Apple TV+’s sci-fi hit sporting a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes,Murderbot, has received a cautious update for season 2 and beyond, and what they may entail. Based onThe Murderbot Diariesseries written by Martha Wells, the show follows the assignments of its title private security construct.Murderbotseason 2was confirmed as season 1 closed out.
Speaking withComicBookaboutTheSandmanseason 2,Murderbotexecutive producer David S. Goyer explained how the show would handle its story in season 2 and well into the future. He explained howthere will be some differences between the show and Wells' novels, such as series regulars coming backwho weren’t involved in the source material’s version of events:
I would say there are five other books that Martha Wells has written, so there’s a lot more material. I don’t know if the show will last five, six seasons. The only difference between the books and next season is that the economics of making a TV show requires you to book series regulars. Now that we have done a season and have X amount of series regulars, most of those characters aren’t in the second book. You might see a little bit of a remix of a couple of the books. I’ve been away this whole month, so we haven’t even sat down yet and talked about the next season. We only got the pickup three weeks ago.
Goyer also teased how this approach will help in Murderbot’s ongoing character arc and the larger narrative being told in the show:
In some ways, it’s great, and in other ways, it’s complicated. Once you admit to caring about people, that makes you more vulnerable and you are open to being hurt. And, there’s also the ongoing mystery about what really happened prior to his memory being wiped and killing all those people, which he is quite interested in solving.
Image via Apple TV+
Murderbotseason 1 endedwith its title character deciding not to depart with PreservationAux, instead stealing a transport ship. This lays the groundwork for an adaptation of the series' second novella, titledArtificial Condition. If adapted directly, the story would see its protagonist on a very different mission with new characters heavily involved in his upcoming investigation.
Instead, based on Goyer’s statement, it sounds like the show plans on keeping thecast ofMurderbotrelatively the same for the remainder of its run. This is in contrast to the books, which, if ripped directly from page to screen, would have involved some major characters in season 1 falling to the wayside. A potential remix solves this issue.
As for how the books will be adapted, Goyer’s sentiment about the show not needing to run until season 5 or 6 meanssome elements of various installments are likely going to be combined.This remixing would also guarantee more familiar faces could come back. Though it appears details about these plans won’t be set in stone for some time.
Wells' eighth installment inThe Murderbot Diaries, titledPlatform Decay, is projected to be released on July 13, 2025.
Goyer’s statement confirms the show will be prioritizing the use of its current series regulars for future story adaptations, meaning some stories may have some key changes that transpire on the small screen. Given the show has provided so many memorable characters in its cast, though, it makes sense to keep them around for longer.
As for the length of the series overall, it’s possible the show could still reach five or six seasons, even while combining elements of various books. Wells' series has plenty of material, meaning thatMurderbot’s approach can change to remix different events while still keeping intact the core elements that make the series such a successful adaptation.
Murderbot
Cast
Murderbot, released on July 19, 2025, is set in a high-tech future where a rogue security robot gains free will. To remain undetected, it must join a mission to protect scientists on a perilous planet, while its true desire is to indulge in watching soap operas.
