Only Murders in the Building

Star-driven streaming comedy that made true-crime spoof feel cozy and sharp.

Why it matters

Episode guide

50 episodes across 5 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.

At a glance

True-crime podcast fans Charles, Oliver, and Mabel investigate murders in their Upper West Side building — loneliness as motive, comedy as method. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez make the Arconia a cozy death trap with perfect timing. Steve Martin and John Hoffman's Hulu series treats amateur sleuthing as found family. Guest killers and Broadway cameos keep seasons fizzy. It is mystery-box comfort with A-list farce chops.

Network & studio

• Hulu — streamer network
• 20th Television — production studio

Why watch now

For three-lead chemistry that could carry a silent film and still kills with dialogue. Ideal Sunday-watch energy: funny, twisty, low cruelty.

Cultural impact

Only Murders proved star-driven streaming comedy could be both cozy and sharp and made the Arconia a pop landmark. It reinvigorated multi-gen comedy casting. Podcast culture finally got the screwball tribute it deserved.

Creators

Steve Martin · John Hoffman

Key cast

• Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage
• Martin Short as Oliver Putnam
• Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora

Flash facts

• Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman; Hulu premiere August 31, 2021.
• Stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
• Each season typically centers on a new murder mystery in the same building community.
• Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations; major streaming comedy hit.
• Known for celebrity guest arcs and meta true-crime satire.

FAQ

Back to the decade

More from the 2020s — Fragmented Empire. All shows.