Only Murders in the Building: Season 1 Review
Introduction
"Only Murders in the Building" is a Hulu original series that premiered on August 31, 2021. Created by Steve Martin and John Robert Janeway, the show follows three strangers who share an obsession with true crime podcasts and become embroiled in a murder investigation in their upscale New York City apartment building. The show features an all-star cast, including Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
Plot
The first season revolves around the murder of Arcon, a wealthy and reclusive resident of the Arconville, a luxury apartment building on the Upper West Side. The victim, Arcon, is found dead in his apartment, and the investigation that follows reveals a complex web of secrets and lies among the building's residents.
The story is narrated through the perspectives of three main characters:
As the series unfolds, the trio teams up to solve the murder, navigating the intricate social hierarchy of the Arconville and uncovering dark secrets about their neighbors.
Themes
The show explores several themes, including:
Reception
The show received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its: Only Murders in the Building - Season 1
Awards and Nominations
The show received several award nominations, including:
Conclusion
"Only Murders in the Building" Season 1 is a delightful and engaging whodunit that will keep you hooked from start to finish. With its talented cast, sharp writing, and clever plot twists, this show is a must-watch for fans of mystery, comedy, and true crime stories. If you enjoy witty banter, clever mysteries, and a touch of satire, this show is an excellent choice.
Season Report: Only Murders in the Building (Season 1) Only Murders in the Building premiered on August 31, 2021, as a Hulu original. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the season blends comedy, mystery, and drama across 10 episodes. It became the most-watched comedy premiere in Hulu’s history. 1. Plot Overview
The story centers on three strangers living in the Arconia, an upscale Upper West Side apartment building, who share an obsession with true crime podcasts. When a neighbor, Tim Kono, is found dead, the trio suspects foul play and starts their own podcast to document their investigation.
The Victim: Tim Kono, an unpopular resident whose death was initially ruled a suicide.
Key Conflict: As they dig deeper, the trio discovers that many neighbors—and they themselves—are hiding secrets.
The Finale: The season concludes with the resolution of Tim Kono's murder, only for a new body to be discovered, leading to the trio’s arrest and setting up the second season. 2. Main Cast and Characters
The series is anchored by the "central trio," whose intergenerational chemistry received significant praise. Only Murders in the Building: Season 1 Review
In an era of prestige television dominated by grim anti-heroes and sprawling, CGI-heavy fantasy epics, a show about three lonely New Yorkers starting a true-crime podcast in their Upper West Side apartment building felt like a gamble. Yet, when Only Murders in the Building premiered in August 2021, it didn’t just solve its central mystery—it cracked the code for a new kind of comforting, clever, and utterly addictive genre hybrid.
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, Season 1 is not merely a whodunit. It is a poignant, hilarious, and surprisingly tender exploration of urban isolation, the ethics of storytelling, and the unexpected friendships forged in the echoey hallways of a shared home: The Arconia.
Fans of character-led mysteries, dark comedies, and shows like Knives Out, Search Party, or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (for character tone).
If you want, I can expand any section (full episode synopses, character backstories, marketing blurb, or social copy).
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Only Murders in the Building - Season 1: A New Era of Cozy Crime
Only Murders in the Building - Season 1 revitalized the whodunnit genre, blending the charm of a classic New York "cozy mystery" with the modern cultural obsession of true crime podcasts. Set within the sprawling, historic halls of the Arconia apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the debut season follows three unlikely neighbors who transform from strangers into a sleuthing trio. The Core Trio: An Iconic Dynamic
The heart of the show lies in the chemistry between its three leads, who represent a fascinating clash of generations and personalities:
Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin): A semi-retired, socially awkward actor best known for his 1990s detective show, Brazzos.
Oliver Putnam (Martin Short): A flamboyant, eccentric Broadway director facing financial ruin and an endless supply of theatrical anecdotes. As the series unfolds, the trio teams up
Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez): A dry, mysterious young woman renovating her aunt’s apartment with a past she isn't quite ready to share. The Plot: The Death of Tim Kono
The story kicks off when a fire alarm forces the Arconia's residents into a nearby diner. There, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel discover their mutual love for the (fictional) true crime podcast All Is Not OK in Oklahoma. Upon returning to the building, they find a fellow resident, Tim Kono, has died in an apparent suicide.
Unconvinced by the police's findings, the trio decides to investigate the death themselves, documenting their progress in their own podcast titled "Only Murders in the Building". As they peel back the layers of Tim Kono’s life, they uncover a web of Arconia secrets, including a black-market jewelry ring and the truth behind a tragic death from Mabel's past. Why Season 1 Resonated
Season 1 was a critical and commercial darling, currently holding a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Several key factors contributed to its success:
Visual Aesthetic: The Arconia (filmed at the real-life Belnord) serves as a character itself, with rich, colorful production design that makes the "cozy crime" vibe feel both high-end and lived-in.
Meta-Commentary: By framing the story through the lens of podcasting, the show satirizes our modern fascination with tragedy as entertainment.
Genre-Bending: It expertly pivots between laugh-out-loud physical comedy and genuine emotional stakes, particularly regarding the loneliness of its central characters. How to Watch
The first season remains a quintessential binge-watch for mystery lovers. You can stream the complete first season on Disney+ or Hulu.
Since its debut, the series has become a major franchise, with subsequent seasons expanding the mystery and guest-starring legends like Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd.