to get truly invested.
Unfortunately, my review focuses more on this structural aspect than the creative side, simply because I believe it's the most critical flaw. In my opinion, this is a misstep. Time will tell if others feel the same.
P. S. If this series were a person, I'd rename it M. Short Shorty McShortface.. from Shortistan..... on planet Shortia.
It takes a more zany comedy approach than the book, but it does work.
The cast are great and work well in their roles.
But - the episodes clocking in at 25 minutes is ridiculously short, it was really frustrating to just watch a few mins and then bang. Over. Wait another week.
Quite enjoyed the "show within a show" The Rise and Fall Of Sanctuary Moon" perhaps it should have it's own spin-off as well!
I quite enjoyed this adaption of Martha Wells first novel. I have already read the books.
Looking forward to the next season but please please please make the episides longer! I was watching two episodes back to back every 2 weeks towards the end to avoid the frustration of the way too short length.
The cast are great and work well in their roles.
But - the episodes clocking in at 25 minutes is ridiculously short, it was really frustrating to just watch a few mins and then bang. Over. Wait another week.
Quite enjoyed the "show within a show" The Rise and Fall Of Sanctuary Moon" perhaps it should have it's own spin-off as well!
I quite enjoyed this adaption of Martha Wells first novel. I have already read the books.
Looking forward to the next season but please please please make the episides longer! I was watching two episodes back to back every 2 weeks towards the end to avoid the frustration of the way too short length.
Murderbot was actually better than I expected. I thought it would be an entertaining series since Alexander Skarsgård was starring in it. He's a very good actor who usually stars in stuff I enjoy. I'm also a sci-fi fan and this has an original story I've never seen before. Even though it's a good show that was a lot funnier than I expected, the main reason it worked was because of the performance from Skarsgård. That's not saying the rest of the cast wasn't good, the show wouldn't be nearly as good without the solid performances from the supporting cast. It's just that Skarsgård was perfect for this role. Murderbot builds a very unique and interesting world that you will have fun watching.
Update after all 10 episodes: This is a really good show and a great adaptation, in many ways. The episodes still feel too short, but Murderbot, Mensah, Gurathin (maybe especially) and Ratthi contributes really well to making the show even better. It's been confirmed for season 2, and I'm looking forward to the introduction of a very important character...
In summation: Wait until all episodes are out and binge it in one go.
Big fan of the books, and a lot works for this adaptation. But trying to make a whole season out of the first novella (!) is quite crazy, and results in 20 minute episodes where episode 3 literally is about travelling somewhere. Where is the proper story arc and goal of each episode? It doesn't make sense. If it had a short season of longer episodes, or combined the first few novellas for a longer season, it would be fine, but this just doesn't make sense. You don't get to settle into the episode before it's over. The only way to watch this properly is to binge it. I'll watch them as they come out, but I'd prefer to have them all available already. I love severance and other great apple TV-productions, so this is a let-down to a great universe with lots of potential. The adaptation in itself would benefit from more in-depth coverage of the corporate system etc., something the books doesn't focus much on, perhaps due to it being from Murderbot's perspective (and it doesn't care)...
Also, as others have said, Murderbot should have its helmet on.
In summation: Wait until all episodes are out and binge it in one go.
Big fan of the books, and a lot works for this adaptation. But trying to make a whole season out of the first novella (!) is quite crazy, and results in 20 minute episodes where episode 3 literally is about travelling somewhere. Where is the proper story arc and goal of each episode? It doesn't make sense. If it had a short season of longer episodes, or combined the first few novellas for a longer season, it would be fine, but this just doesn't make sense. You don't get to settle into the episode before it's over. The only way to watch this properly is to binge it. I'll watch them as they come out, but I'd prefer to have them all available already. I love severance and other great apple TV-productions, so this is a let-down to a great universe with lots of potential. The adaptation in itself would benefit from more in-depth coverage of the corporate system etc., something the books doesn't focus much on, perhaps due to it being from Murderbot's perspective (and it doesn't care)...
Also, as others have said, Murderbot should have its helmet on.
This show is amazing. It's not to serious but still has important messages and points about human life. It's a feel good show. It's action. It's funny. It's something I didn't know I needed. I don't usually like sci-fi but this show wasn't focused solely on being sci-fi, which works well for my tastes. The last episode had me feeling so many different things, but left me feeling good in a sort of melancholy kinda way. Acting, amazing. Writing, amazing. Set, amazing. Of course every show has its flaws but no flaw made this show less enjoyable for me. I would love to see a second season, really hope there could be one. I will most likely be picking up the source material.
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favorite show made the cut.
Did you know
- TriviaAlexander Skarsgard had periodic Brazilian waxes to achieve Murderbot's entirely hairless appearance, which he very much came to regret as he'd underestimated just how painful they are.
Details
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content