Murderbot Season 1, Episodes 1 - 2

What’s it about?

In a high-tech future, a rogue security robot (Alexander Skarsgård) secretly gains free will. To stay hidden, it reluctantly joins a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet... even though it just wants to binge soap operas.

The facts

• Episode one directed by Paul Weitz, and episode two directed by Chris Weitz
• Created by Paul Weitz and Chris Weitz
• English language
• Runtime: approximately 22-29 minutes per episode
• Episodes released weekly
• Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian
• Apple TV+ original
• Based on the book The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Apple TV. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Content that may disturb

We see a giant centipede-like creature burst from the ground and attack a human character. Murderbot is swallowed by the creature but uses their weapons to shoot chunks out of the creature. We subsequently see wound damage on the bot that shows the inner cables and cartilage that make up their machinery.

We see Murderbot’s human form being repaired by machines. They are naked and their full form is revealed; we see that they don’t have genitals, only a nude mound.

Violence

Murderbot fantasises about shooting the humans they’re tasked with keeping safe. In their daydream they shoot humans in the head without warning and we see blood splatter around each body. We also hear his inner monologue which is a mix of humour and murderous thoughts about killing humans.

We briefly see a murder scene with a dead body with bloody wounds and a bot that has been terminated with blue blood wounds.

Offensive language

There is occasional swearing for emphasis or comedy including ‘dick’, ‘sh*t’, ‘f*ck’, ‘sh*tshow’, ‘f*cking’, 'ars*hole’, and ‘holy sh*t’.

Sex scenes

A lesbian couple discuss having a throuple situation. We then see them undertake a threesome contract with their colleague. They then start kissing while fully clothed.

Characters discuss the existence of ‘comfort units’ or bots designed for sex with humans.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?