This week, Apple TV+ premieres its next big sci-fi series: Murderbot. The show stars Alexander Skarsgård as an android who just wants to be left alone to stream TV soap operas. Here’s what reviews are saying so far.
Murderbot succeeds due to Alexander Skarsgård’s compelling performance, per reviews
Murderbot is based on the first book in Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries series, “All Systems Red.”
It’s a fun, quick read that sets up the universe for Wells’ many subsequent stories. You can grab it on Apple Books (Ebook / Audiobook) or Amazon (Kindle / Paperback).
Now we know how well the book has been adapted ahead of Murderbot’s Apple TV+ premiere this Friday, May 16.
With 15 critic reviews in so far, Murderbot has a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
General consensus is that Alexander Skarsgård and his Murderbot character are major strengths, bringing a surprisingly funny and relatable human touch. Critics found some parts of the show uneven, but still commend the foundation that’s been set for future seasons, where source material is strong.
Here are a few key critic quotes:
- The Verge: “Murderbot may be a hulking killing machine, but its arc towards becoming an actual person is both hilarious and relatable, filled with awkward social interactions and important self revelations that feel more high school drama than space opera.”
- The Hollywood Reporter: “the most important thing in the first season is developing affection for its title character and not a deep ensemble or rich sci-fi universe. In that respect, Skarsgard makes Murderbot a success“
- Inverse: “If back-talking R2-D2 ditched its restraining bolt, looked like Alexander Skarsgård, and presented us with a hilarious inner monologue, the result might be something a bit like the new Apple TV+ series.”
Are you interested in watching Murderbot this week on Apple TV+? Let us know in the comments.
Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
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