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.
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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
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.
Alexander Skarsgard kills it in another hit in a long line of hits from Apple TV. I can't say enough about Apple TV. They continue to put out great shows, it reminds me of when HBO was in their prime and everything they put out was great. That's Apple TV now. I never read the books so I had no idea what to expect so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Murderbot is about a rogue security robot (Skarsgard) who gains the gift of free will. It reluctantly agrees to join a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet when all it wants to do is stop killing and enjoy life free on its own. It may start off a little slow for some but stick with because it gets better and better with each episode. It's definitely best watched as a binge watch. This series does a good job raising ethical questions that apply to us today.
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.
Murderbot offers a fresh, engaging plot with a unique central character and a ok sci-fi world genuinely compelling.
Each episode though clocks in at around 20 minutes of actual content, stretched to about 25 minutes with previews, credits, and ads. It feels like just as you're starting to sink into the story, it's already over. The result is a stop-start experience that doesn't quite let the emotional or narrative weight land.
It's disappointing, because this world and several characters have the depth to sustain longer episodes. Instead, we get something that often feels more like a high-quality teaser or mini mico series than a fully satisfying viewing experience.
Each episode though clocks in at around 20 minutes of actual content, stretched to about 25 minutes with previews, credits, and ads. It feels like just as you're starting to sink into the story, it's already over. The result is a stop-start experience that doesn't quite let the emotional or narrative weight land.
It's disappointing, because this world and several characters have the depth to sustain longer episodes. Instead, we get something that often feels more like a high-quality teaser or mini mico series than a fully satisfying viewing experience.
Murderbot may not be the exact adaptation I envisioned, but it's still a standout sci-fi series that deserves your attention. While I originally hoped for a tighter season that combined the first two novellas, the choice to expand the world and focus more deeply on the supporting characters was a bold-and ultimately rewarding-move.
The series smartly gives more weight to the human (and non-human) characters surrounding Murderbot, which adds richness to the universe and raises the emotional stakes. Moments like seeing Sanctuary Moon brought to life? A genius inclusion for longtime fans-and a clever entry point for newcomers.
That said, I do wish the pacing were sharper and that the show leaned more into what makes Murderbot, well, Murderbot: that sarcastic, deadpan, and deeply relatable internal monologue. It's one of the highlights of the books, and dialing that up in future seasons could take the show from great to unforgettable.
Still, the foundation is strong, the themes are smart, and the potential for Season 2 and beyond is massive. If you're into character-driven sci-fi with soul, heart, and the occasional awkward robot feels, Murderbot is absolutely worth the watch.
The series smartly gives more weight to the human (and non-human) characters surrounding Murderbot, which adds richness to the universe and raises the emotional stakes. Moments like seeing Sanctuary Moon brought to life? A genius inclusion for longtime fans-and a clever entry point for newcomers.
That said, I do wish the pacing were sharper and that the show leaned more into what makes Murderbot, well, Murderbot: that sarcastic, deadpan, and deeply relatable internal monologue. It's one of the highlights of the books, and dialing that up in future seasons could take the show from great to unforgettable.
Still, the foundation is strong, the themes are smart, and the potential for Season 2 and beyond is massive. If you're into character-driven sci-fi with soul, heart, and the occasional awkward robot feels, Murderbot is absolutely worth the watch.
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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
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- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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