Murderbot: Brandon Sanderson confirms connection to Stormlight Archive series

In May 2025, the series Murderbot, based on Martha Wells’ books, premiered on Apple TV. The show has been well received by critics, including an 8 out of 10 score from IGN. Over the past few months, Brandon Sanderson, the author of the Stormlight Archive series among others, has confirmed that he is working with Apple TV on adaptations of his Cosmere universe.

Brandon Sanderson and Apple TV

Sanderson has regularly shared updates on his projects, including sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes information through his weekly podcast, Intentionally Blank. In a more recent episode, he invited his wife, Emily Sanderson, to join him in reviewing the first season of the Murderbot series. Sanderson gave the show a 9 out of 10, while Emily rated it slightly lower. He said: "I think I’d give it a nine, but given the fact that I’m comparing it to the books, it could maybe also be a ten." That high praise shows Sanderson’s satisfaction with the adaptation of his work.

Critical reception of Murderbot

Reviews of the series have been mostly positive. IGN, a leading review outlet, gave it an 8 out of 10. That rating reflects the quality of the adaptation and the attention to detail put into the show. Murderbot is a central figure in Wells’ books, which explore complex themes such as identity and self-awareness. Fans of the books are encouraged to watch the series and see the stories brought to life.

Connection to the Stormlight Archive

An interesting reveal from Sanderson is that one of the executive producers on the Murderbot series is also involved in the Stormlight Archive adaptation. This shows there is a direct connection between the projects, which will likely have a positive impact on the development of the Stormlight series. Sanderson has previously said he will take on the role of co-showrunner when the Stormlight series gets underway.

Sanderson’s involvement in these adaptations offers hope for both fans of his books and viewers of the shows. While there is still much to learn about the future of both the Murderbot and Stormlight Archive projects, the collaboration with Apple TV appears to be a promising direction for the Cosmere universe.