The sleuthing trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are coming back—likely just in time for the dog days of summer. Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building is officially in production, and while Hulu hasn’t dropped an exact release date yet, all signs point to an August 2025 premiere, keeping with the series’ consistent late-summer rollout.
Season 5 Production Is Underway
Production for Season 5 kicked off in March 2025 in New York City, with behind-the-scenes photos already surfacing online showing Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short back on set in character. Hulu greenlit the new season shortly after the Season 4 finale aired in October 2024—a strong signal that confidence in the show remains sky-high.
Given that past seasons have all debuted in August (Season 4 premiered August 27, 2024), it’s a safe bet we’ll see the new episodes hit Hulu around the same time this year. Barring any unexpected delays, the timeline fits Hulu’s typical marketing and production cadence.
Major Casting News: Christoph Waltz Joins the Mystery
One of the most buzzed-about additions for Season 5 is two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, whose casting was confirmed earlier this year. While details about his character are being tightly guarded, sources hint he may be involved in the season’s central mystery—potentially as a suspect, victim, or something more sinister.
Waltz isn’t the only new face, either. The guest star lineup is expanding with big names including Renée Zellweger, Keegan-Michael Key, and Beanie Feldstein, proving that Only Murders continues to attract high-profile talent looking to get in on the fun.
Returning Faces and New Plot Threads
Season 5 is expected to pick up from the cliffhanger ending of Season 4, which saw the shocking murder of longtime Arconia doorman Lester (Teddy Coluca). While it’s unclear whether this crime will serve as the primary mystery, the emotional weight of losing a beloved recurring character suggests a more personal and character-driven investigation this time around.
Behind the scenes, co-creator John Hoffman continues to steer the creative ship alongside executive producers Steve Martin and Dan Fogelman (This Is Us), ensuring that the series stays true to its clever tone, whip-smart writing, and emotional depth.
What Else To Expect in Season 5
- A deeper dive into the Arconia’s past: Season 5 is rumored to explore the building’s hidden history, possibly tying into the Caputo crime family teased in earlier episodes.
- Hollywood ties remain: After a brief flirtation with Hollywood in Season 4, Mabel and Oliver may revisit the industry’s glitz and chaos, especially with new characters suggesting ties to film production.
- More podcast drama: The trio’s murder podcast has been a hit in-universe, but its growing fame could create new tensions—and dangerous enemies.
Release Timing Breakdown
| Season | Production Start | Premiere Date | Total Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2020 (Pre-pandemic delays) | Aug 31, 2021 | 10 |
| Season 2 | Winter 2021 | June 28, 2022 | 10 |
| Season 3 | Early 2023 | Aug 8, 2023 | 10 |
| Season 4 | Late 2023 | Aug 27, 2024 | 10 |
| Season 5 | March 2025 | Expected August 2025 | 10 (TBD) |
This trend makes a late August 2025 launch highly probable—perhaps even August 26 or 27, if Hulu continues its tradition of Tuesday drops.
Where to Watch
All previous seasons of Only Murders in the Building are currently streaming on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ (Star) internationally.
As the mystery continues to unfold both on and off-screen, fans won’t have to wait long to return to the Arconia for another round of clever twists, celebrity cameos, and podcast-fueled investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Season 5 of “Only Murders in the Building” has begun production with Christoph Waltz joining the cast.
- The original trio of Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin will return alongside familiar supporting characters.
- The first episode of Season 5 is expected to be released in August 2025
Overview of ‘Only Murders in the Building’
“Only Murders in the Building” is a popular mystery comedy-drama television series created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman that blends true crime fascination with humor. The show follows three strangers in a New York City apartment building who share an obsession with true crime podcasts.
Series Evolution and Success
The series, commonly abbreviated as OMITB, has gained significant popularity since its 2021 debut on Hulu. It centers on three residents of the Arconia, an upscale Manhattan apartment building, who start their own true crime podcast after a mysterious death occurs in their building.
Each season tackles a new murder mystery, with the amateur sleuths often finding themselves as suspects. The show cleverly balances comedic elements with genuine mystery, creating a unique tone that appeals to various audiences.
The series has been praised for its tight storytelling and intricate plot development. Its success has led to multiple seasons, with the most recent news indicating a fifth season is in production.
The Ensemble Cast
The show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as the unlikely trio of amateur detectives and podcast hosts. Their chemistry forms the heart of the series, with each bringing unique perspectives and skills to their investigations.
Martin plays Charles-Haden Savage, a former TV actor known for playing a detective. Short portrays Oliver Putnam, a Broadway director with financial troubles. Gomez completes the trio as Mabel Mora, a young woman with mysterious connections to the Arconia.
Recent news indicates that two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz will join the cast in season five, adding another acclaimed actor to the ensemble. Throughout its run, the show has featured numerous guest stars and recurring characters who enhance the rich world of the Arconia and its mysteries.
Current Developments and Future Directions
“Only Murders in the Building” continues to evolve with exciting new storylines and cast additions. The show’s recent production announcements and plot developments have generated significant buzz among fans.
Season 4 Highlights and Anticipation
Season 4 of “Only Murders in the Building” has doubled down on its unique blend of comedy and mystery. The season delivered a compelling storyline centered around the murder of Sazz Pataki, with a complex resolution that left viewers shocked and satisfied.
The finale offered several unexpected twists, setting up intriguing possibilities for what comes next. Critics have praised how the show continues to reinvent itself while maintaining its core charm.
The season expanded beyond the Arconia, taking viewers to Hollywood before returning to the familiar setting fans love. This geographical shift provided fresh scenarios while preserving the essence of what makes the show special.
Guest Stars and New Characters
Season 4 boasted an impressive roster of guest stars, including Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, and Eugene Levy. Meryl Streep returned to continue Loretta’s storyline, further developing her character’s relationship with Martin Short’s Oliver.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph joined the cast alongside Melissa McCarthy, adding their considerable talents to the ensemble. Kumail Nanjiani and Michael Cyril Creighton delivered standout performances that enriched the show’s dynamic.
Notable appearances by Keegan-Michael Key, Christoph Waltz, and Téa Leoni helped create memorable moments throughout the season. These celebrity cameos have become a hallmark of the series, with each guest star seamlessly integrated into the murder mystery narrative.
Narrative Enrichment and the ‘Fifth Season’
Production on Season 5 has officially begun, according to recent announcements from Hulu. This early start suggests viewers might see the new season earlier than expected, possibly in late 2025 or early 2026.
The upcoming fifth season promises to build on threads established in Season 4’s finale. Teddy Coluca’s character Lester, who has appeared throughout the series in various capacities, is expected to play a more significant role.
Hulu executives have expressed confidence in the show’s creative direction. The series continues to balance standalone murder mysteries with ongoing character development for its three leads.
The writing team appears focused on evolving the podcast element of the show while maintaining the core friendship between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel that forms the heart of “Only Murders in the Building.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans of the hit comedy-mystery series have many questions about the show’s past, present, and future. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Only Murders in the Building.
What is the release date for Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building?
Based on current information, Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building is expected to premiere in late 2024. Hulu has not yet announced an official release date for the fourth season.
Production for Season 4 began in early 2024, following the pattern of previous seasons’ development timelines.
Will there be a fifth season of Only Murders in the Building, and when is it expected?
Yes, Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for a fifth season. The search results indicate that two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz will join the cast for Season 5.
While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, Season 5 would likely premiere sometime in 2025 assuming production follows the established yearly cycle.
How many episodes are included in the third season of Only Murders in the Building?
Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building consisted of 10 episodes. This matches the episode count of the previous two seasons.
Each episode runs approximately 30 minutes in length, as noted in the search results.
Has Only Murders in the Building been renewed for a fourth season?
Yes, Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for a fourth season. The fourth season is currently in production with the main cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez returning.
The show continues to be popular on Hulu, which has contributed to its ongoing renewal.
What new characters can we expect to see in the upcoming season of Only Murders in the Building?
Full casting details for Season 4 have not been completely revealed. However, the show typically brings in notable guest stars each season.
For Season 5, Christoph Waltz has been announced as joining the cast, according to the search results.
Are there any plot details available for the next season of Only Murders in the Building?
Specific plot details for the upcoming season remain largely under wraps. The show typically continues the investigation format while introducing new mysteries.
Season 4 will likely address the unanswered questions from previous seasons that fans have noted in discussion forums.
The show traditionally builds upon previous storylines while introducing new murder mysteries within the Arconia building.
