Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
- Aug 30, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Only Murders in the Building is an American mystery-comedy series that has become a modern hit on Hulu, celebrated for its witty humor, engaging whodunit plots, and stellar ensemble cast. The show stands out for its blend of cozy mystery, sharp satire of true-crime culture, and heartfelt exploration of friendship. Its clever writing and star power, led by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, have made it a streaming sensation.
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, Only Murders in the Building premiered on August 31, 2021, and is ongoing, with its fourth season released in 2024 and a fifth season renewed for 2025. The creators’ vision of a comedic murder mystery set in a New York apartment building, inspired by their love of true-crime podcasts, has resonated widely, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Plot
Set in the upscale Arconia apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers—retired actor Charles-Haden Savage, washed-up Broadway director Oliver Putnam, and young artist Mabel Mora—who bond over their love of true-crime podcasts. When murders occur in their building, the trio starts their own podcast to investigate, uncovering secrets about their neighbors and themselves. Each season tackles a new murder case, weaving personal dramas with comedic sleuthing. The show explores themes of friendship, trust, and redemption, with humor driven by the trio’s quirky dynamic and the building’s eccentric residents.
Cast
Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage
Martin Short as Oliver Putnam
Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora
Aaron Dominguez as Oscar Torres (season 1, recurring)
Amy Ryan as Jan Bellows (season 1, recurring)
Cara Delevingne as Alice Banks (season 2, recurring)
Michael Cyril Creighton as Howard Morris (recurring)
Notable guest stars: Sting, Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Amy Schumer
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (2021) – 10 episodes
Season 2 (2022) – 10 episodes
Season 3 (2023) – 10 episodes
Season 4 (2024) – 10 episodes
Season 5 (2025, upcoming) – 10 episodes (confirmed) Total Episodes: 40 (as of September 2025, with Season 5 in production)
Cultural Impact
Only Murders in the Building has become a pop culture standout, with its theme song by Siddhartha Khosla and catchphrases like Oliver’s theatrical quips gaining traction. The show’s blend of mystery and humor, paired with its satire of true-crime obsession, has resonated in the podcast era, influencing similar genre-blending series. Its New York setting and star-studded guest appearances, from Meryl Streep to Da’Vine Joy Randolph, have fueled buzz on platforms like X. The series has inspired fan theories, merchandise like Arconia-themed apparel, and a growing podcast culture tie-in. Streaming exclusively on Hulu, it remains a flagship title, with Season 4 viewership among Hulu’s top performers.
Honors and Recognition
Only Murders in the Building has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Guest Actor for Nathan Lane (2022) and Outstanding Writing (2022), with 21 nominations, including for Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. It also earned Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations, with critics praising its sharp writing and generational chemistry.
Conclusion
Only Murders in the Building remains a modern classic, celebrated for its clever mysteries, hilarious performances, and heartfelt friendships. Its influence on the mystery-comedy genre and ongoing popularity ensure its place as a standout series that continues to captivate audiences.
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