When Will Murderbot Air and Be Released on Apple TV+?
Murderbot premiered on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025, with the first two episodes dropping simultaneously. The 10-episode season follows a weekly release schedule, with new episodes airing every Friday until the season finale on July 11, 2025. If you’re wondering specifically when Murderbot will be on Apple TV+, it’s already available to stream, so you can start watching now! New episodes drop at 8 AM BST (3 AM EDT) in the UK, with corresponding times worldwide.
Here’s the full release schedule for Murderbot Season 1:
- Episodes 1 & 2: May 16, 2025
- Episode 3: May 23, 2025
- Episode 4: May 30, 2025
- Episode 5: June 6, 2025
- Episode 6: June 13, 2025
- Episode 7: June 20, 2025
- Episode 8: June 27, 2025
- Episode 9: July 4, 2025
- Episode 10: July 11, 2025
Who Plays Murderbot?
The titular Murderbot, a self-hacking security android (SecUnit) with a penchant for sarcasm and soap operas, is portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. Known for roles in Succession and True Blood, Skarsgård brings a unique blend of emotional depth and dry humor to the role, making him a perfect fit for the socially awkward yet protective cyborg. Skarsgård also serves as an executive producer for the series.
The ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring:
- Noma Dumezweni as Dr. Mensah, the team leader and Murderbot’s favorite human.
- David Dastmalchian as Gurathin, an augmented human scientist.
- Sabrina Wu as Pin-Lee, a scientist and legal counsel.
- Tattiawna Jones as Arada, a kind but impulsive scientist.
- Akshay Khanna as Ratthi, an arrogant yet friendly scientist.
- Tamara Podemski as Bharadwaj, a scientist with a pivotal role.
Notable cameos include John Cho, Clark Gregg, and Jack McBrayer, who appear in Murderbot’s favorite soap opera, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.
What Show Does Murderbot Watch?
In the series, Murderbot is obsessed with a futuristic soap opera called The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon. This show-within-a-show is a key part of Murderbot’s character, as it binge-watches episodes to cope with its discomfort around human emotions and to find solace in its newfound free will. The soap opera’s dramatic flair contrasts hilariously with Murderbot’s stoic exterior, and fans of the books will love seeing this element brought to life on screen.
How to Watch Murderbot
Murderbot is available exclusively on Apple TV+, so you’ll need a subscription to stream it. Here’s how you can watch:
- Subscribe to Apple TV+: A standard subscription costs $9.99/month in the US, with a 7-day free trial for new users. You can also get three months free with the purchase of a new Apple device.
- Access via the Apple TV App: Stream Murderbot on devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.), Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, or at tv.apple.com.
- Prime Video Channel Option: If you prefer to manage subscriptions through Amazon, you can add Apple TV+ as a Prime Video Channel for $9.99/month.
- Use a VPN for International Viewing: If you’re traveling and want to access Murderbot from outside your home country, a VPN like ExpressVPN ($8.32/month) or Private Internet Access ($2/month) can help you connect to a US server for uninterrupted streaming.
Why Murderbot Is a Must-Watch Sci-Fi Series
Based on Martha Wells’ Hugo and Nebula Award-winning The Murderbot Diaries, Murderbot blends sci-fi action, dark comedy, and heartfelt moments. The story follows a security android who hacks its own programming, gaining free will but struggling to hide it while protecting a team of scientists on a dangerous mission. Despite its disdain for human emotions, Murderbot forms unexpected bonds, all while yearning to watch its beloved soap opera in peace.
The series, created by Chris and Paul Weitz (About a Boy), has earned early praise, debuting with a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans of the books appreciate its faithful adaptation of All Systems Red, the first novella, while newcomers enjoy its fresh take on sci-fi tropes. With a stellar cast, sharp writing, and a unique protagonist, Murderbot is poised to be one of 2025’s standout shows.
Tips for Enjoying Murderbot
- Read the Books: If you’re new to The Murderbot Diaries, start with All Systems Red to get a deeper understanding of Murderbot’s world.
- Catch Up on Episodes: Since episodes release weekly, set a reminder for Fridays to stay current.
- Join the Fandom: Engage with fans on platforms like X to discuss theories and favorite moments. Posts on X show excitement for Skarsgård’s performance and the show’s snarky tone.
Conclusion
Murderbot is a thrilling addition to Apple TV+’s sci-fi lineup, with its premiere on May 16, 2025, marking the start of an exciting 10-episode journey. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as the soap opera-loving security android, the series is a must-watch for fans of smart, funny sci-fi. Stream it exclusively on Apple TV+ and dive into Murderbot’s world of action, humor, and heart. Have you started watching Murderbot yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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