Finding a new show to binge can be a challenge, especially when you stumble upon a series with multiple seasons to get through. But if you're a sci-fi fan, Apple TV+ has become the go-to destination for top-tier genre entertainment. While many of its offerings are lengthy commitments, Murderbot is a refreshing exception. This unique series, starring Alexander Skarsgård, is a compact 10 episodes, each around 28 minutes long, meaning you can power through the entire season in less than six hours. It's not just a good show—it's premium-quality content that respects your time.
A Cyborg Who'd Rather Binge Than Battle
Skarsgård plays the title character, a cyborg who has hacked its own governor module and become self-aware. Despite its name, Murderbot isn't particularly violent. It's a Security Unit rented out by a corporation, but if they ever discover its newfound consciousness, it'll be decommissioned. So, instead of engaging in action, Murderbot prefers to be left alone, binge-watching its favorite shows to pass the time and stave off the loneliness of its existence.
Unfortunately for Murderbot, it gets hired by a team of eccentric scientists on a research mission to a distant planet. The job should be straightforward, but as the cyborg often quips, "humans are idiots," making everything unnecessarily dangerous and annoying. Murderbot finds humans too emotional and illogical, and this particular group is the worst possible fit. To make matters worse, one team member, an augmented human named Gurathin (David Dastmalchian), starts to suspect that Murderbot isn't behaving like a standard SecUnit.
What makes Murderbot so irresistible is Skarsgård's performance. He brings a subtle, restrained panic to the character, all while maintaining a hilariously deadpan inner monologue. This perfectly sets up Murderbot's arc in Season 1, as we wonder whether this SecUnit is truly just a bored, TV-addicted machine or if there's something more beneath the surface.
A Fresh, Funny Take on Sci-Fi Tropes
Skarsgård's portrayal is a faithful adaptation of Martha Wells' acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries novels, which are told from the character's perspective. The Apple TV+ series nails the source material's dark, absurdist humor, making Murderbot a likable and relatable protagonist. The show is also incredibly self-aware, poking fun at sci-fi conventions, especially through Murderbot's favorite in-universe show, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon. It also playfully mocks the genre's tendency toward convoluted jargon—think SecUnit, PresAux, GrayCris—which works surprisingly well in the story's hyper-capitalist setting. Even the character names are a source of comedy, like the wonderfully odd Leebeebee (Anna Konkle).
For all its substance, Murderbot remains a lighthearted and quick watch, making it one of the best streaming experiences you can have in under six hours, even for those who aren't die-hard sci-fi fans. It's a refreshing change of pace from the high-stakes, complex worldbuilding that often dominates the genre.
Why You Should Start Binge-Watching Now
There's no better time to dive in. Murderbot was renewed for Season 2 just before the Season 1 finale in 2025, thanks to its strong critical and audience reception. The next season is expected to arrive in 2027, with some serious acting heavyweights joining the cast, including Steve Buscemi, Wanda Sykes, and Tramell Tillman.
If you're looking for more sci-fi to add to your queue, you might also want to check out Apple TV's Neuromancer adaptation, which could expand into a larger universe. And for those who appreciate a good binge, our list of under-40-episode Netflix gems has plenty of options.
Ultimately, Murderbot is a standout series, not just for Skarsgård's magnetic performance, but for its clever writing, accessible runtime, and unconventional perspective. It's a unique addition to Apple TV+'s already impressive catalog, and one you won't want to miss.
