Okay, let's talk about a show that's basically a cozy mystery hug with a side of hilarious awkwardness: Only Murders in the Building. If you haven't dived into the world of the Arconia building yet, you're missing out on a real gem. It's about three unlikely podcasting pals who decide to solve a murder in their own fancy apartment building. Sounds serious, right? Well, it is, but it's also outrageously funny, surprisingly touching, and full of characters you can't help but fall in love with. So, grab your favorite comfy blanket, maybe a nice cup of tea (or something stronger, depending on the episode!), and let's celebrate the absolute best of the bunch.
First up, the undisputed king of this whole operation, the man, the myth, the legend: Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage. Charles is a former TV detective star whose life has, let's just say, plateaued. He’s a bit grumpy, perpetually anxious, and has a habit of getting lost in his own internal monologues. But beneath that slightly cantankerous exterior is a guy who just wants to connect. His awkward attempts at social interaction are comedy gold, and you can’t help but root for him. Remember that time he got so flustered trying to ask someone out that he ended up reciting lines from an old TV show? Pure brilliance. He’s like that uncle who’s a little bit weird but secretly has the biggest heart.
Then there's the whirlwind of energy and pure, unadulterated theatricality: Martin Short as Oliver Putnam. Oliver is a Broadway director who’s seen better days. He’s flamboyant, prone to dramatic outbursts, and constantly coming up with wild, often unhinged, theories. His love for dips and his elaborate (and usually failed) schemes to get the podcast noticed are just delightful. He’s the kind of person who would bring a glitter cannon to a funeral. But Oliver also has this incredible knack for seeing the good in people, even when they can’t see it themselves. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he’s the driving force behind the podcast, always pushing for more drama, more intrigue, and more, well, murders.
And we absolutely cannot forget the heart of their trio, the seemingly quiet but incredibly observant artist: Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora. Mabel is the cool, collected one of the group, with a sharp wit and an even sharper sense of style. She’s got a mysterious past that slowly unfolds throughout the seasons, adding layers of depth to her character. Mabel is the one who often sees the clues everyone else misses, and her quiet determination is truly inspiring. She’s the grounded force that keeps Charles and Oliver from spiraling completely out of control. Plus, her deadpan delivery of sarcastic one-liners is just chef's kiss.
These three unlikely friends, thrown together by a shared love for true crime podcasts and a sudden, shocking murder, form the most chaotic and endearing detective agency the Arconia has ever seen.
Now, let’s venture beyond the main trio, because the supporting cast is just as phenomenal. High on my list is Amy Ryan as Jan Bellows. Jan is a bassoonist who becomes entangled with Charles early on in the series. Initially, she seems like a sweet, if slightly quirky, love interest. But as the story progresses, Jan reveals herself to be... well, let's just say she adds a whole new level of suspense and surprise to the mix. Her character arc is a masterclass in how appearances can be deceiving, and Amy Ryan’s performance is utterly captivating. She brings a complexity to Jan that makes her one of the most memorable characters, for all the right (and sometimes wrong!) reasons.
And finally, a character who might not get as much screen time but absolutely steals every scene she’s in: Tina Fey as Cinda Canning. Cinda is a rival true-crime podcast host, and she is everything you’d expect from a polished, successful podcaster. She’s smooth, articulate, and completely self-absorbed. Tina Fey’s portrayal of Cinda is a brilliant satire of the true-crime genre and the personalities that often inhabit it. Cinda’s interactions with Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are always a highlight, as she represents everything they are trying to achieve (and sometimes, everything they are trying to avoid). She’s the deliciously smarmy antagonist who makes you want to both cheer and boo at the same time.
What makes these characters, and the show as a whole, so special is the way they blend humor and heart. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at Oliver’s outlandish ideas one minute, and then feeling a pang of sympathy for Charles’s social anxieties the next. Mabel’s quiet strength is incredibly compelling, and the way these three disparate personalities manage to come together and form a genuine bond is truly heartwarming. Even the more suspicious characters, like Jan and Cinda, are written with such nuance and performed with such skill that they become fascinating studies in human nature, rather than just plot devices. Only Murders in the Building is a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling mysteries are solved by the most unexpected people, and that friendship can bloom in the most unlikely of places.
