“Only Murders” Renewed for Season 6, Moving to London

Fans of the beloved Hulu Original comedy series, Only Murders in the Building, have reason to celebrate as the show has been officially renewed for a sixth season. This exciting news arrives concurrently with the Season 5 finale, promising more intriguing mysteries and the return of the fan-favorite trio: Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez). In a significant departure from its established New York City setting, the upcoming season will see the amateur detective podcasters relocate across the Atlantic to London, England.

A New Chapter Unfolds in London

For five seasons, the fictional Arconia apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has served as the primary backdrop for the delightful, and often deadly, investigations of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. The announcement of Season 6 marks a dramatic shift, as the series will now be set and filmed in London. This move represents the show’s most extensive “field trip” to date, with previous seasons venturing briefly to locations like California.

The Season 5 finale reportedly concluded with a teaser for this transatlantic journey. After solving the mystery surrounding the suspicious death of the Arconia’s doorman, Lester, and saving their iconic building from being acquired by a billionaire, the trio finds themselves drawn into a new case. The finale’s events included the surprise return and subsequent death of true-crime podcast rival, Cinda Canning (Tina Fey), who was found dying outside the Arconia’s gates. Before her demise, Cinda had launched a new podcast, “The Girl With the Curls,” which centered on a murder mystery in London involving a young woman accused of killing a royal descendant. It appears the Arconia trio will pick up the threads of this British investigation.

The Enduring Appeal of the Arconia Trio

At its heart, Only Murders in the Building thrives on the undeniable chemistry and dynamic between its three leads. Steve Martin’s Charles-Haden Savage, a semi-retired actor known for his role in the fictional 90s crime drama “Brazzos,” brings a reserved wit and subtle insecurities. Martin Short’s Oliver Putnam, an ambitious but often financially struggling Broadway director, provides theatrical flair and an abundance of enthusiasm. Selena Gomez’s Mabel Mora, a sharp and stylish artist with a mysterious past, grounds the group with her pragmatic approach and keen observational skills.

Their shared passion for true-crime podcasts initially brought these three disparate individuals together, fostering an unlikely but endearing friendship. Their unique perspectives and often comical investigative methods have consistently charmed critics and audiences alike, contributing to the show’s widespread critical acclaim.

What to Expect from Season 6

The move to London opens up a wealth of new narrative possibilities for Only Murders in the Building. Audiences can anticipate a fresh array of supporting characters, guest stars, and, of course, a distinctly British mystery to unravel. The change of scenery will undoubtedly present new cultural nuances and investigative challenges for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, potentially revitalizing the “murder in the building” premise with an international twist. While details about the specific plot are scarce, the focus on Cinda Canning’s London podcast suggests a connection to a high-profile case involving royalty and tabloids. It remains to be seen how the show will integrate the London setting with the established dynamic of the podcasting trio, but the prospect of them navigating a new city and its unique criminal underworld is an exciting one.

Season 5 featured a notable ensemble cast, including Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Bobby Cannavale, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz, Téa Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest, Jermaine Fowler, and Michael Cyril Creighton. While the official list of returning guest stars for Season 6 has not yet been announced, the show’s history of attracting top-tier talent suggests that the London setting could draw an equally impressive roster of new faces.

The Creative Minds Behind the Mystery

Only Murders in the Building was co-created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, with Hoffman also serving as the showrunner. They executive produce alongside Martin, Short, Gomez, Dan Fogelman, Jess Rosenthal, Ben Smith, and JJ Philbin. This creative team has been lauded for crafting a series that expertly balances humor, heart, and compelling mystery, maintaining a consistent level of quality throughout its run.

Conclusion

The renewal of Only Murders in the Building for a sixth season, coupled with its unprecedented move to London, signals an ambitious and refreshing new direction for the beloved series. As Charles, Oliver, and Mabel trade the familiar comforts of the Arconia for the historic charm and potential perils of the British capital, fans can eagerly anticipate a fresh wave of humor, intricate plot twists, and engaging character development. The show’s ability to evolve its setting while retaining its core appeal promises an exciting next chapter for the world’s most endearing true-crime podcasters.