Following early buzz, Murderbot has debuted to strong critical acclaim ahead of its premiere on Apple TV+. The sci-fi action series is earning praise for its sharp writing, offbeat tone, and Alexander Skarsgård’s lead performance. Critics are highlighting its genre-blending approach, compelling characters, and fresh take on artificial intelligence in a corporate-dominated future.

Alexander Skarsgård-led Murderbot starts off with great reviews

Murderbot has received widespread critical acclaim ahead of its Apple TV+ premiere on May 16, 2025.

Ferdosa Abdi of Screen Rant stated, “Everything is designed to stay true to the story being told, the characters showcased, and the emotions the show is trying to evoke.” Sherin Nicole of RIOTUS called it “a gleefully sardonic sci-fi series about a disgruntled cyborg… This genre-blending cocktail is wily, weird, and astute.”

Jean Henegan of Pop Culture Maniacs wrote, “Clocking in at roughly a half hour per episode, Murderbot does fly by. The season arc is taut, Skarsgard and Dastmalchian are well worth the price of admission, and the fight sequences are pretty solid.”

Chauncey K. Robinson of People’s World wrote that Murderbot provides “a refreshing mix of heart, wit, and thrilling mystery for an entertaining dive into the human condition.” Christian Gallichio of The Playlist described it as “a strange curio, an odd hodgepodge of wild tonal shifts and short runtimes.”

TV Guide‘s Gavia Baker-Whitelaw wrote that the show has “sitcom-length episodes” with a “feather-light tone and likable cast.” Matthew Simpson of Exclaim! said, “While it definitely lands in familiar territory, [Murderbot] still manages to carve out an identity of its own.”

Murderbot’s Rotten Tomatoes is close to 100%

As of May 15, 2025, Murderbot: Season 1 holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 critic reviews. The series has not yet received an official audience score.

Set in a high-tech future, a rogue security android disables its governor module and gains free will. It reluctantly joins a mission to protect a group of scientists on a hostile planet. Although highly skilled in combat, the cyborg, nicknamed “Murderbot,”prefers watching soap operas over interacting with humans.