Only Murders in the Building is a delightful American comedy-mystery television series that premiered on Hulu in August 2021. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the show follows three strangers, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), who bond over their shared love of true crime podcasts and find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in a real-life murder mystery in their Upper West Side apartment building, the Arconia.
Synopsis: When Bunny Folger, the president of the Arconia Tenants Association, takes a fatal tumble down the elevator shaft, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are convinced it wasn’t an accident. Armed with their encyclopedic knowledge of true crime tropes and fueled by a healthy dose of ambition (and maybe a little boredom), the trio embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming investigation, documenting their findings in their own true crime podcast, “Only Murders in the Building.” As they delve deeper into the secrets of the Arconia and its eccentric residents, they uncover hidden agendas, long-held grudges, and a web of intrigue that leads them closer to the truth than they ever imagined.
Cast and Crew:
- Created by: Steve Martin and John Hoffman
- Directed by: Various directors, including James Foley, Adam Bernstein, and Gandulfo Balsamo
- Written by: John Hoffman and Steve Martin
- Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Andrea Martin, Nathan Lane, James Caan, Amy Ryan, Tina Fey, and Sting
Episode Release Dates:
- Season 1: August 31, 2021 – October 19, 2021
- Season 2: June 28, 2022 – August 23, 2022
- Season 3: August 28, 2023 – October 9, 2023
Story: Only Murders in the Building masterfully blends comedy, mystery, and drama, weaving a captivating narrative that is both laugh-out-loud funny and suspenseful. The show’s witty dialogue, quirky characters, and unexpected twists keep you guessing until the very end. But beyond the thrills and chills, Only Murders in the Building is also a touching story about friendship, loneliness, and the power of human connection.
Critical Response: Only Murders in the Building has received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its humor, charm, and clever plot. The show has been lauded for its performances, particularly the chemistry between the three leads and its unique blend of genres.
Three Life Lessons:
- It’s never too late to make new friends. Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, all at different stages of their lives, find solace and companionship in each other through their shared pursuit of the truth.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover. The residents of the Arconia may seem like caricatures at first, but each one has their own story and hidden depths.
- Life is full of surprises. Just when you think you have things figured out, Only Murders in the Building throws you a curveball, reminding you that anything is possible.
Conclusion: Only Murders in the Building is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, a hearty laugh, and a touch of heartwarming drama. With its stellar cast, clever writing, and engaging plot, the show is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
Where to Stream: Only Murders in the Building is available to stream on Hulu.