If you love the suspense and mystery of true crime dramas but need to take a serious break from all that darkness, then you should put Only Murders in the Building on your watchlist.
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Unlike your standard detective story that's filled with somber cases and truly terrifying villains, this Hulu original series brings some much-needed levity to the genre thanks to its all-star comedic cast and clever writing. It follows three Upper West Side Manhattanites who become amateur sleuths when they discover a murder has taken place in their apartment building.
As their investigation unfolds, these unlikely crime solvers will have to confront the skeletons in their own closets and the murderer, who's still very much on the loose.
Starring the likes of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building set the record for the most-watched comedy premiere in Hulu's history when it was first released in 2021. It's since gone on to develop a strong fan base, receive favorable reviews from critics, feature numerous A-list guest stars (like Sting), and even win a few awards—including three Primetime Emmys.
With Season 3 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start watching. Here's everything you need to know about your new favorite show, Only Murders in the Building.
What is Only Murders in the Building About?
Only Murders in the Building follows three residents—a retired actor named Charles Haden Savage (Martin), an out-of-work Broadway producer named Oliver Putnam (Short), and a young artist named Mabel Mora (Gomez)—who live in a luxurious Manhattan apartment building called the Arconia. They develop an unlikely bond when they all realize they're fans of the same true crime podcast.
So when another Aroconia resident is brutally murdered, they do the only logical thing they can think of—investigate the crime and start their own podcast.
Martin, who co-created the show with John Hoffman, says the trio of protagonists was originally supposed to be three older men. But executive producer Dan Fogelman had the idea to add a younger woman to the dynamic. Gomez was more than happy to take on the role and work with the two comedy legends.
"What I've learned from them is to be a little more snarky," she told Deadline. "I can tell that I have a little more bite. Marty will look at me and say, 'I did that.'"
What Happened in Only Murders in the Building Season 2?
Without giving too much away, the first season sees our intrepid trio uncovering a shocking array of secrets and lies from their fellow Aroconia residents as their podcast garners more attention.
Season 2 puts them in a slightly different kind of spotlight. Another Arconia resident is found dead, and this time, they're the prime suspects.
"They were all lonely people who are also complicated people with heartache and pain," Hoffman told Deadline in 2021. "I know that doesn't sound like a great premise for a comedy, but I always like to find the human leveling qualities about people we can all relate to. You really can't help but love this trio and cheer for them."
You'll also be cheering for guest stars Cara Delevingne, Amy Schumer, and Jane Lynch, who all make cameos in the second season.
Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Plot and Episode Count
If you're all caught up on the show, then you're probably wondering what's in store for Season 3, and it's a doozy. Both in terms of the mystery and the sheer star power coming your way.
The 10-episode season will feature guest appearances from superstars like Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep. They'll join the ensemble cast as they take on a new case that involves a leading man who drops dead in the middle of a show—Putnam's show, to be exact.
According to Deadline, our trio of investigators will take their mystery-solving out of the Arconia when Putnam's leading man Ben Glenroy (Rudd), drops dead onstage as soon as his show begins. In order to save the show, they'll have to figure out who killed him, and fast.
"I'm about six weeks into writing with the room for Season 3, and what we have planned is insane and so exciting.," Hoffman said back in 2022. "It's also very twisty. "We try to check ourselves, like, 'OK, what can we do and how can we do this differently?' and 'What feels like a different take? A fresh take?'
"So I can only say hang tight! There's a lot going on, and certainly, the victim is colorfully drawn so far."
Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Premiere Date
Luckily, we don't have to hang tight much longer. Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building premieres on Hulu on August 8th, 2023. Until then, you can binge all the episodes of seasons 1 and 2 on the platform.
