'Murderbot' is streaming on Apple TV+: Here are the books that inspired the series
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'Murderbot' beginning: Alexander Skarsgård's killer robot names itself
Alexander Skarsgård's security robot sets itself free and names itself in this clip from the AppleTV+ series "Murderbot."
A beloved sci-fi android is getting a new face and voice on the screen, and it belongs to none other than Alexander Skarsgård.
Skarsgård voices the witty, sardonic security robot in the new Apple TV+ series 'Murderbot,' based on Martha Wells' cult classic 'Murderbot Diaries' series. The cast also includes David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Clark Gregg and Jack McBrayer. The series debuted with rave reviews, garnering a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Before you watch, here's everything to know about the books behind the fan favorite story.
What is 'Murderbot' about?
'The Murderbot Diaries' is one robot's quest for meaning. Set in a corporate space odyssey, a team of scientists conducts their work while shadowed by an android 'SecUnit.' Unbeknownst to the humans, the robot has hacked its own module and refers to itself as 'MurderBot,' yearning to be left alone to watch TV instead of fighting alien monsters.
'Murderbot Diaries' order: All books in series
Wells' series includes seven novellas and novels and two short stories about the self-hacking robot. Here's the order in which they were published:
She also published short story 'Obsolescence' in a collaborative short story collection in 2020. While 'Obsolescence' doesn't take place during the main plot of 'Murderbot,' it is set in the same world and takes place centuries before 'All Systems Red.'
Most readers recommend reading in order of publication. But if you want to read 'Murderbot Diaries' chronologically, follow this order, which starts with the prequel short story 'Compulsory':
"Compulsory" "All Systems Red" "Artificial Condition" "Rogue Protocol" "Exit Strategy" "Home" "Network Effect" "Fugitive Telemetry" "System Collapse"
Where can I watch the 'Murderbot Diaries' series?
'Murderbot' is available to stream on Apple TV+ starting May 16. New episodes will release every Friday through July 11.
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Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
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