'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5 Is Here: Is It a Must-See or a Flop?
The coziest detective series is back, and we'll tell you whether it's worth checking out.
The long-awaited fifth season of Only Murders in the Building premiered on September 9. The show won the hearts of viewers and critics with its unique blend of cozy detective story, sparkling comedy, and touching drama.
The new case involving Charles, Oliver, and Mabel proves that, even after five years, the show has lost none of its charm – in fact, it has perfected its successful formula.
What Is 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5 About?
In the Season 4 finale, our trio discovers another corpse in Arconia. This time, the victim is Lester, the building's kindest and most beloved concierge.
The police quickly rule the death an accident, but Charles, Oliver, and Mabel aren't convinced. Their investigation leads them into the world of the modern New York mafia, where tech billionaires, heirs to pharmaceutical empires, and hotel magnates have replaced old-school mobsters.
The discovery of a severed finger on a shrimp tray and the body of a missing gangster at a dry cleaner's confirms that a fifth season of the Only Murders in the Building podcast is on the way.
'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5 Returns to the Roots
After experimenting with the format in previous seasons – including a trip to Hollywood and actors who played the main characters inside the show – the series' creators decided to return to their roots.
Once again, a murder occurs within the walls of Arconia, the victim is a close friend, and the solution to the mystery is closely intertwined with the building's past. It's a return to the classic formula that brought the series its initial success.
The second episode, which is an emotional flashback to Lester's life, is pure fan service. However, it works flawlessly, immersing viewers in a nostalgic atmosphere and revealing how our characters met all those years ago.
'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5 Is Still a Cozy but Gripping Detective Story
Season 5 strikes the perfect balance between cozy comedy and gripping detective story. On the one hand, it remains a warm and intimate story about three eccentric neighbors whose dynamic is the show's greatest asset.
On the other hand, it's a genuinely intriguing investigation with a dazzling new crop of star cameos: Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman, and Renée Zellweger add charm and suspense to the series as new-style mobster suspects.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5?
Decider critic Joel Keller wrote:
“Only Murders In The Building continues to be funny while presenting solid mysteries for Mabel, Charles and Oliver to solve.”
-
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 has 95% from critics and 93% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where to Watch 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5?
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 is available to stream on Hulu.
