The newest sci-fi series from Apple TV+ has launched with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

      The series features Alexander Skarsgard as a self-aware robot.

      Apple TV+ has a knack for creating high-quality shows, and "Murderbot" is a prime example. The series launched with an impressive 98% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and appears to be another hit for the streaming platform.

      Based on a series of novels by Martha Wells, the show follows a security robot that gains free will. Once it realizes it can think independently, it chooses to undertake a perilous mission to protect a group of scientists, despite its true desire to binge-watch television.

      With Alexander Skarsgard in the lead role, the series has been lauded for its lighthearted and witty tone, as well as his performance.

      “Murderbot doesn’t perfectly recreate the books—it’s too irreverent for the kind of entertainment Murderbot would appreciate—but it’s quite enjoyable and fulfilling in its own right,” stated Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone in his review of the first season.

      “Murderbot exemplifies a trend I've noticed in streaming television—beautifully produced sci-fi and fantasy shows that may not reach beyond a niche but dedicated audience,” added NPR's Eric Deggans.

      Apple has shown particular skill in adapting science fiction narratives, having previously succeeded with titles like "Silo," "For All Mankind," and "Severance." While "Murderbot" carries a different tone from those series, it successfully stands on its own. The show is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on May 16.

      Joe Allen is a freelance cultural writer based in upstate New York, with contributions to publications such as The Washington Post.

      In an effort to attract new subscribers, Apple TV+ will offer its shows and movies for free for three days.

      While the service may have a limited selection, it consistently delivers high-quality content. Many Apple TV+ subscribers can attest to the abundance of excellent movies and series available. However, at $9.99 per month, the subscription cost may be prohibitive for some.

      To entice new audiences, Apple plans to make all of its content free for streaming from January 3 to January 5, 2025, requiring only an Apple ID and password. This means users can watch everything from "Severance" to "Ted Lasso" without charge for a limited period, likely aiming to encourage users to sign up for a paid subscription.

      Apple TV+ is steadily expanding its collection of intriguing TV projects. "Bad Monkey," which premiered earlier this year, is one such example, based on a novel of the same name, featuring Vince Vaughn.

      According to Variety, the show will return for a second season. Although there is a sequel to the original book, titled "Razor Girl" by Carl Hiaasen, reports indicate that the new season will not be based on that storyline. Nevertheless, creator Bill Lawrence expressed his admiration for Hiaasen.

      Apple has secured another prominent star for its upcoming limited series.

      Every new series announcement from Apple demonstrates their serious commitment to their streaming service. Variety reports that Anya Taylor-Joy is the latest addition, set to star in a limited series titled "Lucky." The series is adapted from a bestselling novel by Marissa Stapley.

      The story centers on “a young woman who has left her life of crime behind but must confront her darker, criminal past one last time in a desperate bid to escape her history.”