Apple TV+'s acclaimed sci-fi series Murderbot may be just getting started on screen, but its literary source material could be nearing its final chapter. The half-hour show, starring Alexander Skarsgård, premiered last summer to strong reviews and is currently filming its second season. Meanwhile, the latest novel in Martha Wells' The Murderbot Diaries series, Platform Decay, hit shelves earlier this month. In interviews, Wells has hinted that the next installment might be the last, leaving fans to wonder what that means for the TV adaptation.
A Personal Journey, Not a Space Opera
Wells has always been clear that Murderbot is less about epic galactic battles and more about the internal growth of its protagonist. In a recent interview with Polygon, she explained that she's only contracted for one more book and that "that may be the last book." She added that she has no grand endpoint for the world itself, only for Murderbot's personal arc. "It's in a really good place," she said. "Its attitude and what's happening [in its mind] is very, very different from" the earlier books.
This character-driven focus is what sets Murderbot apart from other sci-fi series. While the show has compelling worldbuilding, its heart lies in Murderbot's quest for connection and community. That emotional core is something the TV series has captured well, earning it a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and a loyal fanbase.
What the Author's Plans Mean for the Show
Wells' creative process is famously flexible. She admitted she hasn't outlined the series far in advance, letting the characters guide her. She also noted that the first four books formed their own arc, separate from the later ones. This episodic nature makes the series uniquely suited for television, where each season can adapt a different story without needing a rigid overarching plot.
For the Apple TV+ show, this flexibility is a strength. Season 1 adapted the first novella, All Systems Red, but future seasons may need to adjust pacing. The show could expand episode counts or split longer novels across multiple seasons. It might even incorporate original material, something fans might welcome given the goodwill the series has earned. As long as the show stays true to Murderbot's emotional journey, it will honor Wells' vision.
Wells also hinted at what's to come in Season 2. In an interview with Reactor, she praised the show's take on the in-world soap opera The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon and promised fans will see much more of it in the new episodes. That quirky element has become a fan favorite, adding a layer of dark comedy to the series.
Looking Ahead: The End of an Era?
While Wells isn't committed to ending the series forever, she admitted that the next book "will certainly be the last one for a while. I do want to take a break from it and maybe try something else." She also mentioned a desire to bring the story back to Preservation, the planet where Murderbot's friends live, but only if the plot allows it.
For fans of the Apple TV+ series, this means the show could continue for years, even if the books pause. The adaptation has already proven it can stand on its own, and with Season 2 in production, there's plenty of story left to tell. As the show evolves, it may even avoid some of the pitfalls that have plagued other sci-fi adaptations, like the one highlighted in our analysis of Apple TV's 'Neuromancer' Must Avoid This Classic Sci-Fi Series Trap.
Ultimately, Murderbot is a rare example of a book-to-TV adaptation that respects its source material while forging its own path. Whether the books end soon or continue, the show has a bright future ahead. And if you're looking for more great sci-fi on Apple TV+, don't miss 'The Gorge', which remains a streaming sensation.
