Only Murders in the Building is a fun twist on the murder mystery genre. Set in a fancy New York apartment building, the show follows three neighbors who love true crime podcasts. When a murder happens in their building, they decide to investigate on their own.
With a great cast and clever writing, the show mixes suspense with humor. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez bring their characters to life in an entertaining way. Only Murders in the Building turns a classic mystery into a fresh and enjoyable watch.
Let’s explore the Only Murders in the Building review below and discover what makes this series a standout.
Critics’ Verdict on Only Murders in the Building
As per the Only Murders in the Building review from The Guardian,
Only Murders in the Building is Hulu’s 10-part whodunnit with an interesting cast. Comedy legends Martin Short and Steve Martin team up with millennial star Selena Gomez. This is Gomez’s first scripted TV role since Wizards of Waverly Place. Hulu also offers trending shows like Reasonable Doubt Season 2, Solar Opposites- Season 5, Dress My Tour Season 1, and more.
The series, created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, is more about the dynamic between its leads than the murder mystery. The banter between the cross-generational trio is the highlight. While the mystery of how these stars came together is never fully answered, the show remains entertaining.
The series begins with a dramatic opening scene. Mabel (Gomez) is found leaning over a body, claiming, “It’s not what you think.” The story then rewinds two months, introducing the characters as strangers in their shared Upper West Side building. The narrative jumps back and forth, adding to the intrigue. Overall, Only Murders in the Building is a charming mix of comedy and mystery. The chemistry between the unlikely trio makes it a fun watch.
A Closer Look at Only Murders in the Building
According to the review from Hollywood Reporter,
In Only Murders in the Building, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play distinct characters. Martin’s Charles is a former TV detective clinging to past fame, often repeating his old tagline. Short’s Oliver is a chatty Broadway producer who’s struggling financially and emotionally. Gomez’s Mabel is a young woman with a mysterious past, hiding behind sarcasm and her headphones.
Hollywood Reporters says that set in a fictional January 2021, the show has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of 2015, with the characters bonding over their shared obsession with a true crime podcast, All is Not OK in Oklahoma, hosted by the “queen of true crime” Cinda Canning (played by Tina Fey). This obsession leads them to investigate a suspicious death in their building, which the police dismissed as a suicide. They turn their clumsy investigation into a podcast, focusing on “only murders in the building.”
Their investigation is filled with comic mishaps, from suspecting Sting (playing himself) to a bit about a dead cat. The real draw is watching comedy legends Martin and Short team up with Gomez. Martin and Short are clearly in their element, delivering laughs effortlessly. Gomez, while strong in the more serious moments, sometimes struggles with comedic timing, likely due to her admitted nerves.
Overall, Only Murders in the Building is a fun mix of comedy and mystery. The pairing of seasoned comedians with Gomez makes for an enjoyable watch, even if the humor sometimes sticks closely to the script.
Wrap Up!
Only Murders in the Building review shows that the series combines humor, mystery, and drama into a fun and engaging show. The strong chemistry between the main characters, along with clever writing and surprising twists, keeps you interested throughout. If you enjoy true crime or are looking for an exciting new series, this show is definitely worth watching.