Only Murders in the Building returns for a fifth season on Hulu, premiering September 9 with the first three episodes before moving to a weekly release schedule. The new season picks up after Season 4 concluded with Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Loretta Durbin (Meryl Streep) tying the knot, and a fresh murder mystery arising around the Arconian doorman Lester.
In a discussion with Variety, Martin Short weighs in on the show’s future. The “only rule” for the sleuthing trio has long been that they investigate murders that happen inside their beloved Arconia. Having already solved four cases, the question now is how many more lives can the building conceal, and how long the series can realistically continue.
Short pointed out that there is a sharp awareness among the show’s creators that the show cannot go on forever. While fans celebrate a successful five-season run, the actors and writers understand the need to know when it’s time to end. He called the five-season milestone a big achievement for a streaming series, praising the writing, directing, and passion that have driven the show to its current popularity.
The upcoming season promises more intrigue with fresh faces joining the cast, including Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, Keegan-Michael Key, Téa Leoni, Logan Lerman, Dianne Wiest, Jermaine Fowler, and Beanie Feldstein. Their presence adds new dynamics to the beloved foursome of Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short as the core trio, along with Streep’s Loretta.
What to expect this season is a return to the show’s signature blend of sharp wit and clever mysteries, with the Arconia once again serving as the stage for another murder investigation. While the specifics of Lester’s killer and the evolving relationships within the group remain to be seen, fans can anticipate the humor, heart, and twists that have defined the series.
Commentary and outlook:
– The show’s longevity to date speaks to a strong creative team and a loyal audience that appreciates character-driven whodunits.
– The addition of acclaimed actors across a mix of genres bodes well for fresh energy and new storytelling angles without losing the spirit of the original trio.
– As streaming platforms continue to recalibrate, the Season 5 era is framed as a high note rather than a guaranteed long run, underscoring the importance of delivering quality storytelling one season at a time.
Summary: Only Murders in the Building’s Season 5 is positioned to deliver another entertaining blend of mystery and humor, with a high-profile guest cast and a focus on the relationships that have made the show a hit. If you’re craving witty banter, clever clues, and a dash of modern celebrity allure, this season looks poised to keep fans engaged while the show contemplates how far its beloved world can continue.
Positive takeaway: The series remains a standout in its genre, balancing ensemble chemistry with inventive plotting and welcome new talents, all while staying true to the tone that fans have come to love.