Stream on Apple TV
Based on 1 season, 10 episodes · through July 10, 2025
In a high-tech future, a security robot hacks its own brain to get free will. It must hide this freedom while protecting a group of scientists on a dangerous planet. The robot would rather watch soap operas than deal with humans, but it has to save them from greedy companies. The show features a very diverse cast. Almost all of the scientists are queer, and three of them are in a relationship together. The main robot has no gender and has no interest in romance.
Why 93%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Murderbot.
Woke representation / casting
The cast is very diverse. Non-binary actor Sabrina Wu plays a non-binary character. Almost all of the main scientists are shown as queer. This includes three characters who are in a romantic relationship together. These clear LGBTQ+ elements add a required 30 points to the score.
75%
Woke political dialogue
Characters discuss their non-traditional relationships and use they/them pronouns. The dialogue avoids direct lectures about real-world politics, but the conversations are heavily shaped by modern gender identity ideas.
60%
Production
Identity-driven story themes
This is a highly queer-centric story. The main character is a robot with no gender and no sexual feelings. It learns how to live outside of human norms. The human characters live in a group that rejects traditional family structures. These major themes push the score high.
82%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show contrasts greedy, bad corporations with a peaceful, sharing commune. Traditional family structures and business hierarchies are shown as bad or outdated. The progressive commune is shown as the moral and correct way to live.
76%
Woke character or canon changes
The character Pin-Lee was female in the original books. In the TV show, she is changed to a non-binary character who uses they/them pronouns. This matches the identity of the actor who plays her.
40%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Conservative outlets and some online viewers complained about the show. They called it too woke because of the three-way relationships and the focus on gender identity.
55%
Creator track record context
The creators have a moderate history of progressive work. This includes book writer Martha Wells and director Aurora Guerrero, who both focus on activist and LGBTQ+ messages.
48%
