Only Murders in the Building- Season 5 (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 6 November 2025

Everyone’s favourite detective trio are back to solve the latest murder in the building.

While the ‘murders’ are still very much a key part of the plot, the ‘building’ is also a major point of focus this season, which is a positive move that ties in nicely with the title of the series. First of all, the victim is Lester, the Arconia’s friendly long-term doorman who therefore had a strong connection to the building. Furthermore, the main location is the secret underground casino. Also, the latter part of the season sees the residents attempt to save the building from being developed. Then, in the final moments, the characters deliberate over what defines ‘in’ the building as Cinda Canning dies at the gates of the Arconia, setting up the sixth season.

A highlight of this season is the second episode, which is primarily a flashback covering Lester’s career at the Arconia from his younger days to his death. While providing a backstory for him, it also reveals his initial involvement with the mob and how he was taught by his predecessor to discreetly admit visitors to the games room.

Once again, the series introduces some eccentric characters as suspects, this time in the form of three suspicious billionaires. Their involvement remains compellingly mysterious throughout and are a strong addition to the season’s cast.

Another highlight is the rare moment of seriousness we see from Oliver. He explains to Loretta that the theatre was an escape for him during childhood but he never got to have his starring moment, which he finally performs in a truly sweet moment.

The ending which reveals the killer and what happened that night concludes another solid murder mystery but this is only a small part of what is an enjoyable season.

The comedy may feel slapstick and so many unrelated murders occurring in the same place may be unrealistic, but, setting that aside, Season 5 is one of the best entries of the Hulu comedy drama.

8/10