Sci-Fi Comedy ‘Murderbot’ Starring Alexander Skarsgård Debuts On AppleTV On May 16

Apple TV+ on Thursday unveiled a first look at “Murderbot,” a comedic sci-fi thriller series starring and executive produced by Emmy-winner Alexander Skarsgård.

“Muderbot,” created by Chris and Paul Weitz (“About a Boy,” “Mozart in the Jungle”), is based on Martha Wells bestselling Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series of the same name. The cast includes Noma Dumezweni (“Presumed Innocent”), David Dastmalchian (“Oppenheimer”), Sabrina Wu (“Joy Ride”), Akshay Khanna (“Critical Incident”), Tattiawna Jones (“The Handmaids Tale”) and Tamara Podemski (“Outer Range”).

The titular Murderbot, played by Skarsgård, is a “self-hacking security construct” horrified by human emotion, but nevertheless drawn to its vulnerable clients. Murderbot has to hide its free will to complete a dangerous mission even though it just wants to be left alone to find its place in the universe — and watch futuristic soap operas.

“Murderbot,” from Paramount Television Studios, is written, directed and produced by the Weitz brothers. The first two episodes will premiere on AppleTV+ on Friday, May 16, with new episodes every Friday through July 11.