In the world of streaming, it’s easy to forget how TV show releases used to be. The days when the audience would have to wait each week for a new episode are a thing of the past. Twenty-two episodes per season are definitely scarce, and seasons are typically released in their entirety. A show that avoids these new standards is Hulu’s mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building.
With new episodes once a week, and the consistency of releasing a new season each year, it sticks to the style of traditional television. The Hulu original began airing in August 2021, with notable stars Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez as its leads. The show follows Oliver Putnam (Short), Charles-Haden Savage (Martin), and Mabel Mora (Gomez) as they solve the murders occurring in their beloved Arconia building through a podcast.
Each season deals with a new murder, and the stakes get higher. Along with a new murder, Mabel also gets a new love interest each season, which causes fans to debate who they think should be with her. The show does a good job of keeping track of their storylines, and tying up to loose ends from previous seasons. In addition, the opening theme shows clues as to what the episode will pertain to, as well as including images of notable pieces from the episode in the closing credits.
Only Murders in the Building keeps its consistency in releasing a new season each fall, amounting to five seasons and a total of fifty episodes within four years. Compared to other streaming services that take years to film following seasons, Only Murders in the Building is a goldmine. A show with this much suspense needs to keep running on its high. That being said, the stakes are higher than ever for their recently renewed season six. The trio will be heading across the pond to London to solve their greatest murder mystery yet.
Fall was already my favorite season, but Only Murders greatly adds to it. Once the last day of summer ends, and I feel the cool, crisp air on my skin, I know what awaits me on Hulu. Week after week, I wait eagerly for a new piece of the puzzle. Truthfully, I am on the edge of my seat, jaw dropped at what I see. Of course, there are heartfelt moments that cause my eyes to water. It wouldn’t be great TV if it didn’t incorporate each type of element in human emotion.
Though the show is a mystery-comedy, it is intentional with its story-telling. In particular, they have a character named Theo (James Caverly), who is deaf. They worked together to ensure Theo was not portrayed in a stereotypical manner and that there was intention behind his character. This was expertly displayed in season one, where they made an entire episode from Theo’s point of view. This meant that the entire episode only had one piece of spoken dialogue, and the rest was performed in sign language. It was later awarded the Seal of Authentic Representation from the Ruderman Family Foundation. This award is seen as premier recognition for those within the TV and film industry who are committed to telling inclusive stories.
Another element the show brings is guest stars. It seems as if guest stars are a lost art form within television. Especially ones that are so well-known. In previous seasons, Only Murders guest stars have included Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, Paul Rudd, Eva Longoria, and Meryl Streep. Most recently, Logan Lerman and Renée Zellweger made appearances.
The music, the clues, and the camaraderie of an unlikely trio are what contribute to the show’s greatness. As someone who has watched a variety of media, I truly believe that Only Murders in the Building is accomplishing something real in its work. It is a program I look forward to every year, and one that I never miss. Only Murders proves that it is still possible to create a TV show with purpose, while sticking to the traditional roots of television release.
Quite frankly, I dread the day the Arconia closes its doors for good. For now, I await the arrival of the next hair-raising season. I hope you’ll discover what makes Only Murders in the Building so special, too.
All five seasons of Only Murders in the Building are available to stream on Hulu.