Apple TV+ has unveiled a first look at “Murderbot,” its upcoming sci-fi comedic thriller series, set to premiere on May 16, 2025. Based on Martha Wells‘ highly acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries book series, the show will debut globally with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases every Friday through July 11.
Created by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Chris & Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Mozart in the Jungle), “Murderbot” promises a unique blend of sci-fi, thriller, and comedy. Taking place in an advanced space-faring society, Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård (“Succession,” “Big Little Lies”) stars in the lead role, portraying a self-hacking security construct named Murderbot. The character, though horrified by human emotions, finds itself reluctantly drawn to the vulnerable clients it must protect. Despite being tasked with a dangerous assignment, Murderbot’s true desire is to simply watch futuristic soap operas and navigate its place in the universe.
The Murderbot Diaries series, which inspired the show, begins with All Systems Red, the first novella in the series. All Systems Red won the Nebula Award for Best Novella of 2017, the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Novella, and the American Library Association’s Alex Award, while also being nominated for the 2017 Philip K. Dick Award.
The ensemble cast also includes Noma Dumezweni (“Presumed Innocent”), David Dastmalchian (Dune), Sabrina Wu (Joy Ride), Akshay Khanna (“Critical Incident”), Tattiawna Jones (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Tamara Podemski (“Outer Range”).
“Murderbot” is produced by Paramount Television Studios, with the Weitz brothers serving as writers, directors, and producers under their Depth of Field banner. Andrew Miano also executive produces alongside the Weitz brothers, while David S. Goyer and Keith Levine executive produce for Phantom Four. Wells, the author of the original book series, is credited as a consulting producer.
