Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need To Know
When Only Murders in the Building first aired in 2021, it felt like lightning in a bottle—an unexpected mix of cozy mystery, heartfelt moments, and dry humor. As Season 5 approaches, fans are more invested than ever in the charming trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. But this season, the mystery strikes even closer to home. The victim? Someone they all knew well.
Early Days and Unlikely Heroes
When Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) met in the Arconia, they were just neighbors with a shared love for true crime podcasts.
But soon, they were amateur detectives in their podcast-worthy murder cases. Over four seasons, we’ve watched them grow from awkward acquaintances to true friends who can’t seem to avoid trouble.
Each season has brought laughs, twists, and deeper looks into the trio’s personal lives. Charles wrestled with past fame and new relationships. Oliver tried to redeem his career and reconnect with his son. Mabel worked through trauma and found her voice. Together, they’ve cracked complicated cases while entertaining a podcast audience and us viewers.
The Shocking Death That Starts It All
Season 5 kicks off with a heartbreaking twist—Lester, the Arconia’s loyal doorman, is found dead in the building’s fountain. This isn’t just another mystery for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. Lester had been part of their daily lives, offering quiet support and sharp observations from his post in the lobby. His death hits hard.
As they dig into Lester’s final days, a new case appears. Sofia Caccimelio, played by new cast member Téa Leoni, turns to the trio in desperation. Her husband is missing. At first, the cases seem unrelated. But in true Only Murders fashion, the threads will intertwine, unraveling secrets buried deep in the Arconia’s walls—and maybe even in the trio’s pasts.
Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent
The show’s heart still beats through its core trio. Steve Martin’s quiet charm, Martin Short’s flamboyant flair, and Selena Gomez’s grounded presence perfectly balance. They return for Season 5 alongside key supporting players like Teddy Coluca as Lester, whose death sparks the central mystery.
Season 5 also welcomes new faces. Keegan-Michael Key joins the cast in a mystery role, and Téa Leoni brings fresh drama as Sofia. These additions aren’t just for star power—they’re woven into the emotional and narrative depth the show prides itself on.
The showrunner, John Hoffman, said this season will peel back more layers. “There’s more vulnerability, history, and connection between the cases and the characters themselves,” he said.
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A Carefully Crafted Story with Big Twists
Season 5 will unfold across ten episodes, sticking to the same format that fans have come to love. Each episode promises brilliant pacing, surprise twists, and, of course, a few red herrings. While Lester’s murder takes center stage, Sofia’s missing husband adds emotional stakes and more suspects.
The podcast remains a significant part of the show. It is not just a narrative device; it allows the trio to process events in real time and often uncover clues without realizing it. In Oliver’s apartment, expect awkward voice-overs, funny editing mishaps, and late-night recording sessions.
Filming started in early 2025 and is expected to wrap by summer, making an August or September release likely. However, the creators are committed to quality over speed. If post-production takes longer, fans may have to wait until early 2026.
Why It Still Works: The Magic Behind the Scenes
So what makes Only Murders in the Building so special? It’s more than clever writing and talented actors. The show captures the feeling of New York—the random friendships, the strange neighbors, the creaky elevator rides. The Arconia feels real because many scenes are filmed in actual New York buildings.
Every season also plants small clues that later bloom into big reveals. If you rewatch, you’ll notice how carefully each episode is designed. Set decorations, one-liners, and even throwaway jokes often hide major hints. That’s why the show has such a devoted fanbase. It trusts the viewer to follow along and rewards them when they do.
The show also handles humor and grief with equal care. A scene might make you laugh out loud, then catch you off guard with genuine emotion. This tone balance keeps the show fresh without losing heart.
What to Expect in Season 5
- 10 episodes full of twists, humor, and heartfelt moments
- Two intertwined mysteries: Lester’s murder and Sofia’s missing husband
- Deeper dives into the personal stories of the three leads
- New faces: Keegan-Michael Key and Téa Leoni bring added depth
- A late 2025 release window, likely on Hulu
Behind the scenes, the team is working hard to maintain the show’s signature style. Set designers, editors, and writers carefully shape each moment. The creators know expectations are high, and they’re determined to deliver.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Whodunnit
Only Murders in the Building has always been about more than solving crimes. It’s about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the strange comfort of shared obsessions. As Season 5 nears, we’re not just excited for the next twist—we want to see what Charles, Oliver, and Mabel will discover about themselves along the way.
Whether it drops in August or a few months later, one thing is sure: fans will be ready. With every new season, this show proves that good stories and friendships are worth returning for. So get ready to press play. The next mystery is almost here.