Main Cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez return as the core trio in Only Murders in the Building season 5, reprising their roles as Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora. The series, produced by 20th Television and Hulu, continues its comedic mystery format centered on true crime podcasting in a New York City apartment building. Season 5 expands the central investigation with new suspects and a higher-profile murder case, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and suspense. The production team includes showrunners and executive producers Steve Martin, Martin Short, and John Hoffman, with filming typically taking place in New York City. For background on the show's production structure, see the Hulu official series page Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.
The core trio drives the narrative, with each character contributing distinct investigative skills and personal story arcs. Charles-Haden Savage, played by Steve Martin, is a retired soap opera actor with a calm, analytical demeanor. Oliver Putnam, portrayed by Martin Short, is a struggling director and playwright who provides comic relief and emotional depth. Mabel Mora, played by Selena Gomez, is a mysterious artist with a troubled past that connects directly to the building's secrets. Season 5 deepens their relationships and individual arcs, introducing new challenges that test their friendship and investigative partnership. The casting continuity across seasons reinforces the show's ensemble stability and long-term character development.
Recurring and Supporting Cast in Season 5
Season 5 features a rotating lineup of recurring characters, including the building's superintendent, new tenants, and suspects connected to the central murder case. The role of the doorman and other building staff members continues to provide logistical support and local color, while new arrivals introduce fresh motives and alibis. The season also brings back familiar faces from previous investigations, creating continuity and expanding the show's interconnected mystery universe. These supporting roles are often filled by actors known for guest appearances on prestige dramas and comedies, adding credibility and variety to the ensemble.
New recurring characters in season 5 include a prominent figure from the art world and a tech entrepreneur with ties to the victim's business dealings. These roles are designed to reflect current cultural and economic themes, such as the influence of digital platforms and the art market's intersection with crime. The casting choices emphasize actors with strong comedic and dramatic range, ensuring that each new suspect feels distinct and memorable. The supporting cast's arcs often intersect with the main trio's investigation, providing clues, red herrings, and occasional assistance that propels the story forward.
Production Details and Season 5 Release Context
Only Murders in the Building season 5 was confirmed as part of a multi-season renewal deal between Hulu and 20th Television, with production handled by the show's core team in New York City. The series is filmed on location in Manhattan, using recognizable building exteriors and interiors to maintain the show's authentic urban atmosphere. Post-production, editing, and visual effects are managed by teams with experience in premium cable and streaming series, ensuring a polished final product. The season's release follows the show's established pattern of summer and fall premieres, aligning with Hulu's broader programming strategy.
The show's format as a premium streaming series allows for flexible episode lengths and serialized storytelling that differs from traditional network television. Season 5 consists of a standard episode count, with each episode designed to advance the central mystery while delivering standalone comedic and dramatic beats. The production budget reflects the series' status as a flagship Hulu original, with investment in location shooting, set design, and a diverse supporting cast. For an overview of the streaming landscape and Hulu's original programming strategy, see the Forbes analysis of streaming originals