The wait is over. Apple TV+’s “Murderbot” has concluded its stellar first season with a finale that not only delivers emotional satisfaction but also sets the stage for an already-confirmed second season. Apple TV+ officially renewed Murderbot, starring Alexander Skarsgård as the titular character, ahead of its July 11, 2025 season one finale.
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Murderbot bSeason 1 Finale Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episode | Season 1, Episode 10 |
| Air Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Platform | Apple TV+ |
| Runtime | ~45 minutes |
| Director | Chris Weitz |
| Season 2 Status | Renewed (July 2025) |
The Finale’s Emotional Core
The finale of Murderbot saw the title robot (Alexander Skarsgård) wake up to have its memory wiped by the Company, a new governor module installed, and a client assignment of the worst order. What follows is a masterclass in character development that manages to be both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Alexander Skarsgård’s performance reaches its peak in the finale, with the actor admitting the emotional weight of certain scenes. Alexander Skarsgård unpacks emotional Murderbot finale scene that nearly made him cry: ‘I’m a goddamn android!’ This vulnerability adds layers to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
The Shocking Finale Twist
The biggest twist of Murderbot season 1’s finale was that Murderbot decided not to leave with PreservationAux. Instead, it took some “perimeter time” and absconded on a random transport ship. This decision perfectly encapsulates the show’s central theme of autonomy and self-determination.
The finale hammers the point of the importance that Murderbot makes a decision on its own and not to follow the will of others simply because they want it, and it is a safe option. This character choice demonstrates remarkable growth from the security construct we met in episode one.
Why This Finale Works So Well
The season finale succeeds on multiple levels:
Character Development: Murderbot’s journey from a security construct following orders to an autonomous being making independent choices feels earned and authentic.
Emotional Resonance: By the end, though, it was freer than ever. In the episode, Dr. Mensah (Noma Dumezweni) worked furiously to help Murderbot, showcasing the genuine connections formed throughout the season.
Perfect Setup: This is how you stick the landing. Let’s talk about the ‘Murderbot’ finale. The ending provides closure while opening new possibilities for season two.
Critical Reception and Awards Buzz
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Murderbot has an approval rating of 96% based on 71 critics’ reviews. The critical consensus praises Alexander Skarsgård’s performance and the show’s unique blend of humor and heart.
Since its global debut, “Murderbot” quickly gained a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been celebrated by critics as “the best new comedy of 2025,” “captivating,” “diabolically funny” and one of “the buzziest shows on Apple TV+.”
Season 2: What’s Next?
The recently announced Murderbot season 2 will follow the second novella in Martha Wells’ The Murderbot series, promising new adventures and deeper exploration of the character’s evolution.
The early renewal demonstrates Apple TV+’s confidence in the series. “Chris, Paul, Alexander and the entire ‘Murderbot’ team have delivered a brilliantly original, addictive, witty and vibrant adaptation that has captured the imagination of audiences everywhere,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+.
Technical Excellence
Principal photography began on March 24, 2024, in Toronto, Canada. The first two episodes of Murderbot premiered on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025, with subsequent episodes released weekly. The production values throughout the season, culminating in the finale, showcase Apple TV+’s commitment to quality sci-fi content.
The Martha Wells Connection
Based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed novellas, the show has successfully translated the source material’s wit and emotional depth to the screen. Based on the novels by Martha Wells, Apple TV+’s “Murderbot” centers a hilarious robot, but can’t seem to find the plot in the narrative. While some critics noted pacing issues, the finale addresses these concerns with focused storytelling.
Why You Should Watch
For sci-fi fans, comedy lovers, and anyone who appreciates character-driven narratives, Murderbot’s season finale delivers on every front. The Apple TV+ show takes what might be the oldest sci-fi premise there is — what does it mean to be human? — and mines it for comedy gold.
The series proves that streaming platforms can successfully adapt beloved literary works while maintaining their essence. The finale’s emotional beats, combined with outstanding performances and production values, make it essential viewing.
For more sci-fi reviews and streaming recommendations, check out our Apple TV+ series coverage and sci-fi show guides.
Watch Murderbot exclusively on Apple TV+ and stay tuned for Season 2 updates. For more streaming content reviews and recommendations, visit our entertainment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be a Murderbot Season 2?
A: Yes! Apple TV+ renewed Murderbot for Season 2 just before the Season 1 finale aired. The renewal announcement came in July 2025, demonstrating the streaming platform’s confidence in the series and Alexander Skarsgård’s performance as the titular character.
Q: How does the Murderbot finale differ from the original book?
A: While staying true to Martha Wells’ source material, the finale adds emotional depth and character development that enhances the original story. The show’s decision to focus on Murderbot’s autonomous choice to leave provides a more satisfying character arc than the book’s ending, setting up Season 2 perfectly while maintaining the core themes of self-determination and freedom.
