Murderbot

In a near-future where corporate security is routine, a self-aware SecUnit that calls itself Murderbot has secretly overridden its governor module and prefers watching serialized human entertainment to doing its job. To stay under the radar it takes a contract protecting a team of scientists on a hazardous planet, even though it’d rather be alone with its shows. The series follows Murderbot as it quietly guards people, improvises defensive plans, and slowly negotiates awkward social ties, mixing dry humor with quieter character beats. The story keeps personal mysteries in place and focuses on how Murderbot discovers trust, agency, and unexpected loyalties without spoiling twists.

Released in 2025, Murderbot was created for television by Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, and Martha Wells, and it's adapted from Wells's novellas. The production favors practical effects and character work, and features Alexander Skarsgård as Murderbot's voice.

As of its initial run the series had not accumulated major awards, though it generated streaming and guild interest for its adaptation approach and performances. Industry observers noted the transition from page to screen as a noteworthy achievement, and some awards season chatter mentioned it as a possible contender.

The show reintroduced Murderbot to a broader audience, sparking conversations about machine autonomy, media addiction, and consent in corporate tech. Fans of the books reacted strongly, online fandom grew, and the series prompted renewed sales of Wells' novellas and wider speculative discussion about AI ethics in pop culture spaces.

Critical reaction leaned positive, reflected in a 7.301/10 (362 votes) average, with praise for its witty tone and Skarsgård's performance. Main themes include identity and autonomy, the uneasy intimacy between humans and machines, the role of entertainment in forming personality, and satirical takes on corporate power and security culture.