Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building series recently wrapped up its first season. Earlier, we wrote a mid-season review, and now we’re back with an article looking at the entire first season. As with our previous review, we’ll try to keep this one mostly spoiler-free, in case you haven’t seen the show yet and want to check it out.
What’s it About?
Over the first season’s 10-episode run, we meet our three main characters, who all live in a condo building, called the Arconia. The three characters initially don’t really know each other but form a bond over their shared love of true-crime podcasts. This takes on meaning when a resident of the Arconia dies in the first episode. Our trio of true-crime aficionados quickly become interested in the case, which they rightly conclude was not a suicide (as the police initially believe) and was instead a murder.
They begin their own investigation into the murder and decide to create their own podcast (Only Murders in the Building) about their efforts to solve the crime. Over the 10 episodes, we get numerous twists and turns. A variety of interesting suspects and side characters are introduced. We learn more about the backstory of not only the murder victim but also our three protagonists. As is often the case in twisty mystery shows, everything is not as it seems. We’ll leave it at that.
Who is in it?
The three main characters are played by well-known actors.
Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage - a washed-up actor whose claim to fame is that he starred in a popular police procedural TV show in the 1980s. He now lives alone in the Arconia building and spends most of his time listening to his favorite true-crime podcast and not engaging with too many of his neighbors. It’s a solitary existence, but one he has chosen for himself.
Martin Short as Oliver Putnam - a struggling (i.e. well-past his prime) Broadway director who is trying to hustle his way to a new project. He has a strained relationship with his son, who he goes to for money as he tries to find that next big opportunity. He also lives in the Arconia building and is as much a true-crime podcast junkie as Savage.
Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora - a young woman who lives in an apartment in the Arconia that she is renovating for her aunt (the owner). Mabel is also an amateur sleuth and an enormous fan of true-crime.
It’s an interesting blend of two seasoned actors and the much younger Gomez. The show also features some fun guest stars in Tina Fey, Sting, and Jimmy Fallon, among others.
Will there be a Season 2?
Yes indeed! Hulu has confirmed that season 2 is on the way. It seems the early reception for the show was more than positive enough to greenlight a second season. We don’t have an official release date yet, but mid to late 2022 seems like a good estimate. We’ll certainly see the three main characters return, but beyond that, we’ll leave off the speculation on where the story goes after the season 1 finale.
Watch it or Not?
I did not immediately jump onto the show bandwagon. The first two episodes were fine, but I wasn’t hooked. However, as I got more into the story I found I was enjoying it and wondering where things were headed. So, if you decide to give it a watch, consider getting to at least the third episode before deciding if it’s the show for you or not.
The three main characters are fun to watch. Steve Martin and Martin Short are great in their roles and Selena Gomez is also excellent. Many of the supporting characters are also well-developed and played by talented actors.
If you’re a fan of true-crime shows and podcasts (particularly podcasts) then there are some fun inside jokes. I’m going to say put this on your watch list. It’s fun, twisty, and keeps you guessing on a number of things about the case. Give it a watch!
