Since its debut, Only Murders in the Building has captivated audiences and critics alike by reinventing the mystery genre with a smart blend of comedy, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Set in the enigmatic Arconia building in New York City, the series follows the trio of amateur podcasters — Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) — who unintentionally find themselves investigating murders happening around them.

Recapping the Murders and Mysteries from Each Season

In Season 1, the mystery revolves around the murder of Tim Kono, a young artist living in the Arconia. As they investigate, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel discover that Jan (Amy Ryan), who had dated Charles, is the culprit. Jan is revealed to be a cold psychopath who killed Tim to hide deep secrets. Besides the central plot, the season introduces recurring characters such as the charismatic doorman Lester, eccentric neighbors, and police officers who appear throughout the investigations.

Season 2 focuses on the murder of Bunny Folger, the Arconia’s building manager. The trio dives into a web of corruption, organized crime, and intrigue within the building. Among the killers are a corrupt police officer and the assistant to a famous podcaster — played by Tina Fey — involved in the murder to protect their own interests. The season expands the mystery’s scope beyond the Arconia, with dangerous underworld connections. The ambiguous role of law enforcement adds suspense and complexity to the story.

The brilliant Season 3 features Ben Glenroy, an actor renting Sting’s penthouse, as the victim. The plot thickens with theatrical backstage drama, as Oliver is producing a play, and the murder ties directly to this intrigue. The play’s producer is revealed as the killer, who murders Theo to cover up a complex scheme of fraud and personal vengeance. This season deepens the protagonists’ relationships while balancing humor and tension.

In Season 4, the victim is Sazz, Charles’s stunt double, played by Jane Lynch. The trio uncovers a rental control scheme in a less glamorous building next to the Arconia, expanding the show’s universe to new social and urban layers. Surprisingly, Jan — who had escaped prison after Season 1 events — is not the killer this time. The real culprit is Marshall Pope (Jin Ha), a writer and stuntman who kills Sazz to prevent the release of a script inspired by the series itself, fearing uncomfortable truths would come to light. The season ends with a shocking discovery: the body of the beloved doorman Lester, opening a new mystery linked directly to the trio.

Recurring Characters and the World of the Arconia

The Arconia building is almost a character itself, with its eccentric residents and secrets. Doorman Lester remains a constant presence until his tragic death, alongside quirky neighbors, police officers who alternate between helpers and antagonists, and guest celebrities who enrich the cast, such as Meryl Streep (Loretta), who marries Oliver, and Nathan Lane. The chemistry among Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, combined with this universe, keeps the series vibrant and cohesive.

Hints and Clues from the Season 5 Trailer

The new season’s trailer reveals a darker tone, delving into organized crime and mysteries involving billionaires, mafia figures, and powerful New Yorkers. Lester’s death, initially seen as an accident, becomes the starting point for a complex investigation full of twists.

New characters played by Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, and Christoph Waltz are introduced as key suspects, likely expanding the mysteries beyond the Arconia. Returning characters like Nadia Caccimelio (Téa Leoni) play important roles in the hunt for fugitive mobster Nicky Caccimelio.

While the season’s tone is more serious and tense, the trailer keeps the show’s trademark humor and fast pace, featuring chases, suspicious meetings, and comedic moments from the trio.

The season premieres on September 9, 2025, with the first episodes released at once, followed by weekly Tuesday releases through October.

What to Expect from Season 5?

The upcoming season promises to raise the stakes, blending light-hearted humor with a denser narrative and a more dangerous world. The detective trio will remain united but face greater challenges while uncovering dark ties between the Arconia, the mafia underworld, and new characters who may be friends or foes.

With its unmistakable charm, clever genre homages, and intricate plot, Only Murders in the Building continues as one of the best comedy-mystery series, ready to surprise and captivate audiences once again.