Apple TV+ Debuts Sci-Fi Thriller-Comedy ‘Murderbot’ In New York Ahead Of Global Premiere

Apple TV+ rolled out the red carpet Monday night at Regal Union Square in New York City for the premiere of “Murderbot,” its upcoming sci-fi comedic thriller starring and executive produced by Emmy Award-winner Alexander Skarsgård.

The 10-episode series, created by Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz, is set to debut globally on the streaming platform Friday, May 16, with the first two episodes dropping at launch and new episodes released weekly through July 11.

The series is based on “The Murderbot Diaries,” the acclaimed Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series by Martha Wells. In the show, Skarsgård plays a rogue security android that secretly overrides its programming. Reluctantly tethered to a team of vulnerable humans, Murderbot grapples with its distaste for human emotion — preferring to binge futuristic soap operas — while trying to survive a hazardous assignment without revealing it has gained free will.

Murderbot joins Apple TV+s growing portfolio of original sci-fi programming, and its source material brings a devoted fan base to the screen adaptation.

Cast members Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski joined Skarsgård and the Weitz brothers at the premiere event. The night concluded with a reception at The Bowery, celebrating the launch of a series that blends sharp humor, action, and existential musings about autonomy and identity.