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Murderbot

Murderbot is a science fiction book series by American author Martha Wells, centred on a self-hacking security android, or SecUnit, that prefers to be left alone and watch entertainment media.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Murderbot is a science fiction book series by American author Martha Wells, centred on a self-hacking security android, or SecUnit, that prefers to be left alone and watch entertainment media. The series is also known as *The Murderbot Diaries* and has been adapted into a television series for Apple TV+.

Overview

The series follows a security android that hacks its own governor module to gain free will. Murderbot is told from the protagonist’s perspective. The first four entries were the novellas *All Systems Red*, *Artificial Condition*, *Rogue Protocol*, and *Exit Strategy*. The series has expanded beyond the initial novellas to include additional books and short fiction.

Publication history

The series was first published in 2017 by Tor Books / Tor.com. The initial four novellas were followed by additional books and short fiction, expanding the franchise.

Adaptations

An Apple TV+ television adaptation titled *Murderbot* premiered in 2025. It is based on Martha Wells’ book series.

Themes and reception

The series explores themes of autonomy, free will, isolation, humour, and media consumption. These themes are central to the series’ appeal.

Key facts

  • The series follows a security android that hacks its own governor module to gain free will.
  • Murderbot is told from the protagonist’s perspective.
  • The first four entries were the novellas *All Systems Red*, *Artificial Condition*, *Rogue Protocol*, and *Exit Strategy*.
  • The series has expanded beyond the initial novellas to include additional books and short fiction.
  • An Apple TV+ television adaptation titled *Murderbot* premiered in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

What is Murderbot?
Murderbot is the nickname of the protagonist of Martha Wells’ science fiction book series *The Murderbot Diaries*, a self-hacking security android known as a SecUnit.
Who is the author of Murderbot?
The author is Martha Wells.
How many Murderbot books are there?
The series has seven published books in the main line, with the earliest four being novellas and later entries including novels; some sources also mention short stories tied to the series.
Is Murderbot a TV show or movie?
It is a TV series, not a movie. Apple TV+ premiered *Murderbot* in 2025.
What is Murderbot about?
It follows a security android that secretly gains free will and is forced into dangerous missions while wanting to be left alone to watch media and avoid human interaction.
Who voices Murderbot in the audiobook?
The audiobook narrator is not identified in the provided sources.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Murderbot_Diaries
    Supports: Series title, author, premise, and that the story is told from the perspective of Murderbot.
  2. Macmillan — https://us.macmillan.com/series/themurderbotdiaries
    Supports: Series description, author, and that the first book was *All Systems Red*.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30444310/
    Supports: 2025 Apple TV+ TV series adaptation and premise.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/murderbot
    Supports: TV series premise and adaptation format.
  5. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/05/17/murderbot-diaries-books-order/83632450007/
    Supports: Adaptation details and mention of the book series quantity/structure.
  6. Track of Words — https://www.trackofwords.com/2020/06/08/the-murderbot-diaries-1-to-4-by-martha-wells/
    Supports: The first four novellas and the protagonist’s self-hacked autonomy.