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The announcement and early discussions around Only Murders in the Building season 5 have generated significant excitement. Here’s a summary of what Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short have shared about the upcoming season’s sleuthing and secrets.
The Core Premise for Season 5
Following the massive cliffhanger at the end of Season 4, the new season will revolve around solving the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles-Haden Savage’s eccentric stunt double and friend. The fact that Sazz was shot in Charles’s apartment—potentially by a killer who meant to target Charles—adds a layer of personal danger and urgency for the trio.
Key Themes and Plot Points the Trio Has Teased:
1. A “Paranoia-Driven” Season:
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Steve Martin has stated that the mystery will create a sense of deep paranoia, especially for his character, Charles. The question of “Who was the intended target?” will loom over everything, making Charles question everyone around him.
2. The Return to the Building’s Core:
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After a season that took them to Los Angeles, the trio has emphasized that Season 5 is a “return to roots,” with the mystery firmly centered within the Arconia. This means more interactions with the beloved building residents and a focus on the setting that started it all.
3. Deeper Character Exploration:
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Selena Gomez has hinted that Mabel will be in a new phase of her life. With her apartment sold and her future uncertain, her place within the trio and the Arconia itself will be a central theme. She’s described Mabel as feeling “a bit lost and vulnerable,” which will influence her sleuthing.
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Martin Short has teased that Oliver, fresh off his Broadway success, will struggle with the pressures of following up a hit while being dragged into a deeply personal murder case for Charles.
4. High-Profile New Cast and Suspects:
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The trio has enthusiastically welcomed new cast members, hinting they are integral to the mystery.
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Eugene Levy and Zach Galifianakis have been announced, but their characters are being kept tightly under wraps. The cast has teased that they are “perfect” for the show’s unique tone.
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Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Loretta Durkin, now Oliver’s girlfriend and a successful actress. Her presence will undoubtedly complicate the investigation.
5. A More Personal, “Darker” Mystery:
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While the show maintains its comedy, the stars have acknowledged this mystery feels different. Martin Short described it as having a “darker element” because it hits so close to home for Charles. The comedy will now be balanced with higher personal stakes.
6. Behind-the-Scenes Secrets:
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The Trio’s Real-Life Bond: All three stars consistently highlight their genuine off-screen friendship as the key to the show’s success. They describe the set as a joyful, collaborative environment where they constantly improvise and make each other laugh.
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Steve Martin’s Writing: Martin, a co-creator, has mentioned that the writers’ room is already exploring how to top themselves, focusing on clever twists that are funny yet plausible within the show’s universe.
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Selena’s Producing Role: Gomez, as an executive producer, has spoken about her growing involvement behind the camera, helping to shape Mabel’s emotional arc and the overall direction of the story.
What to Expect: A Summary
In short, Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building promises:
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A personal and paranoia-inducing mystery centered on Charles.
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A return to the Arconia’s quirky community for suspects and clues.
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Deeper, more vulnerable character moments for Mabel, Oliver, and Charles.
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A-list guest stars (Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis) seamlessly woven into the plot.
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The perfect blend of comedy and suspense that defines the show, but with higher emotional stakes.
The trio has masterfully built anticipation, assuring fans that the new season will honor what they love while taking the beloved characters into thrilling new territory. Production is underway, with the season expected to premiere in mid-2025.
