By Joshua Amy
At one point or another, pretty much everyone has wished they could be doing anything other than the job at hand, like tuning out a co-worker’s chatter to binge the latest series, for instance. Escapism is a hallmark of being stuck in a mundane workplace, an experience that should resonate with viewers of Apple TV+’s newest series, “Murderbot.” Based on the Hugo and Nebula award-winning series by author Martha Wells, “Murderbot” adapts the events of the first novella, “All Systems Red,” the series premieres Friday, May 16, on the streamer.
With a title like “Murderbot,” you’d be inclined to think this is an action-packed sci-fi thriller about a robot specifically designed for violence — and you’d be right, at least in part. While the titular character may be a purpose-built killing machine, it’s not just a robot: it’s a part-android, part-cloned human security construct. The SecUnit, played by Alexander Skarsgard
Based on the Hugo and Nebula award-winning series “The Murderbot Diaries” by author Martha Wells, the new sci-fi series “Murderbot,” starring Alexander Skarsgard (“True Blood”), premieres Friday, May 16, on Apple TV+.
Alexander Skarsgard in “Murderbot”
Cover Story
Dead-end job: ‘Murderbot’ reluctantly joins Apple TV+’s workforce
(“True Blood”), is a walking insurance policy created by the megacorporations that control much of humanity’s spacefaring domain. SecUnits are required on any planetary expedition to protect the human team members and, more importantly, the company’s investment. Therefore, “Murderbot” is not just an action-packed sci-fi thriller, it’s also a twisted workplace comedy.
“Murderbot’s” SecUnit is unique, as it’s managed to hack its governor module, giving itself free will. Upon breaking its shackles, it does as any indentured killing machine would, names itself Murderbot and downloads thousands of hours of soap operas from the company media feeds. Although Murderbot is confused and annoyed by the messy “human-ness” of those in its charge, it’s good at its job — and needs to keep up appearances for survival. Behind the faceplate, however, it just wants to be left alone with its stories, though it inevitably must do its job.
The humans that Murderbot is assigned to protect are a planetary survey team led by Dr. Mensah (Noma Dumezweni, “Black Earth Rising”). Hailing from a system outside of the Corporation Rim, Mensah and her team struggle with the cutthroat profit motives of their employer, reluctantly agreeing to the terms of their contract — including the need for a SecUnit. The survey team — played by David Dastmalchian (“Late Night with the Devil,” 2023), Sabrina Wu (“Joy Ride,” 2023), Tattiawna Jones (“Orphan Black: Echoes”), Akshay Khanna (“The Doll Factory”) and Tamara Podemski (“Coroner”) — would rather forgo all corporate meddling but opt to simply ignore the SecUnit instead.
The indifference to its presence suits Murderbot just fine, since the humans’ interpersonal relationship drama is irrational, emotional and unpredictable. Hiding behind its mask, Murderbot
would much rather engage emotionally through the safety of its obsessive binge of “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.” The pulpy, over-the-top sci-fi soap opera exists as a show-within-a-show that stars John Cho (“Star Trek,” 2009), Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”), DeWanda Wise (“Three Women”) and Clark Gregg (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”). “Sanctuary Moon” serves as both escapism between saving the team from hostile threats and a sort of road map for Murderbot as it navigates how to interact with the humans post-rescue. Despite Murderbot’s desire to be left alone, its evolving relationship with Mensah’s team is central to the story. In an interview with Vanity Fair, showrunner Chris Weitz describes this reluctant dynamic: “They’re not really cut out for this. Murderbot feels it has to keep them from dying. It’s not really because it necessarily cares about them at first. It has this thing of being good at its job in spite of everything.”
What’s Available NOW On
“Mission: ImpossibleRogue Nation” (May 13)
“Good Bad Things” (May 13)
With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat called the Syndicate soon emerges. A network of highly skilled operatives, The Syndicate is dedicated to establishing a new world order, using escalating series of terrorist attacks to achieve their goals. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team to save the world.
Danny (Danny Kurtzman), a young man with muscular dystrophy who is disillusioned by failed relationships, steps out of his comfort zone and into the world of online dating. An unexpected match with Madi (Jessica Parker Kennedy), an enigmatic photographer, challenges him to be vulnerable and sparks a profound journey of self-acceptance, discovering the extraordinary beauty of his unique body.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”Season 2 (May 15)
Gaining popularity on the social media platform TikTok, a group of Mormon mom influencers implode when they get caught in the midst of a swinging sex scandal that makes international headlines. Now, cameras follow the group as they move forward with the careers and families within their new reality.
“Overcompensating”Season 1 (May 15)
“Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” (Available Now)
In this animated film sequel, Brooklyn’s fulltime, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence.
“The UnXplained”Season 7 (Available Now)
William Shatner hosts this exploration of the world’s most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Compelling contributions from scientists, historians, and witnesses as they seek to shed light on how the impossible can happen.
This college-set ensemble comedy follows the wild, chaotic journey of Benny (Benito Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. With guidance from Benny’s older sister and her campus-legend boyfriend, Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, parties and fake IDs.
“History’s Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning”Season 1 (Available Now)
Famed retired quarterback Peyton Manning hosts and executive produces this series, that counts down the greatest of all-time in a single category. Each of the eight, one-hour episodes range from the greatest general to the greatest inventor or President.
“Firebuds”Season 2, New Episodes (Available Now)
This computer-animated children’s series follows a young boy named Bo Bayani (Declan Whaley), who teams up with his anthropomorphic fire truck friend, Flash Fireson (Terrence Little Gardenhigh), to keep the city safe from threats of danger.
“David Spade: Dandelion” (Available Now) With his signature sardonic takes on the perils of flying, charity auctions and the evolution of adult entertainment, David Spade is sharper and funnier than ever as he makes a triumphant return to the stage in his highly-anticipated fourth comedy special.
“Moonstruck” (Available Now) In this rom-com classic from 1987, no sooner does Italian-American widow Loretta (Cher) accept a marriage proposal from her doltish boyfriend, Johnny (Danny Aiello), than she finds herself falling for his younger brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). She tries to resist, but Ronny lost his hand in an accident he blames on his brother, and has no scruples about aggressively pursuing her while Johnny is out of the country.
“Untold: The Liver King” (May 13)
Brian Johnson, aka the “Liver King,” built an online fitness empire by devouring raw meat and promoting an all-natural ancestral lifestyle, with the muscles to back it up. Featuring interviews with the man himself, his family and business partners, this documentary unravels the wild story of The Liver King’s rapid rise to internet fame and the controversy and backlash once a steroid scandal came to light.
“Love, Death + Robots” - Season 4 (May 15)
Spanning genres and styles, this anthology series brings in a new team of animators to bring a new story to life in each episode. Presented by Tim Miller and David Fincher, this season features dinosaur gladiators, messianic cats, string-puppet rock stars and more.
“Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story” (May 14) A definitive docuseries revealing the lives and crimes of Britain’s most notorious and prolific husband and wife serial killers, “A British Horror Story” features exclusive access to previously unseen police video and unheard audio recordings. The three part series shows how the Gloucestershire police were able to unearth the remains of the West’s 12 victims to build a case against them.
“The Quilters” (May 16)
In this award-winning short documentary, men in a Missouri maximum-security prison design and sew beautiful, personalized quilts for foster children.
“Sirens” (Netflix — May 22, Limited Series Premiere)
Set over Labor Day weekend, this new limited comedy series follows Devon (Meghann Fahy), who thinks her sister Simone (Milly Alcock) has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore). Michaela’s cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention, but she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be. Kevin Bacon, Glenn Howerton, Felix Solis, Bill Camp and Josh Segarra also star.
“Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special” (May 16) Rising to fame thanks to his signature crowd work and comedic stylings, Matteo Lane makes his Hulu comedy debut — his first on a major service — in this special. Lane shares stories from his life, travels and family — like chatting with a friend over brunch. Filmed at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica last October.
“Top Gun” (Available Now) The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer).
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle
13. Potatoes, on Indian menus
13. Potatoes, on Indian menus
14. Caught in the act
14. Caught in the act
15. Collins or Langdon on “The Pitt,” e.g.
15. Collins or Langdon on “The Pitt,” e.g.
17. Elisabeth Moss’s series, with “The” 19. Coral reef
17. Elisabeth Moss’s series, with “The” 19. Coral reef
20. “Westward ___”
20. “Westward ___”
21. Scorpion secretion
21. Scorpion secretion
23. Saudi nationals
23. Saudi nationals
27. Barnyard cackler
27. Barnyard cackler
28. Singer ___ Lipa
34. Certain Caltech alum: Abbr.
34. Certain Caltech alum: Abbr.
35. Genre for Benny and Artie
35. Genre for Benny and Artie
37. Urkel’s TV series
37. Urkel’s TV series
43. Christiane of CNN
43. Christiane of CNN
44. Race length, for short
45. Chinese dynasty
44. Race length, for short 45. Chinese dynasty
46. College sr.’s test
46. College sr.’s test
47. Java Freeze maker
47. Java Freeze maker
48. Pronoun for every other hurricane
8. Back from boating?
48. Pronoun for every other hurricane
8. Back from boating?
28. Singer ___ Lipa
49. Contingencies
49. Contingencies
50. Little feller
11. Big name in tennis
11. Big name in tennis
12. Job listing letters
12. Job listing letters
Bets
Sunday Tracker
WIVB-4
Suits LA
Suits LA
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 9 p.m.
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 9 p.m.
WSEE-35 8 p.m.
Sunday Tracker WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.
Colter (Justin Hartley) finds himself back in Echo Ridge looking into the disappearance of a diner owner in this season finale. As the lone wolf survivalist searches for clues, he uncovers a stunning family secret and a kidnapping that goes back decades.
Colter (Justin Hartley) finds himself back in Echo Ridge looking into the disappearance of a diner owner in this season finale. As the lone wolf survivalist searches for clues, he uncovers a stunning family secret and a kidnapping that goes back decades.
As Season 1 of this “Suits” spinoff continues, Ted (Stephen Amell) and Erica (Lex Scott Davis) clash over Erica’s insistence on signing a high-profile client against Ted’s wishes. Meanwhile, Leah (Alice Lee) questions her future at the law firm.
As Season 1 of this “Suits” spinoff continues, Ted (Stephen Amell) and Erica (Lex Scott Davis) clash over Erica’s insistence on signing a high-profile client against Ted’s wishes. Meanwhile, Leah (Alice Lee) questions her future at the law firm.
Marie-Antoinette
Marie-Antoinette
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 10 p.m.
WXXI-21 10 p.m.
It’s the end of the beginning for Marie Antoinette (Emilia Schüle) and Louis XVI (Louis Cunningham) in this Season 2 finale. Marie struggles to support Louis’s overreaching rule caused by his depression, leaving her to step up and rule in his place.
It’s the end of the beginning for Marie Antoinette (Emilia Schüle) and Louis XVI (Louis Cunningham) in this Season 2 finale. Marie struggles to support Louis’s overreaching rule caused by his depression, leaving her to step up and rule in his place.
Monday
Monday
MobLand
MobLand
PARSHO 8 p.m.
PARSHO 8 p.m.
While in the Cotswolds, O’Hara (Lisa Dwan) calls
While in the Cotswolds, O’Hara (Lisa Dwan) calls
29. Spacecraft’s data-gathering maneuver
29. Spacecraft’s data-gathering maneuver
50. Little feller
32. Cliburn’s instrument
32. Cliburn’s instrument
Down 1. Hodgepodge
Down 1. Hodgepodge
2. Between ports
3. Fran Drescher sitcom
2. Between ports 3. Fran Drescher sitcom
4. Mailing label phrase
4. Mailing label phrase
5. Mercury
5. Mercury
6. The Phantom’s “best friend”
7. “Sweeney ___”
6. The Phantom’s “best friend” 7. “Sweeney ___”
8. Province of Canada: Abbr.
8. Province of Canada: Abbr.
9. Trick
9. Trick
10. Floored it
10. Floored it
13. Stage performer
13. Stage performer
16. Workers’ protection org.
16. Workers’ protection org.
18. Pop’s companion
18. Pop’s companion
21. TV channels 2 to 13
21. TV channels 2 to 13
22. Sinuous swimmer
22. Sinuous swimmer
24. Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce on “Mad Men,” e.g.
24. Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce on “Mad Men,” e.g.
25. Tight do
25. Tight do 26. __ Paulo
26. __ Paulo
30. Existence
30. Existence
31. Sharp sound of discomfort
31. Sharp sound of discomfort
32. Theater area
32. Theater area
33. Rapt
33. Rapt
35. Blue toon
35. Blue toon
36. Things to sell
36. Things to sell
37. Thomas Waller’s nickname
37. Thomas Waller’s nickname
38. Eastern nurse
38. Eastern nurse
39. Horse head feature
39. Horse head feature
40. Picnic basket stealing bear
40. Picnic basket stealing bear
41. Smell really bad
41. Smell really bad
42. __-Ball
42. __-Ball
out the obvious. Later, Maeve (Helen Mirren) changes her mind, annoying Conrad (Pierce Brosnan). Then, with time running out, Harry (Tom Hardy) makes an impact. And, Alice (Emily Barber) needs a favor.
Rock the Block
HGTV 9 p.m.
out the obvious. Later, Maeve (Helen Mirren) changes her mind, annoying Conrad (Pierce Brosnan). Then, with time running out, Harry (Tom Hardy) makes an impact. And, Alice (Emily Barber) needs a favor. Rock the Block HGTV 9 p.m.
The teams head downstairs to test their creativity and create kitchens and bonus spaces on the lower levels that will separate them from the pack. “Battle on the Mountain” star Kim Myles handles the difficult judging duties while Ty Pennington hosts.
The teams head downstairs to test their creativity and create kitchens and bonus spaces on the lower levels that will separate them from the pack. “Battle on the Mountain” star Kim Myles handles the difficult judging duties while Ty Pennington hosts.
Live PD Presents: Florida Heat A&E 10 p.m.
Live PD Presents: Florida Heat
A&E 10 p.m.
It may not be as glamorous as “Miami Vice,” but the police departments across the State of Florida still have plenty of things to keep them busy in this unfiltered series. This episode features a distressed senior and a violent motel attack.
It may not be as glamorous as “Miami Vice,” but the police departments across the State of Florida still have plenty of things to keep them busy in this unfiltered series. This episode features a distressed senior and a violent motel attack.
Tuesday Will Trent
Tuesday Will Trent
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
Georgia Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) uses his unique talents of perspective to make a difference in people’s lives
Georgia Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) uses his unique talents of perspective to make a difference in people’s lives
FOOD 9 p.m.
FOOD 9 p.m.
and solve cases with the help of ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez) and Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley).
and solve cases with the help of ADA Marion Alba (Gina Rodriguez) and Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley).
Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out
Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out
The knives are out in this Season 16 premiere. Since culinary prowess will not be enough to make the grade, a little sabotage might be the secret sauce. Starting with $25,000, the chefs can use the money to help themselves or hurt others.
The knives are out in this Season 16 premiere. Since culinary prowess will not be enough to make the grade, a little sabotage might be the secret sauce. Starting with $25,000, the chefs can use the money to help themselves or hurt others.
FBI: Most Wanted
FBI: Most Wanted
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 10 p.m.
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 10 p.m.
In this penultimate episode, the changes keep coming for Remy (Dylan McDermott), Hana (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Sheryll (Roxy Sternberg) and the rest of the team as they track and apprehend dangerous criminals named on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
In this penultimate episode, the changes keep coming for Remy (Dylan McDermott), Hana (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Sheryll (Roxy Sternberg) and the rest of the team as they track and apprehend dangerous criminals named on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Wednesday
Wednesday
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite
TBS 8 p.m.
TBS 8 p.m.
It’s a brave new world for professional wrestling as a diverse group of male and female wrestlers, including Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Mercedes Mone and Megan Bayne, go head-to-head, creating new rivalries, stories and legends.
It’s a brave new world for professional wrestling as a diverse group of male and female wrestlers, including Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Mercedes Mone and Megan Bayne, go head-to-head, creating new rivalries, stories and legends.
Stadium Lockup
Stadium Lockup
A&E 9 p.m.
A&E 9 p.m.
This latest miniseries from A&E follows the security team for Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland during the heat of game day. With over 67,000 fans packing the stadium every game, the security staff have their hands full keeping everyone safe.
This latest miniseries from A&E follows the security team for Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland during the heat of game day. With over 67,000 fans packing the stadium every game, the security staff have their hands full keeping everyone safe.
The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 9:30 p.m.
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 9:30 p.m.
There’s no time to be knightly as the remaining four teams travel through Portugal for the penultimate leg of this world-spanning race. What twists and turns will the competitors face? And which team will lose out on a place in the finals?
There’s no time to be knightly as the remaining four teams travel through Portugal for the penultimate leg of this world-spanning race. What twists and turns will the competitors face? And which team will lose out on a place in the finals?
Thursday
Thursday
Next Level Chef
Next Level Chef
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 8 p.m.
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 8 p.m.
Things aren’t getting any easier for the contestants as chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais attempt to
Things aren’t getting any easier for the contestants as chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais attempt to
help talented young chefs reach their potential in this season finale. Through challenging gauntlets, a winner is chosen.
help talented young chefs reach their potential in this season finale. Through challenging gauntlets, a winner is chosen.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8:30 p.m.
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8:30 p.m.
Things get tense when Georgie (Montana Jordan) discovers the truth about Mandy’s (Emily Osment) boss in this Season 1 finale. Nevertheless, Georgie does all he can to buy the tire store for the family before Jim (Will Sasso) sells it to someone else.
Things get tense when Georgie (Montana Jordan) discovers the truth about Mandy’s (Emily Osment) boss in this Season 1 finale. Nevertheless, Georgie does all he can to buy the tire store for the family before Jim (Will Sasso) sells it to someone else.
Welcome to Wrexham FX 9 p.m.
Welcome to Wrexham FX 9 p.m.
Season 4 of this sports docuseries finds actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney still navigating the ups and downs of running Wrexham A.F.C. After two back-to-back promotions, the pressure is on as the team takes on the EFL’s League One.
Season 4 of this sports docuseries finds actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney still navigating the ups and downs of running Wrexham A.F.C. After two back-to-back promotions, the pressure is on as the team takes on the EFL’s League One.
Friday Shark Tank
Friday Shark Tank
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
Got a business idea? Hop in, the water’s fine. This series follows as budding entrepreneurs are given the chance to make their dreams come true by presenting their ideas to seven titans of industry in hopes of securing a potential partnership.
Got a business idea? Hop in, the water’s fine. This series follows as budding entrepreneurs are given the chance to make their dreams come true by presenting their ideas to seven titans of industry in hopes of securing a potential partnership.
Dateline NBC
Dateline NBC WGRZ-2 WICU-12 9 p.m.
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 9 p.m.
In a brand-new episode of NBC’s long-running newsmagazine, NBC’s crew of expert investigative reporters take a look at the most compelling stories across America, including breaking news and engrossing mysteries. Lester Holt hosts.
In a brand-new episode of NBC’s long-running newsmagazine, NBC’s crew of expert investigative reporters take a look at the most compelling stories across America, including breaking news and engrossing mysteries. Lester Holt hosts.
S.W.A.T. WIVB-4 WSEE-35 10 p.m.
S.W.A.T.
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 10 p.m.
This two-hour series finale finds Hondo (Shemar Moore) and the 20-Squad facing a ghost from his past in a terrifying race through the streets of Los
This two-hour series finale finds Hondo (Shemar Moore) and the 20-Squad facing a ghost from his past in a terrifying race through the streets of Los
Angeles. Then, Russian mercenaries terrorize the city, holding it hostage and attacking the team.
Angeles. Then, Russian mercenaries terrorize the city, holding it hostage and attacking the team.
Saturday
Saturday
Vacation House Rules HGTV 8 p.m.
Vacation House Rules HGTV 8 p.m.
Each episode of this home renovation series follows real estate expert and contractor Scott McGillivray as he helps homeowners unlock their vacation property’s hidden potential by offering tips and tricks on how to optimize the space they have.
Each episode of this home renovation series follows real estate expert and contractor Scott McGillivray as he helps homeowners unlock their vacation property’s hidden potential by offering tips and tricks on how to optimize the space they have.
Say Yes to the Dress with Tan France TLC 9 p.m.
Say Yes to the Dress with Tan France TLC 9 p.m.
Former “Queer Eye” host Tan France has his hands full during this latest episode, as he must please not one but two brides during the same appointment. Later on, Tan has an appointment with the vintage-loving Charlotte, who’s a little hard to please.
Former “Queer Eye” host Tan France has his hands full during this latest episode, as he must please not one but two brides during the same appointment. Later on, Tan has an appointment with the vintage-loving Charlotte, who’s a little hard to please.
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
WGRZ-2 WICU-12
11:30 p.m.
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 11:30 p.m.
Five decades in, this hilarious and award-winning ensemble cast, including Chloe Fineman, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day and Marcello Hernandez, still perform comedy sketches, satirical news and digital shorts, alongside a celebrity host and popular musical acts.
Five decades in, this hilarious and award-winning ensemble cast, including Chloe Fineman, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day and Marcello Hernandez, still perform comedy sketches, satirical news and digital shorts, alongside a celebrity host and popular musical acts.
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Louis Cunningham stars in “Marie-Antoinette”
Marcello Hernández in “Saturday Night Live” Saturday on NBC
2 x 2” ad
Marcello Hernández in “Saturday Night Live” Saturday on NBC
