Murderbot
"Built to destroy. Forced to connect."
Overview
In a high-tech future, a rogue security robot secretly gains free will. To stay hidden, it reluctantly joins a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet... even though it just wants to binge soap operas.
What critics are saying
Murderbot garnered a generally positive, albeit somewhat divided, critical reception upon release. Many reviewers embraced the adaptation's offbeat blend of deadpan comedy and existential sci-fi, highlighting Alexander Skarsgård's engaging performance as a lethal security android torn between discovering free will and binge-watching melodramatic serials. Outlets praising the show commended its faithful translation of Martha Wells' source material and its surprisingly heartfelt examination of autonomy, loneliness, and human connection.
At the same time, a notable segment of critics felt the adaptation stumbled in execution. Common criticisms centered around an uneven comedic tone, sluggish pacing, and a relatively flimsy overarching plot that occasionally failed to match the sharp wit of its central character. While some reviewers concluded the series fell short of its high-concept potential, the majority found its distinctive charm and playful cynicism made for a rewarding watch.
“This sci-fi show is the best new comedy of 2025”
“Murderbot faithfully adapts its source material into a surprisingly warm story about choosing to make connections.”
“a flimsy plot and uneven pacing may fail to keep viewers tuned in”
“While this was a ridiculous romp of a show, beneath that exterior lies a fascinating character piece about identity, free will, and community.”
Similar Shows
Want personalized picks like these?
Create a free account, rate a few shows, and we’ll tune recommendations to your taste.
The premise centers on a self-aware security droid grappling with the tension between its assigned role as a protector and its internal desire for autonomy. Alexander Skarsgård anchors this dramedy by balancing the cold, observational nature of an android with the unexpected humor of a character desperate to escape its duties in favor of watching soap operas on its internal display.
This tone distinguishes the show from standard tech-heavy thrillers. By prioritizing the internal monologue of a machine that finds human interaction clumsy and pointless, the series offers a distinct take on the near-future genre. It functions as a comedy about corporate bureaucracy as much as a story about free will, grounded by the constant threat of lethal environments that require the protagonist to actually perform the surveillance work it clearly abhors.
Cast
Show 41 more Show less
Crew
Similarity
Where Murderbot overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.
Shows sharing performers with Murderbot.
-
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent
2024
5 cast members
Negin Kamali
Ron Kennell
Shane Daly
Krista Jang
+1
-
Flashpoint
2008
3 cast members
Tattiawna Jones
Sergio Di Zio
Shane Daly
-
The Afterparty
2022
2 cast members
John Cho
Anna Konkle
-
Mating Season
2026
2 cast members
Jack McBrayer
Anna Konkle
-
Fellow Travelers
2023
2 cast members
Jameson Kraemer
Colin Glazer
-
The Testaments
2026
2 cast members
Colin Glazer
Amanda Brugel
-
Orphan Black
2013
2 cast members
Andrew Moodie
Amanda Brugel
-
I Will Find You
2026
2 cast members
Gurdeep Ahluwalia
DL MacDonald
-
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
2013
1 cast member
Clark Gregg
-
Rosewood
2015
1 cast member
Anna Konkle
Shows made by some of the same people behind the camera.
-
Foundation
2021
4 crew members
Barbara Agbaje
Karl Crosby
David S. Goyer
Joseph Keyes
Assistant Art Director · Associate Producer · Creator
-
The Copenhagen Test
2025
3 crew members
Russell Scott
Kyle Brunet
Nick Whelan
Casting · Digital Imaging Technician · Property Master
-
No Good Deed
2024
2 crew members
Russell Scott
Sherry Thomas
Casting
-
The Changeling
2023
2 crew members
Murray Angotti
Kyle Brunet
Assistant Camera · Data Management Technician
-
Fellow Travelers
2023
2 crew members
Silvia Platsis
Kyle Brunet
Digital Imaging Technician · Makeup Artist
-
The Vince Staples Show
2024
2 crew members
Sherry Thomas
Sharon Bialy
Casting Director
-
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
2026
2 crew members
Russell Scott
Sharon Bialy
Casting · Casting Associate
-
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
2024
2 crew members
Sherry Thomas
Sharon Bialy
Casting
-
Suits
2011
2 crew members
Barbara Agbaje
Kyle Brunet
Assistant Art Director · Assistant Camera
-
Parish
2024
2 crew members
Sherry Thomas
Sharon Bialy
Casting
Shows built around the same subject matter.
-
The Residence
2025
2 topics
dramedy
based on novel or book
-
Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective
2025
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Girl Taken
2026
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Fourever You
2024
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Unknown
2024
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Leviathan
2025
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
In/Spectre
2020
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Call the Midwife
2012
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
Mayfair Witches
2023
1 topic
based on novel or book
-
The Irrational
2023
1 topic
based on novel or book
Keywords
Details
- First Aired
- May 15, 2025
- Status
- Returning Series
- Origin
- US
- TMDB Votes
- 541