Since its debut in 2021, Only Murders in the Building has become one of Hulu’s most beloved original series, blending sharp wit, star-studded performances, and a love letter to true-crime podcasts. With Season 5 wrapping up its dramatic (and deadly) Broadway-themed mystery, fans are already clamoring for details on Season 6. Will Charles, Oliver, and Mabel reunite for another case? When can we expect new episodes? And what twists could the show have in store?
Here’s everything we know—and speculate—about Only Murders in the Building Season 6, from release dates to cast returns and juicy spoilers.
Has Only Murders in the Building Been Renewed for Season 6?
Official Renewal Status
As of June 2024, Hulu has not officially renewed Only Murders in the Building for a sixth season. However, given the show’s massive popularity, critical acclaim, and the fact that Season 5 was announced before Season 4 even premiered, renewal seems highly likely.
Here’s why optimism is warranted:
- Consistent Ratings Success: The show remains one of Hulu’s top-performing originals, with Season 5 debuting to record-breaking viewership.
- A-List Cast Commitment: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez have all expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series. In a 2023 interview, Martin Short hinted that the team is “always brainstorming” new mysteries.
- Two-Season Orders: Hulu has a history of ordering Only Murders in pairs (Seasons 3 & 4, then 5 & 6). If this pattern holds, Season 6 could be a foregone conclusion.
When Could an Announcement Come?
If Hulu follows its usual timeline, we could see an official renewal announcement:
- Late 2024: After Season 5’s finale airs and viewership data is analyzed.
- Early 2025: During Hulu’s annual upfront presentations (typically May).
Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Potential Release Date
Production Timeline & Past Patterns
Assuming Season 6 gets the green light by late 2024, here’s a realistic timeline based on previous seasons:
| Season | Announcement Date | Filming Start | Release Date | Gap Between Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | August 2020 | November 2020 | August 2021 | N/A |
| Season 2 | July 2021 | December 2021 | June 2022 | 10 months |
| Season 3 | July 2022 | January 2023 | August 2023 | 14 months |
| Season 4 | June 2023 | November 2023 | August 2024 | 12 months |
Based on this, Season 6 could premiere in late 2025, likely between August and October, aligning with the show’s tradition of fall releases. However, if Hulu accelerates production (as it did with Season 5), we might see it as early as summer 2025.
Factors That Could Delay Season 6
While fans are eager for a quick turnaround, several variables could push the release date back:
- Cast Schedules: Steve Martin and Martin Short are in high demand. Martin has a standalone comedy special in the works, while Short is attached to multiple projects, including The Shrink Next Door Season 2.
- Writers’ Room Timing: Co-creators Steve Martin and John Hoffman may need extra time to craft a fresh mystery after five seasons.
- Potential Strike Impact: If the 2023 WGA strike taught us anything, it’s that labor disputes can halt production. While no strikes are currently looming, industry negotiations could always arise.
Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Cast: Who’s Returning?
The Core Trio: Charles, Oliver, and Mabel
The heart of the show lies in its three leads, and all signs point to their return:
- Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage: The legendary comedian has called the show “the most fun I’ve had in decades.” Expect Charles to remain the neurotic, podcast-obsessed anchor of the trio.
- Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: Short’s flamboyant, scene-stealing performance as the struggling theater director has earned him an Emmy nomination. He’s confirmed he’s “in for as long as they’ll have me.”
- Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: Gomez’s deadpan delivery and emotional depth have made Mabel a fan favorite. While she’s busy with her makeup line (Rare Beauty) and music, she’s expressed her commitment to the show.
Supporting Cast: Who Else Could Return?
The Arconia’s eccentric residents are a huge part of the show’s charm. Here’s who might be back:
- Cara Delevingne as Alice: After her surprise return in Season 5, could Alice stick around? Delevingne’s chemistry with Gomez suggests she might.
- Michael Cyril Creighton as Howard: The lovable doorman has been a constant since Season 1. His knowledge of the Arconia’s secrets makes him invaluable.
- Andrea Martin as Joy: Oliver’s on-again, off-again love interest adds hilarious chaos. Martin’s Emmy-winning performance ensures she’ll likely return.
- Adina Verson as Poppy: The podcaster-turned-frenemy could resurface, especially if the new mystery involves media.
- New Additions? Given the show’s history of star-studded guest casts (Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy), expect at least one major name to join Season 6.
Will There Be a New Murder Victim?
Every season centers on a new death in the Arconia. Potential victims could include:
- A returning character with unresolved drama (e.g., Nina’s ex, a disgruntled theater investor).
- A new resident with ties to the trio’s past (perhaps someone from Charles’ acting days).
- A celebrity came (imagine the twist if a famous guest star is the victim!).
Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Plot: Predictions & Spoilers
Where Season 5 Left Off (Spoiler Alert!)
Warning: Major Season 5 spoilers ahead!
Season 5’s finale saw the trio solving the murder of Death Rattle Dazzle director Vicky, with the killer revealed to be Dickie (Oliver’s estranged son). The season ended with:
- Charles and Joyce reconnecting, but his jealousy over her Broadway success lingers.
- Oliver and Frank adopting a baby, hinting at a more stable (but still chaotic) family life.
- Mabel and Alice reuniting, but Mabel’s trust issues remain.
- A mysterious post-credit scene teasing a new case: a body found in the Arconia’s basement.
Possible Season 6 Storylines
Based on the finale tease and the show’s patterns, here are the most likely directions for Season 6:
1. The Basement Body Mystery
The post-credit scene showed a skeleton in a trunk labeled “Property of the Arconia.” This could lead to:
- A cold case from the building’s past (think 1980s or 90s).
- A connection to Charles’ early acting days (he moved into the Arconia in the 70s).
- A hidden room or secret society within the building (the Arconia is full of secrets!).
2. A Deep Dive into the Arconia’s History
With five seasons of lore, Season 6 could explore:
- The building’s original architect or a deadly secret from its construction.
- A time-jump episode (like Only Murders’s Season 2 flashbacks) revealing past crimes.
- A treasure hunt tied to the skeleton (e.g., stolen jewels, a missing will).
3. Personal Stakes for the Trio
The best Only Murders cases tie into the characters’ lives. Potential arcs:
- Charles: His rivalry with Joyce’s new Broadway success could lead to a theater-world murder.
- Oliver: Parenthood struggles might intersect with a case involving a missing child or a school scandal.
- Mabel: Her past with the Hardy Boys (her father’s death) could resurface if the victim is linked to her family.
4. A Meta Twist: The Podcast’s Impact
The trio’s podcast has made them semi-famous. Season 6 could explore:
- A copycat killer inspired by their past cases.
- A lawsuits or threats from someone they’ve accused in previous seasons.
- A documentary crew following them, adding a mockumentary layer.
Potential Guest Stars & Cameos
Only Murders is known for its A-list cameos. Season 6 could feature:
- Reese Witherspoon (a longtime Steve Martin collaborator).
- Nathan Lane (a Broadway legend who’d fit the Arconia’s vibe).
- A returning villain like Amy Schumer’s April or Jason Veasey’s Will.
- A real-life podcaster (e.g., Alex Cooper from Call Her Daddy) as themselves.
Only Murders in the Building Season 6: What We Want to See
Fan Theories & Wishlist Moments
Reddit and Twitter are buzzing with theories. Here’s what fans are hoping for:
- A Mabel-Centered Mystery: Selena Gomez’s character often takes a backseat. Fans want her past (and her mother’s death) explored deeper.
- More Bunny Folstein: The iconic Jayne Houdyshell’s character was killed off in Season 2, but flashbacks or a twin reveal could bring her back.
- A Musical Episode: With Oliver’s theater background, a full-on musical number (like Scrubs or Buffy) would be iconic.
- A Time Loop: Some fans speculate the skeleton could be from a future victim, leading to a Groundhog Day-style mystery.
Improvements Over Past Seasons
While Only Murders is beloved, some fans have critiques. Season 6 could address:
- Pacing Issues: Season 4’s mid-season lull could be avoided with tighter writing.
- Underused Characters: More screen time for Howard, Uma, and the Arconia’s quirky residents.
- Less Repetition: The “podcast as a plot device” trope could use a fresh twist (e.g., a rival podcast, a live show gone wrong).
How to Watch Only Murders in the Building Season 6
Streaming & Release Details
When Season 6 premieres, it will exclusively stream on Hulu in the U.S. International viewers can watch via:
- Disney+ (Star): Available in Europe, Canada, Australia, and other regions.
- Star+: For Latin American audiences.
Like previous seasons, expect:
- Weekly episodes (likely Tuesdays at 12:00 AM ET).
- A 10-episode run (the standard for Only Murders).
- Binge-worthy drops for international markets (some regions get all episodes at once).
How to Catch Up Before Season 6
New to the show? Here’s how to binge before Season 6:
- Season 1 (2021): The trio investigates a neighbor’s death in the Arconia.
- Season 2 (2022): A new murder in the building ties to Charles’ past.
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