The “Arconia’s” mystery deepens as Only Murders in the Building Season 5 premieres, promising a thrilling blend of humor and suspense. Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) return to Hulu and Disney+ on September 9, 2025, ready to unravel the puzzling death of their beloved doorman, Lester Coluca (Teddy Coluca). According to initial reviews, this season reaches “new heights” by expanding the scope of the mystery beyond the Arconia’s walls and diving into a “deeper divide between their storied city they thought they knew and the new New York evolving around them,” as reported by Forbes.
A New Mystery Unfolds
Season 5 picks up immediately following the cliffhanger of Season 4, plunging the Arconia into chaos after Lester’s tragic demise in the courtyard fountain. The central question looms: who murdered Lester and why? As detailed in Cosmopolitan, the investigation pulls the podcasting trio into a complex web involving secret billionaires, mobsters, and other mysterious residents infiltrating their iconic Upper West Side building. The series, known for its clever writing and stellar performances, continues its tradition of introducing a fresh, engaging mystery each season.
Premiere and Release Schedule
The first three episodes of Season 5, titled “Nail in the Coffin,” “After You,” and “Rigor,” premiered on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays, culminating in the season finale on October 28, 2025. This release strategy, according to Hulu’s official announcement, is designed to build anticipation and encourage weekly engagement with the series.
Stellar Cast and Guest Appearances
The heart of Only Murders in the Building remains the dynamic between Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Their comedic timing and genuine chemistry have been a cornerstone of the show’s success. This season elevates the ensemble with an impressive array of guest stars, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. ELLE Decor highlights the notable additions:
- Christoph Waltz: The two-time Academy Award winner brings his formidable talent to an undisclosed role.
- Renée Zellweger: Plays Camila White, an entrepreneurial designer with potential ties to the Arconia’s secrets.
- Bobby Cannavale: Returns to reprise his role, adding another layer to the intricate storyline.
- Dianne Wiest: Appears as Lorraine Coluca, Lester’s wife, whose grief and potential knowledge become crucial to the investigation.
- Keegan-Michael Key: Portrays Mayor Tillman, introducing a political dimension to the Arconia’s affairs.
- Téa Leoni: Enters the scene as Sofia Caccimelio, a mob wife whose presence signals a dangerous escalation.
Beyond the Arconia: Expanded Setting
While the Arconia remains the central location, Season 5 ventures beyond its familiar walls, offering viewers a broader glimpse of New York City’s hidden corners. According to The Washington Post, production for the season wrapped in June 2025 and included filming at various iconic New York City locations, including Staten Island, near the house used in “The Godfather.” This expansion of the setting promises to enrich the storytelling and introduce new layers of intrigue.
Mob Influence
The investigation into Lester’s death uncovers a narrative that delves into a “deeper divide between their storied city they thought they knew and the new New York evolving around them,” with the old mob fighting to retain power against “newer, even more dangerous players.” The inclusion of Téa Leoni as a mob wife hints at a significant mob presence in the season’s plot. The old mob is fighting to retain power against “newer, even more dangerous players.”
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
Only Murders in the Building has consistently garnered critical acclaim and high viewership since its debut. The series has broken records, becoming the most-watched comedy premiere and most-watched comedy ever on Hulu, according to Hulu’s press releases. Its success has cemented its renewal and ongoing popularity, with Season 5 expected to further solidify its standing as a critical and audience favorite. The show has earned numerous Emmy and SAG Award nominations, solidifying its status as a cultural juggernaut, as reported by Wikipedia.
Balancing Tragedy and Comedy
A key element of the show’s success lies in its ability to seamlessly blend tragic and comedic elements. This delicate balance allows the series to explore serious themes while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone. Early reviews suggest that Season 5 excels in this regard, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely moving scenes. This unique blend is a defining characteristic of Only Murders in the Building, setting it apart from other true-crime comedies.
The Future of the Arconia
As Charles, Oliver, and Mabel navigate the dangerous territory of Season 5, they must confront powerful new adversaries and unravel a mystery that hits close to home. The death of Lester, a friendly and well-liked figure, adds a personal dimension to their investigation, forcing them to question their assumptions and confront the changing landscape of their beloved city. With its stellar cast, compelling storyline, and expanded setting, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable chapter in the Arconia’s story. The show’s continued success is a testament to its clever writing, engaging characters, and ability to capture the zeitgeist of the true-crime podcasting phenomenon.
