Only Murders in the Building (2021– ) User Reviews

Funny whodunit with a great cast and a beautiful feel for Manhattan. 1st season easily the best.

[cherold · 9/10 · 22 October 2021]

Season 1 (9/10) When this series came my girlfriend wasn't especially interested. I'm a huge fan of comedy mysteries and loved Steve Martin when I was young, but her enthusiasm for either is mild.

But after five minutes I had to stop and make her watch it, because we are New Yorkers and this series nails New York in five minutes. The weird relationships with by-passers, the artsy types, the justified paranoia, it was all there and immediately hilarious.

The series is about a trio of murder-podcast fanatics who bond over an actual murder in their luxury apartment building. Soon they are investigating and podcasting. But they are also each keeping secrets from one another in a wonderful mysteries-in-a-mystery structure. Everyone has secrets, the series says, and digging deep is fascinating exercise.

The cast is terrific. Martin is low-key funny, Short, who I am generally lukewarm towards, is very funny as a flamboyant theater director, and Selena Gomez more than holds her own as a hilariously snarky temporary tenant.

This show has been a hot-ticket item as far as I know - certainly my friends (and fellow New Yorkers) love it - so I was shocked to see how many user reviews just hate this show, or only find it mediocre, to the point where they insist all favorable reviews are paid for. This response is inexplicable to me. The show is amazing. When a new episode dropped we watched it immediately. It's just so, so, so, so good.

Ignore the naysayers, this is a must watch.

Other seasons: Season 2 (8/10): A shade weaker than the first season, but still excellent.

Season 3 (6/10): What the hell happened? Season 3 had Steve Martin playing his character as a complete idiot and after 2 great seasons, Selena Gomez turned lackluster - more glum and less snarkily witty. And when the mystery was solved, oh my God these were the most nonsensical motives you could come up with.

Sure, there were still good moments, good guest stars, surprisingly enjoyable songs. But OMG.

A fun show that knows what it wants to be.

[Supermanfan-13 · 8/10 · 11 September 2022]

So I just finished watching Only Murders in the Building and have to say I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I originally had no intent on watching because it looked like a show aimed for people 60+ years old. I was wrong. After seeing all the great reviews and all the award nominations for both seasons I finally gave in and watched it. It's a funny who dun it kind of show. It's about three strangers who all love true crime podcasts and then all of a sudden find themselves making one of their own from a murder in their own building. These three (Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short) start to put together the clues to find the murderer. The series has something for everyone. If you're looking for a show to just have a good time with and keep you entertained then give this a try. It's just a fun show that you can binge over a few days.

Liked it much more than I thought I would!

[Rob1331 · 8/10 · 29 September 2022]

I was actually surprised by how much I liked Only Murders in the Building. There's a reason that both seasons have been nominated and won so many awards. The cast (Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Martin Short) and writing is what makes this show so special. Martin and Short play off one another like the legends they are and Gomez is a lot better actress than I expected. The three of them are just so likable and easy to root for in this series. This show was so good and every episode is so entertaining that I binged both seasons over the course of a weekend. It's a murder mystery show that has plenty of twists, turns and laughs. I'm looking forward to season 3 coming out soon. Season 3 should be the best yet with Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep added to the cast. Can't wait!

An immensely bingeable, infectiously funny thrill ride!

[nidhunmoviebuff · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

When the initial episodes of 'Only Murders in the Building' started raking in 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, I must confess that I was skeptical that Steve Martin and co could keep up the quirky fun nature of this comedy-thriller series till the last episode.

But Martin Short, Selena Gomez and him form an unlikely yet rambunctious trio who keep us hooked and entertained till the very last episode of this brilliantly written, infectiously funny series.

Steve Martin and a fantastic Martin Short star as a pair of geriatric has-been performers who run into a young gild (Gomez) who also happens to be a fellow murder podcast fanatic. How this rag-tag trio come together to solve a strange murder that takes place in their apartment forms the rest of this story.

Although some comedy-investigative series' have had huge fan bases like Monk (2002-09) and Psych (2006-14) this genre has always been a tightrope walk that most creators shy away from.

Finding humor in the most unlikeliest of places and filled with unexpected twists and turns and a host of delectable supporting characters, it is no surprise that Steve Martin was also one of the creative geniuses behind the writing of this work.

Leaving us on a tantalizing knife-edge with a cliffhanger climax, I cannot wait for Season 2. Well worth the 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating. An immensely bingeable, suspenseful, laugh riot!

Highly recommended!

It shouldn't work but it does.

[yellowmarlin · 8/10 · 7 September 2021]

We all know that Steve Martin and Martin Short can combine to produce comedy gold, but who could have predicted that Steve Martin and Selena Gomez would have such incredible chemistry? Add in the wonderful Nathan Lane and now Sting (!) and after just 3 episodes I am completely hooked.

Go away Amy

[B_Truth · 10/10 · 2 July 2022]

Love everything about this show from the opening credits to the cast to the music.

But why oh why ruin it with the god awful casting of Amy Schumer as herself. She's awful. Then you have Cara Devilgne whose just as grating.

Both need to go quick.

Incredible and Intriguing

[jodihaynes · 9/10 · 31 August 2021]

Good writing fantastic casting and a brilliant story . I'm hooked .

Good Clean Lighthearted Fun

[kq999 · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

A great cast. Lighthearted and funny. Just what we all need...during the horrible times we all have faced in the last year and a half. Nothing dark to drag you down here.

A lot of fun!

[CaitlinRTodd · 8/10 · 20 September 2021]

This show is a joy to watch. It's witty and light-hearted, which is exactly what we need right now. Very reminiscent of Clue.

Why Amy Schumer?

[jannerbee · 6/10 · 28 June 2022]

First series enjoyable, the introduction of Amy Schumer is annoying. She isn't funny and can't act. It's really ruined it.

I'm hoping it's a shorter term introduction like sting in first season rather than a Permanent cast member.

Martin Short is the funniest person on the planet

[johnnymonsarrat · 10/10 · 25 September 2021]

I love Steve Martin. I do, I do, I do.

But I have to say, Martin Short is the funniest person on the planet and I already love this TV show.

I don't even care about true crime podcasts. I think they're weird and that morbid fascination is not healthy. Also, I'm too old to know who Selena Gomez is. But I do like detective stories and this one is original and laugh out loud funny.

But this show is that good. Watch it.

A nice show, but some of these reviews are a bit too much

[efd-10467 · 7/10 · 31 August 2021]

A well made gentle series, Steve Martin does all the heavy lifting acting wise, Selena Gomez provides a bit of 'young' input and Martin Short some moments of silliness.

The plot is a bit jumbled, but that is intentional to create a bit of mystery, it also has a slightly cartoon feel in the costuming and art direction.

It's not gripping or tense more curious and fun, some of the critiques and scores here are over the top, it's good but not that good. Also the short episodes are annoying, 35 minutes minus the intro and titles is too quick, best to let 2 or 3 episodes build up and then watch the 2 or 3 at one time.

Couldn't get into it.

[Pagalala · 5/10 · 11 November 2021]

I saw all the good reviews for this and decided to give it a go. I'm so disappointed cause I really expected this to be good. It was just ok. Felt kind of forced and a bit too silly for me.

I enjoyed Martin Short's character but I didn't think Steve Martin was that funny in this which was a shame. Kind of felt like a male version of Grace & Frankie... with Selena thrown in to widen the viewer age range.

I like Selena but for whatever reason she put on this dull, monotone voice throughout the whole thing which began to really grate on me a couple of episodes in.

I'm hearing impaired and the deaf episode just felt too much. All the hollow, muffled sound in that episode was just really annoying for me and left me turning my hearing aids down. I understand that they are trying to be inclusive but just felt weird.

Not the worst thing you'll ever see but definitely not an 8/10.

Fun and quirky

[Staci5280 · 9/10 · 18 September 2021]

This type of lighthearted and quality comedy and show is hugely lacking in this day and age! I am really enjoying this show so far.. I think it Steve Martin and Martin Short are comedic geniuses and the banter throughout was very natural and fun. I was a bit skeptical at first because of the seemingly odd choice to cast Selena with these two classics, but it totally works! 👏

Alex Russo 2.0

[feelingsforsel · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

This show is so refreshing, the casting is so good. It has the right mix of comedy and mystery. Selena, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are the trio we never knew we needed to see on screen. 100% recommend this to everyone.

Fans of the genre are going to love this

[thekarmicnomad · 9/10 · 10 November 2021]

Some barely plausible characters end up starting a podcast on a murder that happens in the tower block they live in.

I loved the characters and I thought the casting was excellent - I had never heard of Selena Gomez but I loved her in this.

It is very light going with a scattering of jokes and mild drama.

There is the odd speciality episode like the one without any spoken dialogue.

Other reviewers have stated that, although alright, this is not as great as people make out.

Technically they are absolutely right - it isn't ground shattering stuff.

But as a fan of the likes of "Monk", "Jonathan Creek", "Rizzoli & Isles" it feels like there has not been anything new in the same vein for quite a while.

This is good, honest, light, sleuthy fun and the smile on my face as I watched every episode justifies my 9 star rating alone.

*EDIT SEASON 2* Season 2 starts of very shaky with some clumsy attempts at humour that don't land and Amy Schumer stomping through the middle of the plot like a bull at a tea party.

But by episode 3 it is all back on track Well done!

New Favorite Series! Such an AWESOME cast!

[esilvamarco · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

Seeing the dynamic between the trio is really fun to watch! Selena performing along side comedic legends must have been intimidating but she holding her own and performing spectacularly. She's a great actress and on her way to potentially join the legends in the future. Look forward to seeing the rest of the series and more from Selena Gomez in the future! The soundtrack is beautifully scored. Well done Siddhartha Khosla!

Definitely one of the best released shows by HULU and in my opinion one of the best this year!

A MUST WATCH!

Witty, fun and Selena Gomez really shines surprisingly!

[zorygirl182 · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

Watched the show tonight, its funny, witty and the mistery is actually very enjoyable and gets your attention sincs the beginning.

The acting trio is really charismatic and has good chemistry. I thought it was going to be a Steve Martin/Martin Short thing but i was very surprisded with Selena Gomez. Her oerformance was great and you really get drawn to her performance and scenes. Maybe this will open opportunities for hwr in the acting industry, she deff has some chops!

yes, it is a great tv show.

[quaseprovisorio · 8/10 · 26 October 2021]

What can i say? Really well filmed, great cinematography, steve martin and martin short are a great duo that works perfectly and selena gomez is good on handling her role with these two legends. The show is funny and has a very good pace, with sting, nathan lane, jane lynch and tina fey showing up.

The episode with nathan lane's son is a brave effort on his own and i did enjoy this resolution. Due to being really good it will certain gather a bunch of emmy nomminations. If you are not watching this yet, you should. The binge will be quick because this is extremely charming and entertaning.

Only four episodes in and loving it!

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 10 September 2021]

I know we are only four episodes in to this series, but I am really enjoying it so far. It is dark, funny, topical and has a little bit of mystery. I am not a huge New York-o-phile, but I appreciate the appeal and the willingness of this series to poke fun at itself. This reminds me of how much I enjoy and have always enjoyed Steve Martin.

I am seatbelted in and can't wait to see where this story takes us.

The series is about a murder in an expensive piece of residential real estate in New York called The Arconia...or at least our three strangers turned podcasters think it's a murder, the police think it is a straightforward suicide. The three strangers, played by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, all live in the building and are brought together during a fire alarm because of their love of a true crime podcast (the podcast is done by a character played by Tina Fey), everything is not ok in Oklahoma. When the three of them discover there has been a death in the building, they decide to come together to solve it...and naturally do a podcast about it.

Amazing cameos and wonderful melancholy storylines...everyone seems to be hiding something, which is a great set up for a who-done-it.

Schumer new this year is BAD

[violetmst · 4/10 · 30 June 2022]

First season was smart and funny. Schumer adds an awful stupid angle. She steals scenes and I hate seeing her. Perhaps if she could act that would be helpful.

Very good mystery series

[Tr-u-mpbilly · 10/10 · 29 September 2021]

They have some good, episodic cliffhangers, but for me, the charm of the show revolves around Steve Martin's and Martin Short's catalog of works - their expressions alone make me want to laugh. Selena Gomez is an excellent balance for the two comedians. The additions of Sting, Nathan Lane, Tina Fay and more, put it over-the-top for me.

if Steve Martin and Martin Short collaborate, then you're in for something good

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 8 November 2021]

And boy are you with "Only Murders in the Building"! This clever miniseries is a parody of/homage to true crime podcasts, with Martin's and Short's characters (along with a young woman played by Selena Gomez) investigating a murder in their New York apartment building. Plenty of surprises are in store, and there's great chemistry among the cast members (including some guest stars).

You're sure to love every part of it.

Phenomenally done and I can't wait for more

[leesimon-26357 · 9/10 · 23 October 2021]

This is so cleverly written! The acting is also great, though Gomez is the weak link in the chain.

The story is very well written, the dialogue is believable. The cast is great despite Gomez' weak pedigree. But everything else was absolutely worth seeing again and again. Very, very funny and smart. The mystery is very compelling and engaging. I love it.

Highly recommend.

Selena Gomez, please take some acting classes

[NYC-Photog · 8/10 · 21 April 2023]

Why is Selena Gomez in a show with a talented cast?? She just doesn't fit. She doesn't know how to act, her character is is so stiff with NO personality or emotion, and I can't stand the way she talks, she talks like her mouth has been wired shut! Also, you can hardly hear her! I feel sorry for Steve Martin & Martin Short, two great actors to have to work with someone that seems to put no effort into her character/acting. I'm, guessing she was cast in this show only because she has a huge fan base and most followed female singer on IG?? Why not give the role to someone more talented? A real comedic actress? This show could be so much better without Gomez.