Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Date and Complete Episode Guide

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 officially premiered on September 9, 2025. The season, which serves as the latest chapter in the acclaimed Hulu original series, followed its tradition of a late-summer/early-autumn launch. Subscribing to the established release pattern, the fifth season debuted with a multi-episode premiere followed by a weekly rollout, concluding its ten-episode run on October 28, 2025.

Fans of the true-crime podcasting trio—Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora—were treated to a mystery that hit closer to home than ever before. Following the shocking conclusion of Season 4, which teased a new tragedy within the Arconia, Season 5 dives deep into the history of the building and the secrets held by those who manage its storied corridors.

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Official Release Schedule

The fifth season consists of 10 episodes. Unlike previous seasons that sometimes opted for a two-episode premiere, Season 5 launched with three episodes on its release day to give viewers a substantial look into the new investigation.

The full airing schedule for Only Murders in the Building Season 5 was as follows:

All episodes are currently available for streaming on Hulu in the United States and via Disney+ in international territories, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Where to Stream Only Murders in the Building Season 5

The series remains a flagship production for 20th Television and Disney. Depending on the region, the access points for the show vary slightly:

• United States: Viewers can watch Season 5 on Hulu. It is also available via the Disney+ app for those who have the Disney Bundle.
• International Markets: In regions like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, the series is branded as a Disney+ Star Original and is available exclusively on the Disney+ platform.
• Quality and Format: The season is available in 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support on compatible devices, ensuring the cinematic aesthetic of the Arconia is fully realized.

The Central Mystery: Who Killed Lester?

Every season of Only Murders in the Building begins with a fresh corpse, and Season 5 delivers a particularly emotional blow to the residents of the Arconia. The victim is Lester, the building’s long-time, soft-spoken doorman who has been a background fixture since the series began.

The investigation starts when Lester is found dead in the Arconia’s fountain, supposedly due to an accident involving an elevator crank. However, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel quickly suspect foul play. Their investigation uncovers that Lester was far more than just a doorman; he was a man who held the keys to the building's darkest secrets and had ties to a Staten Island crime family.

The Caccimelio Connection

A significant portion of the Season 5 plot revolves around the Caccimelio family. Sofia Caccimelio, played by Téa Leoni, enters the scene looking for her missing husband, Nicky Caccimelio. The trio discovers that Nicky was murdered and frozen around the same time Lester died. The narrative weave suggests a dangerous overlap between the Arconia’s elite residents and a lingering "Old New York" mob presence. This tension between the evolving city and its gritty past serves as a major thematic pillar for the season.

The Secret Casino

Investigation into Lester's past leads the trio to a hidden location beneath the Arconia: a secret casino room. This location becomes a central hub for clues, revealing that Lester had been facilitating entries for specific individuals at the behest of the mob for decades. The discovery of a magnetic deck of cards containing a hidden map provides the breakthrough the podcast team needs to link the billionaires living in the penthouse to the crimes happening in the basement.

Cast and Characters for Season 5

The strength of Only Murders in the Building has always been its ability to attract A-list talent, and Season 5 is no exception. The main trio returns with their signature chemistry, but the supporting cast and guest stars add significant layers to the mystery.

The Core Trio

• Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage: Charles continues to grapple with his past as a TV detective while trying to maintain his relationship with Joy and mourning the loss of Sazz from the previous season.
• Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: Oliver remains the flamboyant heart of the group, balancing his new marriage and his obsession with the podcast's production value.
• Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: Mabel continues her journey of self-discovery, exploring her past friendships and her place within the evolving landscape of New York City.

New and Returning Guest Stars

Season 5 features a mix of Hollywood legends and rising stars:

• Téa Leoni: Joins the cast as Sofia Caccimelio, a pivotal figure in the mob-related mystery.
• Bobby Cannavale: Portrays Nicky Caccimelio, whose disappearance and subsequent death trigger the season's primary conflict.
• Renée Zellweger: Appears as Camila White, a high-powered hotelier and one of the primary suspects.
• Christoph Waltz: Plays Sebastian "Bash" Steed, a tech mogul with a mysterious interest in the Arconia.
• Logan Lerman: Portrays Jay Pflug, a pharmaceutical heir whose physical injury—a missing finger—becomes a major clue.
• Meryl Streep: Returns as Loretta Durkin, continuing her storyline with Oliver.
• Michael Cyril Creighton: Continues his role as Howard Morris, the trio's quirky and often indispensable neighbor.

Production and Development Details

Hulu officially greenlit Only Murders in the Building for a fifth season in September 2024, shortly after the premiere of Season 4. The quick renewal was a testament to the show's consistent performance and critical acclaim, including its numerous Emmy nominations.

Filming for Season 5 took place between March and June 2025. The production returned to the Belnord on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, which serves as the exterior and courtyard for the fictional Arconia. Showrunner John Hoffman, who co-created the series with Steve Martin, returned to oversee the writing and direction, ensuring the show maintained its balance of lighthearted comedy and genuine suspense.

One of the unique elements of Season 5 production was the integration of a fictional automated doorman named L.E.S.T.R. (Logic Engineered Secure Tenant Robot), voiced by Paul Rudd. This plot point satirized the tech-driven changes in modern New York real estate and provided a comedic foil to the human staff of the building.

Analysis of Season 5 Reception

Upon its release in September 2025, Season 5 received highly positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season maintained a high fresh rating, with critics praising the show's ability to return to its "fundamentals"—the core chemistry of Martin, Short, and Gomez.

The season was noted for its tighter focus on the Arconia itself compared to Season 4’s excursion to Los Angeles. By rooting the story back in the hallways of the Upper West Side, the show recaptured the claustrophobic yet cozy "whodunnit" atmosphere that fans first fell in love with. The inclusion of the mob sub-plot was also cited as a refreshing way to raise the stakes without losing the show's whimsical tone.

Summary of Key Facts

• Premiere Date: September 9, 2025.
• Finale Date: October 28, 2025.
• Total Episodes: 10.
• Streaming Platforms: Hulu (US), Disney+ (International).
• Main Victim: Lester (the Arconia doorman).
• Key New Cast Members: Téa Leoni, Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, and Bobby Cannavale.
• Central Theme: The clash between "Old New York" crime and "New New York" billionaires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Season 5 the last season of Only Murders in the Building?

As of the conclusion of Season 5, there has been no official announcement that the series is ending. Given the show's high viewership and critical success, it is widely expected that a sixth season will be developed. The finale of Season 5, titled "The House Always...", provided a conclusion to the Lester mystery while leaving enough narrative threads for future investigations.

Who is the killer in Only Murders in the Building Season 5?

Without spoiling the intricate details for those who haven't finished the binge, the mystery involves a complex conspiracy involving the Caccimelio family and the new billionaire residents who attempted to buy the Arconia. The "showdown" in the finale reveals the killer is someone who had access to both the mechanical workings of the building and the secret casino.

How many episodes were released on the premiere day?

Hulu released the first three episodes—"Nail in the Coffin," "After You," and "Rigor"—simultaneously on September 9, 2025. The remaining seven episodes were released on a weekly basis every Tuesday.

Can I watch Season 5 without seeing the previous seasons?

While the main mystery of each season is self-contained, Only Murders in the Building relies heavily on character development and recurring jokes. Season 5 specifically references the events of Season 4 and the history of the Arconia staff. It is highly recommended to watch the series in order to fully appreciate the emotional weight of Lester’s death and the evolution of the trio’s friendship.

Was Season 5 filmed in New York?

Yes, the production remained true to its roots, filming throughout Manhattan and Staten Island. The Belnord apartment building continues to be the primary filming location for the Arconia interiors and courtyard scenes, maintaining the authentic New York City atmosphere that is central to the show's identity.