“Inside Only Murders in the Building” Season 5: Premiere Date, Cast, and What to Expect

Fans of the beloved true-crime comedy series Only Murders in the Building are gearing up for another season of mystery, laughter, and unexpected twists. Since its 2021 debut on Hulu, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking records with the most-watched comedy premiere in Hulu history and eventually becoming the most-watched comedy series on Hulu.

With Season 5 set to premiere on September 9, 2025, viewers are eager to return to the Arconia apartment building and follow the investigations of their favorite trio of amateur sleuths: Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez). Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season, from cast details and filming locations to plot insights and premiere dates.

Who’s Returning to the Cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5?

The heart of the series remains the original trio:

• Steve Martin as Charles – The retired actor whose sarcastic wit keeps the team grounded.

• Martin Short as Oliver – The quirky, overzealous Broadway director who adds humor and chaos to investigations.

• Selena Gomez as Mabel – The young, tech-savvy mystery aficionado who balances logic and intuition.

Alongside the trio, several fan-favorite recurring characters are set to return:

• Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin-Putnam, reprising her role after a memorable cameo that recreated an iconic Devil Wears Prada moment.

• Michael Cyril Creighton as Howard, the Arconia’s handyman.

• Jackie Hoffman as Uma, the gossip-loving resident.

• Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Detective Williams, the law enforcement liaison who often clashes with the trio’s unconventional methods.

Season 5 will also introduce a new wave of characters:

• Téa Leoni returns as Sofia Caccimelio, a character briefly seen in the Season 4 finale.

• Christoph Waltz, a two-time Academy Award winner, joins in an undisclosed role, adding intrigue and star power to the lineup.

Other special guest stars confirmed include Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Renée Zellweger, Keegan-Michael Key, Bobby Cannavale, Dianne Wiest, Beanie Feldstein, Logan Lerman, and Jeramine Fowler. While details about their characters are under wraps, fans can expect a mix of quirky neighbors, potential suspects, and city insiders who complicate the mystery.

Where Was Season 5 Filmed?

Production for Season 5 began in March 2025 and took the cast and crew to several iconic New York locations, staying true to the series’ roots. Some notable filming spots include:

• Staten Island, near the famous house featured in The Godfather.

• The Arconia’s exterior, represented by The Belnord, a 13-story apartment building located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Filming wrapped in June 2025, with sets meticulously designed to capture the Arconia’s charm, history, and hidden secrets. This continuity ensures that longtime fans will instantly recognize the setting while new viewers will be drawn into the show’s immersive New York apartment mystery aesthetic.

When Will Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Premiere?

Hulu has confirmed that Season 5 will premiere on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. At launch, three episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by weekly releases every Tuesday, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next twist.

The season will feature 10 episodes, consistent with previous seasons, providing ample opportunity for suspenseful reveals, clever misdirection, and comedic interplay between the main characters. Early reviews suggest a return to the show’s core mystery-solving format while also exploring settings and storylines that go beyond the Arconia’s walls.

What Will Season 5 Be About?

Spoilers ahead: Season 5 picks up following the dramatic events of Season 4, with the murder of the Arconia’s longtime doorman, Lester (Teddy Coluca), discovered in the courtyard fountain.

• The Investigation: Charles, Oliver, and Mabel refuse to believe Lester’s death was accidental. Their investigation leads them on a journey beyond the Arconia, exploring hidden corners of New York and uncovering long-buried secrets.

• Themes of the Season: Co-creator John Hoffman teased that Season 5 will examine past versus present New York, with themes of gentrification, displacement, and urban change intertwined with the murder mystery. Lester’s death becomes a lens through which the series explores how the city has evolved over decades.

• Arconia’s Hidden History: Viewers will get a deeper look at the building itself, uncovering secret rooms, forgotten stories, and eccentric residents that add depth to the ongoing narrative.

Hoffman has emphasized that the series continues to be a labor of love: “This is one of those shows [where] everyone involved in it is so happy doing it – and I know I speak for the trio and everyone else.”

The Unique Appeal of Season 5

Season 5 continues to blend humor, suspense, and cultural commentary, solidifying the series as both a comedy and a mystery phenomenon. Key elements include:

• Character Chemistry: The dynamic between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel remains the show’s emotional and comedic core, balancing witty banter with genuine concern for each other and the people they investigate.

• Celebrity Cameos and Star Power: With Meryl Streep, Christoph Waltz, Renée Zellweger, and others, Season 5 promises high-profile guest appearances that enhance both storylines and audience engagement.

• Expanded Setting: Moving beyond the Arconia allows the series to explore New York City more fully, providing fresh narrative possibilities while maintaining the distinctive, quirky atmosphere fans love.

Why Only Murders in the Building Continues to Captivate

The series has become more than a comedy—it’s a cultural touchstone for fans of whodunit storytelling, New York charm, and clever writing.

• Record-Breaking Popularity: Its debut broke Hulu’s comedy records, and every subsequent season has built on that momentum.

• Critical Acclaim: Critics consistently praise the series for its sharp writing, charismatic performances, and inventive storytelling.

• Fan Engagement: Social media and fan theories drive engagement, creating a participatory viewing experience where audiences speculate on clues alongside the main characters.

Season 5 leverages all of these strengths, promising a perfect mix of suspense, humor, and heart for returning fans and newcomers alike.

Behind the Scenes: Creators and Production

The success of Only Murders in the Building stems not only from its cast but also from its creative leadership and meticulous production:

• Co-Creators: John Hoffman and Steve Martin bring decades of experience in comedy and storytelling, ensuring the series balances humor with mystery.

• Production Design: The Arconia and surrounding locations are carefully curated to reflect New York’s charm, history, and eccentricities.

• Filming Logistics: From Manhattan to Staten Island, the production team recreates a consistent, immersive environment while allowing for narrative expansion outside the building.

By combining top-tier talent, detailed set design, and clever writing, the series continues to set a benchmark for comedic mystery television.

What to Expect From the Premiere

The September 9 premiere will introduce:

• Three consecutive episodes to kickstart the season.

• A focus on the Lester murder investigation, setting the stage for the season’s overarching mystery.

• New characters who may complicate relationships, provide red herrings, or act as unexpected allies.

Fans should prepare for twists, laughs, and shocking reveals, with every episode reinforcing why Only Murders in the Building remains one of Hulu’s most beloved series.

Final Thoughts

Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building promises to deliver everything fans love: compelling mysteries, clever humor, strong character dynamics, and the unmistakable charm of New York City’s most unlucky apartment building.

With returning stars, high-profile guest appearances, and a fresh focus on the city itself, this season is shaping up to be both a continuation and an expansion of the series’ winning formula.

As Charles, Oliver, and Mabel investigate Lester’s mysterious death, viewers can expect twists, laughter, and heartfelt moments that solidify the show’s place as a modern classic in comedic mystery television.

Mark your calendars for September 9, 2025, and get ready to return to the Arconia—where every corner hides a clue, and every resident has a secret.