It’s almost time to return to New York City’s Arconia! Hulu’s hit series,Only Murders in the Building, isreturning for Season 5for yet another murder mystery and (hilarious) investigation. Since it premiered back in 2021, the series has been one of streaming’s most successful shows. It’s hard not to fall in love with it, thanks to the fun trio the show crafted withMartin Short,Steve Martin, andSelena Gomez, itsincredible list of guest stars, and its deliciously dark sense of humor. However, all good things must come to an end. But when? Arecent interview with Shorthints that the actor has an idea of when the show should end, and it makes perfect sense.
Martin Short Thinks ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Should End Sooner Rather Than Later
Since Season 1,Only Murders in the Buildinghas handled its storytelling and multiple plot threads quite well.Season 4 introducedwhat was arguably its boldest concept yet, and it felt natural and exciting. However, eventhe best shows have gone on too long for their own good, and it’s easy to wonder how longOnly Murders in the Buildingwill be able to continue this positive trajectory.In a recent interview withVariety, Short had ideas about when the show should solve its final case. “It’s not only obviously great to be nominated for things, but to be so personally pleased with the outcome of the show is amazing.” He did acknowledge, though, that the show might need to bow out sooner rather than later:
“I think that the reality is, you know, when it feels like it’s past its time. I think everyone’s amazed that it’s gone this long. This is a long time in streaming to go five years.The Dick Van Dyke Showended after five years, because one of the reasons was that they were afraid of losing the quality of it.”
It may be disheartening to hear Short think about the show’s age and fate, but he has a great point.
Sitcoms Rarely Maintain Their Quality for an Entire Series Run
In decades past,lengthy runs were something for sitcoms to strive for. However, this often yielded mixed results.Cheersmasterfully maintained its qualitydespite big casting changes. This is, of course, rare.Friendshad a noticeable decline in quality as it aged, with its penultimate season featuringa storyline that even the cast disliked. EvenModern Familyexperienced a decline in storytelling by the time it reached Season 10.
As viewership has shifted more toward streaming, the problem has only become more nuanced. In addition to the challenges that come with maintaining quality,audiences have also gotten used to shorter runs. It may sound a bit dramatic to say so, but five seasons are far from common now. More and more shows are wrapping after just three to four years, and, with the increased production of content, it’s unrealistic to thinkOnly Murders in the Buildingwould continue on much further than Season 5. What’s more, the show has already introduced its perfect final victim.
‘Only Murders in the Building’ Has Already Introduced Its Perfect Final Murder
While we’re not eager to see the show come to an end, it’s hard to argue that the series has planted the seeds for what could be its best investigation yet. TheSeason 4 finalerevealed that the Arconia’s beloved doorman, Lester (Teddy Coluca), had been brutally killed, paving the way forSeason 5’s investigation. While obviously tragic,Lester is actually the perfect candidate for the show’s final victim. In many ways, there is a fantastic shock value to his death (one that rivalseven the death ofJane Lynch’s Sazz) as he seemed one of the show’s least likely choices. However, there’s something poetic about the idea of Lester being the last subject.
In many ways, he’s a reflection ofthe Arconia itself. Both he and the building have weathered the various, bloody scandals that have rocked the show’s community, so what happens when one of those consistencies is gone? Lester’s role as doorman (a sense of security for the characters) adds to the idea, allowing the murder to feel particularly unhinged and dangerous. In a sense, this would allow the show to go off on its own terms with its most bold and unpredictable case yet, while also allowing a sense of closure.
While Hulu has yet to announce anything definitive in the way ofOnly Murders in the Buildingcoming to an end, Season 5 feels right.Saying goodbye to the Arconia sooner rather than later would allow the show to end on a high note, maintain its quality, and offer an ending that feels fitting for the critically-acclaimed series. For now, audiences will have to wait and see what awaits when the show returns on September 9.
Only Murders in the Building
