Release Date and Streaming Platform
Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building premiered on August 8, 2023, on Hulu in the United States. Internationally, the season is available on Disney+ under the Star hub and on Star+ in Latin America. The season consists of 10 episodes, and all episodes were released simultaneously at 12:01 a.m. PT on the premiere date. Hulu is the primary streaming home for new episodes, with a standard subscription tier required for access. The season is produced by 20th Television and Hyperobject Industries, and it continues the series' format of weekly mystery installments tied to a central murder case. The show remains one of Hulu's flagship original series, frequently ranking among the platform's most-watched titles during its premiere window.
Main Cast and Characters
The core trio returns with Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as Oliver Putnam, and Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora. The season introduces new characters and expands on existing storylines involving the Arconia residents and the ongoing investigation into the murder of Tim Kono. Amy Ryan appears as a recurring figure tied to the building's management and the central mystery. The season also features guest appearances from actors portraying new residents and suspects, adding layers to the ensemble cast. The show's production team includes series creators Steve Martin and John Hoffman, with Cherien Dabis directing multiple episodes. The cast's dynamic remains central to the series' appeal, blending comedic timing with the unfolding murder investigation.
Plot and Central Mystery
The season follows the trio as they investigate a new murder connected to the Arconia, while still processing the fallout from the previous season's events. The central mystery involves a death that intersects with the building's history, its residents, and the trio's podcast. The season explores themes of fame, legacy, and the personal lives of the main characters, with each episode advancing the investigation and revealing new clues. The narrative structure continues the series' formula of mixing comedic moments with genuine suspense, and the season finale provides resolution to the central case while setting up potential future storylines. The season's plot is shaped by the show's writers room, which has consistently balanced serialized mystery elements with episodic humor.
Key Story Arcs and New Suspects
The season introduces several new suspects and deepens the backstories of existing characters, with each episode offering fresh perspectives on the Arconia's residents. The trio's podcast gains traction within the story, reflecting the show's meta-commentary on true crime media and its cultural footprint. The investigation leads the characters through the building's history, uncovering secrets that connect past residents to the present-day murder. The season also addresses the personal growth of Mabel, Oliver, and Charles, with their relationships and individual arcs receiving focused attention. The pacing balances the slow reveal of clues with character-driven moments, maintaining the series' signature tone.
Production and Filming Details
Filming for season 3 took place primarily in New York City, with the Belnord hotel serving as the exterior of the Arconia. The production team continued to use real New York locations to ground the series in a recognizable urban setting. The season was shot under standard television production schedules, with directors including Cherien Dabis and others overseeing individual episodes. The show's visual style retains its bright, slightly stylized aesthetic, with cinematography that emphasizes the building's distinctive architecture and the characters' comedic interactions. The production is supported by 20th Television, which handles the series' logistics and coordination with the streaming platform.
Critical Reception and Audience Metrics
Season 3 received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at the performances of the lead cast and the season's balance of humor and mystery. The season holds a