If you're looking for something to curl up with as the seasons change, then Only Murders in the Building (now referred to as Only Murders) is the perfect choice. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the series focuses on three amateur sleuths and true crime lovers who take matters into their own hands to solve murders that keep happening in their building, while similarly producing a podcast of the same name. 

Now in its fifth season, Charles-Haden Savage (Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) put their heads together to solve the mysterious and dramatic death of the Arconia's doorman, Lester (Teddy Coluca). Complete with a cast of faces both new and old, Only Murders continues to explore new aspects of its premise, this time delving into the world of mobsters and billionaires in New York, meshing together glamour, comedy and crime in a way only it can.

One of the best things about Only Murders is the chemistry between its central three characters. Thankfully, in season 5, it is just as good as ever. Martin, Short and Gomez are more than in their stride when it comes to delivering on screen, with their scenes as a trio being some of the show's best. Their dynamic and differing personalities are a fantastic on-screen balance, especially when comedy is involved, and in this season, there's more than enough. 

Though Martin, Short and Gomez are certainly the heart of the series, Only Murders would not be the same if it weren't for the revolving cast of guest stars. Familiar faces such as Meryl Streep's Loretta Durkin return to the comedy-drama, livening each scene with a whimsical presence. Yet, it's the newcomers to the series that really pack a punch. The likes of Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz and Keegan-Michael Key really set a tone and standard for Only Murders‘ latest season. However, stand out performances come from Beanie Feldstein, whose over-the-top presence could only work as well as it does within a show such as this, and Renee Zellweger, whose soft yet fierce performance is deviously delightful. 

While Only Murders thrives in the intersection between comedy, drama and murder, it is remains to be hindered by its limited premise. Though it has done well to expand itself beyond the means of the Arconia, plot lines seem to run thin at times. Several repeated storylines now feel like a bore and more of a way to pass the time rather than add anything to the mystery, which veers slightly towards guessable. Thankfully, however, the jokes remain fresh and quickly make up for this.

Although this season of Only Murders doesn't quite live up to its best, it's still fantastic in its own right. The glitz and glam remain a central focus, but the human nature behind it is never forgotten; an intersection that Only Murders continues to pull off surprisingly well. There is plenty of one-liners and laugh-out-loud moments that make the series as delightful as it is dramatic, and one perfect to cosy up with this autumn.

9 out of 10 episodes were available to view. 

Only Murders in the Building season 5 premieres on Disney+ on September 9th, with episodes airing weekly.

Podcast