Alexander Skarsgård Leads ‘Murderbot’ Sci-Fi Series on Apple TV+: Release Date Confirmed!

Apple TV+ is bringing the award-winning Murderbot Diaries to life with an upcoming 10-episode sci-fi series starring Alexander Skarsgård. Based on the acclaimed books by Martha Wells, Murderbot blends action and comedy elements in a futuristic universe where a rogue security android must navigate human emotions and corporate dangers. With its highly anticipated release date now confirmed, here’s everything we know about Murderbot.

Murderbot Release Date and Episode Schedule

Apple TV+ has set the global premiere of Murderbot for 16 May 2025, with the first two episodes dropping on launch day. The remaining episodes will follow a weekly release schedule, with new episodes every Friday until 11 July 2025.

The series has been in development since 2021, with delays due to industry strikes in 2023. Filming took place throughout 2024 and fans are now just months away from seeing the adaptation hit the screen.

What is Murderbot About?

Murderbot is based on The Murderbot Diaries, a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series by Martha Wells. The story follows a self-aware security android that has hacked its own programming to gain free will. While most artificial constructs in its position might seek power or revenge, Murderbot has a far simpler goal; avoiding human interaction and watching its favorite soap operas in peace.

Unfortunately for Murderbot, its existence is anything but quiet. Forced to blend in and pretend it is still under corporate control, it takes on dangerous assignments while trying to stay unnoticed. The series will explore Murderbot’s struggle with human emotions, its unexpected loyalty to a research team, and the existential dilemmas that come with being a machine that thinks for itself.

The Murderbot Book Series

The series is based on The Murderbot Diaries, which began with All Systems Red in 2017. The books have gained critical and commercial success. Wells’ unique humour and gripping action, combined with introspective storytelling making Murderbot one of modern sci-fi readers’ most beloved characters.

The full list of books in the series so far includes:

• All Systems Red (2017)
• Artificial Condition (2018)
• Rogue Protocol (2018)
• Exit Strategy (2018)
• Network Effect (2020) (first full-length novel in the series)
• Fugitive Telemetry (2021)
• System Collapse (2023)

With the adaptation covering the core story of Murderbot’s early adventures, there is plenty of material for potential future seasons.

Who is in the Murderbot Cast?

The Murderbot series boasts a strong cast, with Alexander Skarsgård leading the way as Murderbot. Alongside him are:

• Noma Dumezweni (Presumed Innocent) as Mensah, a scientist and leader of the PreservationAux survey team, who becomes a key figure in Murderbot’s journey.
• David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer) as Gurathin, an augmented human who initially distrusts Murderbot.
• Sabrina Wu (Joy Ride) as Pin-Lee, a skilled PreservationAux member.
• Akshay Khanna (Critical Incident) as Ratthi, another member of the research team.
• Tattiawna Jones (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Arada.
• Tamara Podemski (Outer Range) as Bharadwaj.

These characters are all part of the PreservationAux team that Murderbot is hired to protect, setting the stage for the relationships and conflicts that will drive the series.

Who is Behind the Series?

Murderbot is being adapted by Chris and Paul Weitz, the Academy Award-nominated duo behind About a Boy and Mozart in the Jungle. The Weitz brothers serve as writers, directors, and executive producers for the series and Martha Wells is also involved, hopefully ensuring that there is plenty of the spirit of the books left in the series.

• Other key production members include:
• Alexander Skarsgård (also serving as executive producer)
• Andrew Miano (Depth of Field)
• David S. Goyer (Phantom Four)
• Keith Levine (Phantom Four)
• Martha Wells (consulting producer)

The series is being produced by Paramount Television Studios in collaboration with Apple TV+. With 10 episodes planned, it is likely there will be more if the first season is a success.

What Can Fans Expect?

Murderbot promises to explore themes of identity and corporate exploitation as well as AI and robotics (which could be a bit near the bone for some) all set against a thrilling sci-fi backdrop.

Given Apple TV+’s track record with visually impressive sci-fi series like Foundation and Silo, fans can expect high production values and immersive world-building. With the first-look images already generating buzz, the series looks set to bring Murderbot’s unique voice and perspective to life in a way that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy.

As Murderbot nears its May release, more details will likely emerge. Whether you’re a fan of the books or just love the idea of a rogue security bot with a sarcastic and sassy attitude, this series could prove to be one of the top sci-fi releases of 2025.