Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building is back and as hilarious, thrilling, and touching as ever. This binge-worthy sensation debuted in 2021 at the height of true crime obsession, and the central trio played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez remains in our hearts to this day. The third season premiered on August 8th with two stellar episodes; check out our take on the beloved new season below.
Warning: spoilers ahead.
New Showbiz Drama with a Deadly Twist
The first two seasons of Only Murders in the Building developed its mystery/comedy/drama formula with a self-aware twist, following three people in the same apartment building who come together over their love of true-crime podcasts to solve a murder and make a true crime podcast themselves. With the comedic chops of Martin and Short already well-established, their ease into perfectly-cast roles plays effortlessly against Gomez playing it straight. The character dynamics combined with a solid original premise for the series would be enough to carry the weight of OMITB; luckily, the series also treats us with genuine thrills, twists, and theatrical drama of the highest caliber.
In Season 3, Martin and his creative collaborator John Hoffman take Only Murders in the Building to the actual stage, where Short’s character’s career as a theater producer has just begun its revival. Those caught up from last year already know what happens here: the opening night suddenly halts due to the death of its leading man, A-list actor Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd). You can probably guess whether or not Charles (Martin), Oliver (Short), and Mabel (Gomez) will investigate, of course. However, the excitement of a new potential podcast is only the tip of the iceberg for what will surely be another stellar season.
The Set-up for Season 3
As a superior multi-season show expands, the writers and actors build slow developments and organic growth in the primary characters rather than just telling us their stories in rushed exposition. Season 3 sets this up perfectly, particularly with Oliver, who is struggling through the most personally difficult situations trying to bring his career back to life. Granted, he’s better off than the dead guy, but at this juncture, the viewers identify with this character, who has become more sympathetic with each season. Charles is in the background for now, but he still gets plenty of chances to riff here in his role as an ex-TV star has-been.
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez of ‘Only Murders in the Building’
Mabel, always a sympathetic character from the beginning, has life changes to undergo as well; as enticing as their now-trademark murder mystery sleuthing is, that aspect is woven in almost as an excuse to put off real life for this character. Suspect-wise, for the murder, we have already seen new and old faces, knowing that anyone can be the killer this early in the game. Is it an enemy of Glenroy? Maybe a surprise familiar face like Jackie Hoffman (Mrs. Heller) or Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard)? Or randomly Charles’ new love interest could do it? Perhaps it’s the obvious, likely red herring played by a luminescent Meryl Streep, an actress who never got her shot until now.
Only Murders is Streaming Now
Not without its pacing faults in the past, Only Murders in the Building works best as a binge-watch, like your favorite crime investigation show. With two episodes from the new season now available, you can get started tonight and dive back into the fun world Martin and Hoffman kicked off in 2021. With so many interwoven tethers to follow, the new season begins both nuanced and full of action, a perfect blend of the show’s solidified formula.
Only Murders in the Building is streaming now on Hulu.