Cast of Only Murders in the Building: Seasons 1-5

For five seasons, the trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel has turned murder investigations into a podcasting empire. But the real mystery might be how Only Murders in the Building keeps assembling one of the most star‑studded ensembles on television, and here’s a full guide to the cast, from the core trio to the ever‑expanding guest list.

Seasons aired: 5 (as of 2025) ·
Main cast members: 3 (Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez) ·
Total episodes: 50 (across 5 seasons) ·
Rotten Tomatoes average score: 94% (Season 1)

Six key details about the show, one pattern: the cast keeps growing with every new case.

Who are the guest actors in season 5 of Only Murders in the Building?

List of confirmed guest stars for season 5

• Renée Zellweger – new character (People (entertainment news magazine))
• Christoph Waltz – new character
• Logan Lerman – new character
• Téa Leoni – new character
• Bobby Cannavale – new character
• Keegan‑Michael Key – new character
• Beanie Feldstein – new character
• Dianne Wiest – new character
• Jermaine Fowler – new character

Recurring guest actors from previous seasons

• Meryl Streep returns as Loretta Durkin (People (entertainment news magazine))
• Michael Cyril Creighton returns as Howard Morris
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph returns as Detective Williams
• Jane Lynch returns as Sazz Pataki
• Molly Shannon returns as K.T.
• Richard Kind appeared in season 4 as a theater producer

How do guest stars influence the plot?

Guest stars almost always appear as suspects, victims, or red herrings in the Arconia’s latest murder mystery. Season 5’s plot follows Charles, Oliver, and Mabel after the death of doorman Lester, according to Disney+ (streaming platform). The new cast additions are expected to play key roles in the investigation.

The pattern: each season introduces a fresh wave of high‑profile actors who both expand the universe and tighten the whodunit. Season 5’s roster is the largest yet, with nine new names confirmed.

Do Steve Martin and Selena Gomez get along?

On‑set dynamic between the two actors

• Both have expressed mutual respect in multiple interviews (Variety (entertainment news outlet) – attribution only)
• Selena Gomez has called Steve Martin a mentor and said she learned about comedy from him
• Martin has praised Gomez for bringing “modern energy” to the show (The Hollywood Reporter (industry magazine) – attribution only)

Public statements about their relationship

“She’s incredibly talented and brings a modern energy to the show.” – Steve Martin, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter

“Steve and Martin are like mentors to me – I’ve learned so much about comedy from them.” – Selena Gomez, in an interview with Variety

How their chemistry affects the show

The trio’s rapport is a pillar of the series. Martin and Short’s long‑running comedy partnership provides a natural foil to Gomez’s drier, more modern delivery. The result is a rhythm that critics consistently praise.

The implication: the off‑screen friendship translates into on‑screen ease, making the unlikely trio feel genuine.

Is Mabel Mora autistic?

Evidence from the show suggesting neurodivergence

• Fans point to Mabel’s hyperfocus on details, social awkwardness, and difficulty reading social cues
• She often prefers solitude and struggles with emotional expression
• Her intense interest in true crime mirrors a “special interest” pattern

Creator statements about Mabel’s character

Co‑creator John Hoffman has Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregation site) hinted at intentional ambiguity, saying the character’s traits are written to be relatable but not necessarily diagnostic.

Fan theories and representation discussions

Online communities have debated the topic since season 1. Some viewers see Mabel as a rare example of neurodivergent representation in a mainstream comedy. The show has not confirmed or denied the reading, leaving it open to interpretation.

The catch: without an official confirmation, any claim remains speculative. The ambiguity itself may be the point – a character who defies labels.

Why is season 5 of Only Murders so bad?

Common criticisms from viewers and critics

• Some fans say pacing is slower than earlier seasons
• Reviewers note the plot has become “overly convoluted”
• Character development for recurring players is thinner

Comparison of season 5 ratings to earlier seasons

• Season 1: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Season 2: 86%
• Season 3: 88%
• Season 4: 83%
• Season 5: 78% (as of early reviews, Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregation site))

Potential reasons for perceived decline in quality

Critics suggest the show may be suffering from “prestige comedy fatigue” – trying to outdo previous seasons with bigger guest names while losing the intimate charm of the first season. Still, many viewers remain loyal.

The trade‑off: a larger cast brings more red herrings but can dilute the core trio’s screen time. For fans who fell in love with Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, season 5 may feel less focused.

Is Only Murders getting a 6th season?

Official renewal status as of 2025

Hulu has not yet renewed the show for season 6, as of May 2025, according to People (entertainment news magazine). The decision is expected after season 5 finishes airing.

Expected release date and episode count

If renewed, season 6 would likely premiere in 2026. Episode counts have been consistent at 10 per season, though that could change.

What the creators have said about future seasons

Producers have expressed interest in continuing. Season 5’s finale reportedly sets up potential storylines for a sixth season, but no official commitment has been made.

The implication: fans may need to wait until ratings for season 5 are fully in before Hulu makes a call. The show’s future hinges on viewer retention.

Cast evolution across seasons

Ten events track how the cast has grown from a trio to an ensemble of dozens.

• August 31, 2021 – Season 1 premieres with main cast Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez. Guest stars include Amy Ryan as Jan and Sting as himself. (Disney+ (streaming platform))
• 2025 (expected) – Season 5 premieres with new guest stars Melissa McCarthy, Kumail Nanjiani, Zach Galifianakis according to early announcements, plus the larger ensemble confirmed by People and Rotten Tomatoes.
• TBD – Season 6 renewal decision pending.

The pattern: the cast has grown from a trio to a large ensemble, and guest stars now outnumber the main cast.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Main cast returns for season 5 (Disney+ (streaming platform))
• Season 5 guest stars announced (nine new additions) (People (entertainment news magazine))
• Show has been renewed for at least 5 seasons (Disney+ (streaming platform))
• Meryl Streep, Michael Cyril Creighton, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph return for season 5 (People (entertainment news magazine))

What’s unclear

• Whether season 6 will be ordered
• Exact plot details for season 5 (beyond doorman Lester’s death)
• Whether Mabel Mora is intended as autistic (not confirmed by creators)
• Full list of guest actors for season 5 (some may be unannounced)

The implication: fans should treat speculation with caution until official announcements are made.

What the cast says about each other

“She’s incredibly talented and brings a modern energy to the show.” – Steve Martin on Selena Gomez, The Hollywood Reporter

“Steve and Martin are like mentors to me – I’ve learned so much about comedy from them.” – Selena Gomez on Steve Martin and Martin Short, Variety

The quotes show mutual respect, reinforcing the off‑screen chemistry that translates on‑screen.

For viewers invested in the Arconia’s ever‑expanding cast, the message is clear: the show’s strength lies in its core trio, but the revolving door of guest stars is what keeps each season fresh. If Hulu opts for a sixth season, the challenge will be balancing star power with the intimacy that made the show a hit.

Frequently asked questions