There is a special kind of magic that happens when our favorite trio of amateur sleuths gathers around a murder board. After a season that took them far from home, only murders in the building season 5 brings Charles, Oliver, and Mabel back to where they belong: the majestic and murder-filled Arconia. This season feels like a warm hug from an old friend, mixed with the thrilling chill of a new mystery. It is a spectacular return to form that reminds us why we fell in love with this quirky show in the first place. The stakes feel personal again, the jokes land perfectly, and the heart of the show beats stronger than ever. From the very first scene, you can tell the writers have crafted something truly special for the fans.
A Beloved Character’s Journey Comes to a Heartbreaking End
The season kicks off with a moment that stops you in your tracks. The discovery of Lester, the beloved Arconia doorman, in the courtyard fountain is not just another murder; it feels like a loss in the family. For four seasons, Lester was the friendly face who greeted everyone, who knew everyone’s secrets, and who kept the building running smoothly. He was a constant, comforting presence. Seeing his life cut short sends shockwaves through the entire building. For Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, this is deeply personal. This isn’t just a case; it’s about getting justice for a man who was part of the fabric of their daily lives. The investigation forces them to look at the building’s history and realize that Lester held more keys than just the ones to the front door .
The Stunning and Star-Studded Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Cast
One of the greatest joys of this series is seeing who will show up next, and the only murders in the building season 5 cast is absolutely mind-blowing. It is a perfect mix of beloved returning faces and exciting new talent. The core trio is as brilliant as ever. Steve Martin brings a wonderful, weary dignity to Charles, while Martin Short is a whirlwind of chaotic energy as Oliver. Selena Gomez anchors them both with her perfectly dry wit as Mabel. Seeing them work together again, finishing each other’s sentences and solving clues, is pure joy. But the magic truly multiplies with the new additions .
The list of newcomers reads like an awards-show guest list. We have the incredible Renée Zellweger, the always-captivating Christoph Waltz, and the talented Logan Lerman playing a trio of mysterious billionaires with secrets of their own. Their presence adds a layer of glamour and danger that elevates the entire season. Then there is the wonderful Téa Leoni, who brings depth and mystery to her role, and the always-hilarious Keegan-Michael Key, who steps into a pivotal part of the story. To round it out, Beanie Feldstein joins as a figure from Mabel’s past, and the legendary Dianne Wiest brings her incredible talent to the role of Lester’s widow, Lorraine . Every single actor brings their A-game, making this season a true treat.
| Actor/Actress | Character | Role in Season 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Martin | Charles-Haden Savage | Retired actor and one-third of the podcasting trio. |
| Martin Short | Oliver Putnam | Energetic theater director and one-third of the trio. |
| Selena Gomez | Mabel Mora | The artistic and sharp-witted third member of the team. |
| Meryl Streep | Loretta Durkin | Oliver’s beloved wife, brings warmth and support. |
| Michael Cyril Creighton | Howard Morris | The unofficial fourth member of the sleuthing team. |
| Da’Vine Joy Randolph | Det. Williams | The long-suffering detective who keeps crossing paths with the trio. |
| Renée Zellweger | Camila White | One of the powerful billionaires entangled in the case. |
| Christoph Waltz | Bash Steeg | A mysterious and wealthy player in the new conspiracy. |
| Logan Lerman | Jay Pflug | A young billionaire with connections to the victim. |
| Téa Leoni | Sofia Caccimelio | A worried wife with a missing mobster husband. |
| Bobby Cannavale | Nicky Caccimelio | Sofia’s missing husband, a mobster with a temper. |
| Keegan-Michael Key | Mayor Beau Tillman | The Mayor of New York City, whose secrets run deep. |
| Teddy Coluca | Lester | The beloved doorman whose death is the central mystery. |
| Dianne Wiest | Lorraine | Lester’s grieving widow, who seeks the truth. |
Mark Your Calendars: The Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Date
Fans around the world marked their calendars for a very special day. The long-awaited only murders in the building season 5 release date was Tuesday, September 9, 2025. It was a day of celebration for the fandom. The excitement was palpable online as everyone prepared to dive back into the world of the Arconia. The release strategy was perfect for a binge-watch session with a side of patience. To kick things off, Hulu (in the US) and Disney+ (internationally) dropped the first three episodes all at once. This gave us a fantastic starting point, allowing us to get hooked on the new mystery immediately. After that, the anticipation built weekly, giving us time to theorize and debate every clue with friends .
A Detailed Breakdown of the Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episodes
This season is a masterclass in storytelling, with each episode building perfectly on the last. The full list of only murders in the building season 5 episodes shows a creative team at the top of their game. Let’s walk through the journey. The season premiered with three episodes on September 9th, introducing Lester’s death and the three billionaire suspects . As the weeks went on, the mystery deepened. On September 16th, only murders in the building season 5 episode 4 titled “Dirty Birds” turned the investigation in a new direction . The following week, only murders in the building season 5 episode 5 “Tongue Tied” had Charles getting closer to danger . October brought us even closer to the truth. only murders in the building season 5 episode 6 “Flatbrush” took Oliver back to his childhood home, unearthing buried clues . The tension ramped up with only murders in the building season 5 episode 7 “Silver Alert,” where the Mayor himself warned the trio about the billionaires they were investigating . only murders in the building season 5 episode 8 “Cuckoo Chicks” saw Mabel going undercover at an exclusive event . The penultimate chapter, only murders in the building season 5 episode 9 “LESTR,” was told from a unique perspective and set the stage for a breathtaking conclusion . Finally, on October 28th, only murders in the building season 5 episode 10 “The House Always” delivered a shocking and satisfying finale that tied everything together .
The Jaw-Dropping Conclusion of the Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Finale
The build-up to the only murders in the building season 5 finale was intense, and it did not disappoint. The final episode, “The House Always,” revealed a web of connections that was both surprising and perfectly logical. The investigation into Lester’s death led the trio to a hidden casino in the Arconia’s basement, run by mobster Nicky Caccimelio. The three billionaires, along with a very unexpected player, were involved in a high-stakes game for control. The shocking revelation was that New York City Mayor Beau Tillman was the one who accidentally chased Lester, causing his fatal fall. It was a moment of panic that spiraled out of control. Nicky’s death was also shown to be an accident, a tragic consequence of a violent confrontation. In a stunning final twist, after seemingly wrapping everything up, the trio found podcast rival Cinda Canning dead outside the Arconia, setting up a thrilling new mystery for the next season .
A First Look at the Action-Packed Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Trailer
Months before the premiere, the only murders in the building season 5 trailer dropped and broke the internet. It was a masterfully edited piece of content that gave us everything we wanted. It opened with the somber image of Lester’s body being found, immediately establishing the emotional core of the season. Then, it cut to the trio looking determined, with Oliver dramatically declaring they would find the killer. The trailer was packed with quick shots of the incredible new cast members: Renée Zellweger looking sleek and suspicious, Christoph Waltz oozing menace, and Keegan-Michael Key in a heated argument. We saw glimpses of high-society parties, dark back alleys, and the familiar comfort of the trio’s apartments. The classic, upbeat theme music played throughout, reminding us that even in death, this show finds a way to make us smile. It was the perfect appetizer for the feast to come .
An In-Depth Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review
In my opinion, this season is a triumphant victory lap for the series. After a season that was good but felt a little lost in Hollywood, only murders in the building season 5 reviews from critics and fans alike agree that the show has found its footing again. The decision to bring the mystery back home to the Arconia was brilliant. The building itself feels like a character again, with its hidden rooms, winding staircases, and long-held secrets. The chemistry between Martin, Short, and Gomez has never been better; they have settled into their roles with such comfort that their interactions feel completely real and spontaneous. The addition of the billionaires added a fresh dynamic, raising the stakes from a personal grudge to a city-wide conspiracy. While some felt the plot had many red herrings, I found that it only added to the fun of guessing “whodunit” right up until the very end .
The Phenomenal Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Guest Stars
A huge part of the show’s appeal is the surprise of who will pop up next, and the only murders in the building season 5 guest stars are simply spectacular. They don’t just appear for a quick cameo; they are woven into the fabric of the story. Renée Zellweger brings a sharp, calculating energy to Camila White that is captivating to watch. Christoph Waltz, as Bash Steeg, uses his natural intensity to create a character you simply cannot trust. Logan Lerman perfectly embodies the arrogance of a young nepo-baby billionaire. Téa Leoni adds a layer of classic noir mystery as the distressed wife, and Keegan-Michael Key brings his comedic genius to a role with surprising depth. Even small roles, like Jermaine Fowler’s character, add to the rich tapestry of suspects and allies. These aren’t just names on a poster; they are integral parts of what makes this season so enjoyable .
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fifth Season
Q1: When is only murders in the building season 5 coming out?
The season premiered on September 9, 2025, with new episodes released weekly .
Q2: Who is in the cast of only murders in the building season 5?
The cast of only murders in the building season 5 includes returning stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. They are joined by incredible guest stars like Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, Téa Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, and Logan Lerman .
Q3: How many episodes are in only murders in the building season 5?
There are 10 fantastic episodes in the fifth season .
Q4: Is there a trailer for only murders in the building season 5?
Yes, the official trailer was released in August 2025 and gives a fantastic look at the new mystery and cast .
Q5: Who died at the end of only murders in the building season 5?
In a shocking cliffhanger, rival podcaster Cinda Canning (Tina Fey) is found dead outside the Arconia in the final moments of the season .
Q6: Where can I watch only murders in the building season 5?
You can stream it on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in many other countries around the world .
Conclusion: A Season Worth Celebrating
In the end, only murders in the building season 5 delivers everything we could have hoped for and more. It is a brilliant blend of heartfelt emotion, sharp comedy, and a genuinely clever mystery. The show reminds us that it’s not just about the crime; it’s about the unique family formed by Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. Their friendship is the anchor that keeps the show grounded, no matter how wild the plot becomes. With its incredible cast, return to its roots, and a finale that left us speechless, this season is a shining example of why this show remains one of the best on television. Now, the only question left is: who killed Cinda Canning? We cannot wait to find out.