Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building proves that sometimes comfort is its own form of brilliance. Five seasons in, the trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez continue to find magic in the small absurdities of murder, podcasting, and friendship.
The show returns to the Arconia, grounding itself again in the familiar walls where it all began. This time, the victim is the building’s beloved doorman, Lester, whose death unravels a new chain of secrets that stretch beyond the lobby doors into the world of New York’s ultra-rich.
The chemistry between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel remains irresistible. Their dynamic and equal parts awkward is still the heartbeat of the show. Martin Short’s theatrical energy contrasts perfectly with Steve Martin’s gentle exasperation, while Selena Gomez adds a quiet sharpness that keeps the whole thing from tipping into self-parody. The comedy feels effortless, the banter still tight.
Yet, the mystery itself feels less crisp than in earlier seasons. The show tries to juggle multiple storylines, we got billionaires, mob ties, family secrets and not all of them land cleanly. At times it feels like the writers are enjoying the comfort of the formula a little too much, circling back to familiar beats instead of daring to surprise. Still, even when the mystery stumbles, the humor and chemistry carry it through.
Where Only Murders continues to excel is tone. It’s light without being shallow, sentimental without losing its bite. The direction leans into old-school farce and noir charm, making the Arconia feel as alive as any of its residents. And there’s something oddly moving about seeing these three keep returning to the scene of the crime season after season.
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 isn’t the sharpest investigation the series has offered, but it’s one of the most enjoyable. It’s comfort television done right, it’s clever, funny and unapologetically self-aware. The mystery may fade, but the company remains irresistible.