The fifth season of Hulu’s hit comedy-mystery “Only Murders in the Building” premieres September 9 with three episodes, followed by weekly releases until October 28. While the series continues to deliver its signature charm, some critics suggest the show might be losing its edge.
Season 5 begins with the death of Lester, the Arconia’s longtime doorman. Though initially ruled an accident, the trio of Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) dive into an investigation that pulls them into conflicts between “old mob” and “new mob” billionaire forces in New York City.
The new season introduces several high-profile additions to the cast. Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, and Logan Lerman join as billionaires representing the “new mob,” while Téa Leoni appears as mob wife Sofia Caccimelio, who may have mafia connections. Keegan-Michael Key steps in as New York City’s mayor, and Dianne Wiest plays Lester’s widow, Lorraine. Jermaine Fowler debuts as the new doorman, competing with LESTR, an AI replacement that brings themes of automation and job security into the storyline.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Key described his experience on set as “warm and welcoming” and called working with Martin and Short “an absolute delight.” He noted that the new season is “very apropos in regard to things that are happening in our society right now.”
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Series co-creator John Hoffman previously told Deadline that Season 5 would “hit on some very current things going on within New York” and maintain the show’s tradition of blending “classic meets modern” themes. This is reflected in filming locations, including the iconic Staten Island house used in “The Godfather,” which ties into the season’s “old mob” storyline.
Despite maintaining an early perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes before the premiere, some reviewers have expressed concerns. One critic noted that “the centre is failing to hold” in Season 5, with plot elements feeling “randomly scattered rather than meaningfully laid.” The podcast element that anchored earlier seasons receives less attention, and the main characters spend too much time apart.
Several specific criticisms emerge in early reviews. Howard’s relationship with the new robot doorman is described as “absurd in the wrong way,” and Zellweger’s billionaire character is criticized as “just a collection of mannerisms.” The decision to film more scenes outside the Arconia has disrupted the delicate balance that made earlier seasons work. Meryl Streep’s return as Oliver’s wife Loretta has received mixed reactions, with one reviewer suggesting she “should, wherever possible, be kept away from comedy.”
Nevertheless, the core appeal remains intact. Martin, Short, and Gomez continue to deliver strong performances, maintaining the characters that viewers have come to love. The show still offers enough of its trademark humor and chemistry to keep audiences engaged.
As one reviewer put it, the series is “still charming, still fun” with “enough flashes of the old dynamic” to keep us hooked and hopeful.” With a total of 10 episodes this season, fans will have plenty of time to decide whether “Only Murders in the Building” is still solving cases with its former brilliance or if it’s time for the podcast to wrap up.
