8.0/10
95% Critics / 89% Audience
Only Murders in the Building is a rare modern series that manages to feel clever, comforting, and genuinely suspenseful at the same time. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the show debuted in August 2021 and quickly established itself as one of Hulu’s flagship series, praised for its sharp writing, playful tone, and standout performances.
Set almost entirely within the elegant yet oddly cursed Arconia apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the series follows three unlikely neighbors who bond over their obsession with true crime podcasts. What starts as curiosity soon turns into active investigation, as the trio repeatedly find themselves entangled in real murders unfolding uncomfortably close to home.
Only Murders in the Building – Official Season 1 Trailer
What Is Only Murders in the Building About?
At its core, Only Murders in the Building is about curiosity, connection, and storytelling. Each season revolves around a new mysterious death linked to the Arconia, but the show’s true focus is how ordinary people process fear, grief, and obsession in an era dominated by media consumption.
The central hook lies in the podcast format. As the trio documents their amateur investigation, the show constantly plays with perspective, unreliable narration, and the blurred line between entertainment and real tragedy. Rather than glorifying crime, the series treats mystery as a puzzle shaped by human flaws, secrets, and misunderstandings.
Main Cast and Characters
The chemistry between the leads is the backbone of the series, balancing humor with emotional depth.
The Core Trio
Charles-Haden Savage, portrayed by Steve Martin, is a semi-retired TV actor best known for a 1990s crime drama. Reserved and introspective, Charles brings structure and old-school instincts to the group.
Oliver Putnam, played by Martin Short, is an overly ambitious and perpetually struggling Broadway director. His theatrical instincts, optimism, and flair for drama drive much of the podcast’s energy.
Mabel Mora, portrayed by Selena Gomez, is a young artist with a complicated past tied to the building. Grounded and emotionally intuitive, Mabel often acts as the group’s moral compass.
Notable Supporting and Guest Characters
Across its seasons, the show introduces an ever-expanding ensemble, including eccentric neighbors, law enforcement figures, podcast rivals, and high-profile guest stars. These characters deepen the mystery without overwhelming the core dynamic, keeping the focus firmly on the trio’s evolving relationship.
Season Overview Without Spoilers
Each season follows a similar structural rhythm while experimenting with tone and style.
Season One
The opening season establishes the concept, tone, and emotional foundation of the show. It focuses on how strangers form trust and how easily assumptions can mislead even well-meaning investigators.
Season Two
The second season broadens the scope, exploring the consequences of amateur sleuthing and public attention. Themes of legacy, power, and control take center stage.
Season Three
This season leans into performance, art, and public personas, using theatrical elements to explore how people hide truth behind spectacle.
Season Four
Season four becomes more self-aware and playful, examining fame, adaptation, and how stories change when retold by others.
Season Five
The fifth season returns to fundamentals, tightening its focus on the Arconia itself and reinforcing why the building remains the heart of the series.
Themes That Define the Series
Only Murders in the Building succeeds because it is about more than murder.
Obsession and Media Consumption
The series questions why people are drawn to true crime and what happens when tragedy becomes content.
Loneliness and Connection
Despite its humor, the show consistently portrays isolation, grief, and the human need for belonging.
Truth Versus Narrative
Every season explores how truth can be reshaped by perspective, editing, and intention, especially in the age of podcasts and viral storytelling.
Why You Should Watch Only Murders in the Building
This series stands out because it respects its audience. It assumes viewers are intelligent, emotionally engaged, and capable of enjoying humor alongside darkness. The writing never talks down to the viewer, and the mysteries reward attention without requiring exhaustive analysis.
The performances, particularly from the central trio, elevate the material far beyond a standard whodunit. Their evolving friendship adds warmth and sincerity to every investigation.
Is Only Murders in the Building Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Whether you enjoy mysteries, character-driven comedies, or thoughtful commentary on modern media, this series delivers consistently.
It is approachable enough for casual viewers yet layered enough to reward long-term fans. The episodic structure makes it easy to watch, while the seasonal arcs encourage binge viewing without fatigue.
Only Murders in the Building Watch Order
To experience the story as intended, the recommended watch order is:
TV Series Watch Order
Only Murders in the Building – Season 1
Only Murders in the Building – Season 2
Only Murders in the Building – Season 3
Only Murders in the Building – Season 4
Only Murders in the Building – Season 5
There are no required spin-offs or films to follow the main narrative.
Only Murders in the Building Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons of Only Murders in the Building are there?
As of now, the series has five released seasons, with a sixth season officially renewed.
Is Only Murders in the Building based on a book or true story?
No, the series is an original creation, though it draws inspiration from true crime podcasts and mystery fiction.
Is the show more comedy or mystery?
It balances both, but leans slightly toward comedy, using humor to offset darker subject matter.
Can new viewers start with later seasons?
Each season features a new mystery, but character development carries over. Starting from Season 1 is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
Only Murders in the Building has earned its place as one of the defining television series of the streaming era. By blending classic mystery storytelling with modern humor and emotional depth, it offers something rare: a show that is clever without being cold, funny without being shallow, and suspenseful without being cruel.
As the series continues to evolve, it remains anchored by its characters, its setting, and its understanding that the most compelling mysteries are often the ones about people, not just crimes.
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