Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Only Murders in the Building season 3, episodes 1 and 2!
Summary
Co-creator John Hoffman expresses optimism for the enduring success of Only Murders in the Building and desires to continue the series for multiple seasons. The combination of the show's distinctive concept and the exceptional cast enhances its prospects for longevity and a renewed viewpoint.
Season 3 sets the stage for changes in both location and character dynamics, providing the opportunity for further development and maintaining a fresh feel for future seasons of the show. As the show expands to a new location, co-creator and executive producer John Hoffman expresses optimism about the future of Only Murders in the Building beyond season 3. Created by Hoffman and starring Steve Martin, this murder mystery comedy follows three neighbors who share a passion for true crime podcasts and create their own as they attempt to solve perplexing deaths within their apartment building. With the talented cast including Martin Short and Selena Gomez, season 3 delves into the investigation of a Broadway actor's murder, who is starring in a play directed by Oliver, played by Short.
Screen Rant recently interviewed John Hoffman, co-creator and executive producer of Only Murders in the Building season 3. In discussing the show's future and his vision for it, Hoffman expressed confidence in its longevity and expressed a desire to continue for multiple seasons. He emphasized the joy and satisfaction that the cast and crew feel while working on the show. Hoffman also acknowledged the intrigue surrounding the show's premise and hinted at season 3 providing answers to certain questions. He further mentioned having numerous ideas for the show's future. Overall, he highlighted the unexpected combination of talent in the cast, including Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, as a key factor that could contribute to its enduring success. However, he admitted that he cannot predict the future and remains uncertain of what lies ahead.
Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the show covered here would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.
How Only Murders in the Building Can Keep Reinventing Itself
In Only Murders in the Building season 3, a significant turn of events unfolds as the narrative resumes from the season 2 cliffhanger. It features the shocking incident where Ben, portrayed by Paul Rudd, appears to meet his demise on stage during the grand opening of Oliver's latest production. This incident stands out as the first major murder occurring outside of Charles, Mabel, and Oliver's residence. However, in an unexpected twist, the season 3 premiere reveals that Ben was successfully resuscitated at the hospital. Nevertheless, tragedy strikes again when he is unexpectedly pushed down the elevator shaft at the Arconia, leading to his untimely demise.
The shift towards a Broadway setting in Only Murders in the Building has brought death back to their apartment, but it has also proven to be an interesting turn in the show's new direction. Unlike Mabel's personal ties to Tim in season 1 and their ties to annoying neighbor Bunny, Ben initially had no real connection to the central trio. However, in season 3, episode 2, it was revealed that Charles got Ben fired from Brazzos when he was a child actor, and Ben's movies helped Mabel cope with her father's death. This revelation made it personal for both of them to find the killer.
Despite the return to a personal formula, Only Murders in the Building season 3 has introduced a wide range of potential suspects who do not live in the Arconia, completely moving Charles, Mabel, and Oliver out of their usual environment. Additionally, the new season has established health problems for Oliver and the possibility of Mabel leaving the Arconia. These developments in the central trio's lives could lead to further changes in the show, keeping it fresh for future seasons.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building season 3 air Tuesdays on Hulu!