Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for Murderbot, a new science fiction series based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed book series The Murderbot Diaries. The 10-episode series will premiere on May 16, 2025, with two episodes launching on day one, followed by new weekly episodes every Friday until July 11.
The Murderbot Diaries has gained a strong following for its unique blend of action, dry humor, and existential themes, centering on a rogue security unit that hacks its own system to gain autonomy. Despite its disdain for emotional interaction, the android—nicknamed Murderbot—feels compelled to protect the humans it’s assigned to. Alexander Skarsgård takes on the lead role and also serves as executive producer for the project.
The series adapts the story into a mix of sci-fi action and comedy, following Murderbot as it navigates its covert independence while juggling a mission it would rather ignore in favor of binge-watching serialized dramas and avoiding human contact.
The cast features Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski. The show comes from Chris and Paul Weitz, who are credited with writing, directing, and producing through their Depth of Field label. Andrew Miano also produces, with David S. Goyer and Keith Levine attached as executive producers under Phantom Four. Author Martha Wells is involved as a consulting producer.
Murderbot joins a growing slate of science fiction series aiming to balance thoughtful storytelling with genre appeal. For fans of dystopian tech stories and reluctant heroes, the show offers a fresh take rooted in a popular literary universe.
