Only Murders In The Building Season 3: A Killer Review

What's up, true crime fanatics and comedy lovers! Ever since Only Murders in the Building dropped onto Hulu, it's been an absolute treat. We've got our favorite trio, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), diving headfirst into podcasting and solving murders in their swanky Upper West Side apartment building, the Arconia. This season, guys, they've really outdone themselves. If you're wondering how Season 3 stacks up, stick around, because we're about to break down everything you need to know, IMDB-style, but with a whole lot more personality.

The Premise: Still a Murder, Still a Podcast, Still Hilarious

Let's be real, the magic of Only Murders in the Building lies in its perfect blend of cozy mystery and laugh-out-loud comedy. The show takes a seemingly simple premise – a murder occurs, and three unlikely neighbors decide to investigate and document it for their podcast – and injects it with such charm and wit that you can't help but get hooked. Season 3 kicks off with a bang, literally, as a murder rocks the world of Broadway. Yes, the stage is set for a whole new whodunit, and our beloved podcasting trio is, of course, right in the thick of it. The stakes are higher, the suspects are more colorful, and the potential for comedic mishaps is through the roof. What makes this season particularly exciting is the shift in setting from the familiar Arconia to the glittering, cutthroat world of New York theater. This new environment provides a fresh backdrop for the familiar dynamic between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, allowing for new comedic avenues and intriguing plot twists. Oliver Putnam, the flamboyant Broadway director, finds himself in a particularly sticky situation when his passion project, a musical starring Charles-Haden Savage, goes disastrously wrong, culminating in a suspicious death. This personal connection to the crime immediately draws him, and subsequently his podcasting partners, deeper into the investigation than ever before. The writers have masterfully woven the theatrical elements into the narrative, using show business tropes and the inherent drama of live performance as fertile ground for misdirection and red herrings. We get to see the backstage drama, the rivalries, the egos, and the sheer chaos that often accompanies a Broadway production, all while trying to figure out who silenced the show's leading man. The tension between the glitz of Broadway and the grimy reality of murder is a brilliant contrast that the show plays on expertly. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about navigating the egos, the artistic temperaments, and the often-unseen struggles that come with putting on a massive production. The chemistry between Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez continues to be the show's beating heart. Their banter is sharper, their camaraderie deeper, and their individual quirks are explored even further. You really feel like you're hanging out with these three as they stumble through clues, argue about podcast intros, and try to keep their noses clean (or at least try not to get arrested). The show understands that while the mystery is crucial, it's the relationships and the humor that keep us coming back for more, and Season 3 delivers on all fronts.

The Cast: Old Favorites and Dazzling Newcomers

One of the standout features of Only Murders in the Building has always been its incredible cast, and Season 3 is no exception. We've got our core trio back: Steve Martin as the semi-retired actor Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as the eccentric theater director Oliver Putnam, and Selena Gomez as the sharp and grounded artist Mabel Mora. Their chemistry is still chef's kiss. They bicker, they bond, and they somehow manage to solve murders while doing it. But this season, guys, they've brought in some serious star power. Meryl Streep joins the fray as Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress who finds herself entangled in the central mystery. Yes, Meryl Streep! It's kind of a dream come true for anyone who loves acting. Her performance is, as expected, phenomenal. She brings a depth and complexity to Loretta that makes her instantly compelling and a prime suspect. Then there's Paul Rudd, returning as Ben Glenroy, the arrogant movie star whose murder kicks off the season. While Rudd's role is limited due to the nature of his character's demise, his presence looms large over the entire season, and his flashbacks add layers to the unfolding drama. The dynamic between these legendary actors and our main trio is just everything. You have Martin Short and Meryl Streep sharing the screen, a pairing that is both hilarious and surprisingly touching. Steve Martin's dry wit plays perfectly against the more flamboyant characters, and Selena Gomez continues to be the perfect anchor, bringing a modern sensibility and relatable vulnerability to the group. The showrunners have a knack for casting actors who not only fit their roles but elevate them, and Season 3 is a masterclass in this. Every new character feels integral to the plot, not just a guest star. Loretta, in particular, becomes a fascinating character arc, and watching her interact with Oliver, Charles, and Mabel provides some of the season's most memorable moments. The show also cleverly uses its guest stars to misdirect the audience, making everyone a potential killer. You'll find yourself questioning everyone's motives, and that's part of the fun. The ensemble work is truly what makes this show shine, and Season 3 is a testament to that. It’s a delicate balance of comedy, drama, and suspense, and the cast navigates it with absolute perfection. The sheer talent on display is enough to make you want to rewatch episodes just to catch all the nuances.

The Mystery: Who Killed Ben Glenroy?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the murder mystery itself. Only Murders in the Building Season 3 centers around the death of Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd), a famous and rather unlikeable movie star who is starring in Oliver's Broadway play. Ben collapses on stage during opening night, and it's not long before our trio realizes this was no accident. The question on everyone's lips: Who killed Ben Glenroy? The investigation takes them deep into the world of theater, where everyone seems to have a motive. Was it the understudy, the jealous co-star, the jilted lover, or someone with a hidden agenda? The show does an amazing job of weaving a complex web of suspects and red herrings. You'll be pointing fingers at different characters with each episode, convinced you've cracked the case, only to be proven wrong. The writing team clearly has a blast concocting these intricate plots, and it shows. They play with the tropes of the theater world – the rivalries, the backstage drama, the pressure cooker environment – and use them to create plausible motives for almost everyone. We get to explore the relationships Ben had with various characters, peeling back the layers of his public persona to reveal a more complicated, and often unsavory, truth. The clues are scattered throughout the episodes, often hidden in plain sight or disguised as throwaway lines. The podcast itself becomes an integral part of the investigation, with Oliver, Charles, and Mabel using it to process their findings, interview suspects (often in hilarious, unofficial capacities), and theorize about the killer's identity. The meta-commentary on true crime podcasts is still there, adding another layer of fun. What's brilliant is how the show manages to keep the tension high even with its comedic elements. You genuinely care about finding the killer, even when you're laughing at Oliver's latest outlandish scheme. The twists and turns are plentiful, and the final reveal is both surprising and satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving you wanting more. It’s a testament to the show's writing that they can juggle so many characters and plot threads without dropping the ball. The audience is constantly kept on their toes, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside our protagonists. It's a true test of deduction, and the show rewards attentive viewers with a clever and well-executed conclusion. The journey to uncovering the killer is as enjoyable as the destination, filled with witty dialogue and memorable character interactions.

The Verdict: Is Season 3 Worth Watching?

So, the big question: is Only Murders in the Building Season 3 worth your time? 100% yes! If you loved the previous seasons, you're going to adore this one. The show manages to recapture the magic while also offering something fresh. The Broadway setting is a fantastic addition, the new cast members, especially Meryl Streep, are incredible, and the mystery is engaging from start to finish. It's the perfect blend of comedy, drama, and suspense that we've come to expect from this show. The writers have managed to keep the formula fresh, introducing new dynamics and challenges for our beloved trio while staying true to the core of what makes the show so special. The pacing is excellent, with each episode offering new clues and character developments that propel the story forward. You won't find yourself getting bored, as there's always something happening, whether it's a hilarious interaction between Charles and Oliver, a poignant moment with Mabel, or a shocking revelation about a suspect. The show's ability to balance its comedic tone with genuine suspense is perhaps its greatest strength. It never takes itself too seriously, but when it needs to deliver a dramatic punch, it does so effectively. The visual style remains impeccable, with the opulent settings of Broadway contrasting beautifully with the gritty nature of the crimes being investigated. The soundtrack and score also play a crucial role in setting the mood, enhancing both the comedic beats and the suspenseful moments. For fans who appreciate clever writing, fantastic performances, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, Season 3 is an absolute must-watch. It solidifies Only Murders in the Building as one of the most consistently enjoyable and well-crafted shows on television right now. It's a show that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want, with a little extra sparkle thrown in. You’ll be laughing, you’ll be guessing, and you might even shed a tear or two. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel good, even when dealing with murder. So grab your favorite true-crime podcast companion (or just your popcorn) and dive into Season 3. You won't regret it, guys!