Unveiling the Secrets Behind Season 3 of Hulu’s Hit Series ‘Only Murders in the Building’

Continuing its streak of success on Hulu, "Only Murders in the Building" has been renewed for another season just weeks after the start of its second season. Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment president Craig Erwich expressed their gratitude for the show's unique and captivating qualities, praising the team behind it for their exceptional work in combining humor and heart. With its wide appeal and dedicated viewers, the show's creators are thrilled to continue telling the compelling stories of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel.

In the comedy series, three strangers with a shared passion for true crime develop a close connection. When a perplexing death takes place in their apartment building in New York City, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles unite to uncover the identity of the murderer.

In the second season, the trio unexpectedly finds themselves implicated in another murder. To prove their innocence, they embark on a mission to apprehend the culprit and unravel the enigma of an individual who appears to be teasing them by divulging information about the crime scene.

With the show's return approaching in June 2022, the showrunner expressed his intention to raise the stakes in the upcoming season.

According to Hoffman's interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he envisions a flood of unsettling events that initially create a sense of fear, but also promises an abundance of humor in season two. He emphasized that at its core, the show revolves around the three main characters and the diverse inhabitants of New York City. It explores the theme of breaking free from one's isolated existence and banding together with unlikely allies to combat injustice, even if they challenge one's preconceived notions and require unexpected alliances.

One month later, Martin and Short expressed their solidarity with their costar, Gomez, who was not nominated for an Emmy award. (In contrast, the duo received nominations for their individual performances on the show.)

"We're ecstatic about the nominations, not only for ourselves but also for the show. It's disheartening that Selena didn't receive a nomination because she plays such a vital role in our performances," Martin shared with The New York Times at the time. Short highlighted that Gomez did receive a nomination as an executive producer for the successful Hulu series.

Scroll down for everything to know about Only Murders in the Building season 3:

Credit: Courtesy of Steve Martin/Instagram

Everything to Know About Season 3 of Hulu's 'Only Murders in the Building'

The success of Only Murders in the Building on Hulu continues as it receives a renewal just weeks into its second season airing. In a press release from Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment president Craig Erwich in July 2022, it is stated that Only Murders in the Building is considered the highlight of their lineup. Its ability to connect with diverse audiences, combine humor and heart, and bring a truly unique approach is a testament to the work of Dan Fogelman, John Hoffman, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The creators express gratitude for the consistent support from viewers and their eagerness for more of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel's stories.

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The comedy series revolves around three individuals who forge a connection based on their shared fascination for true crime. When an enigmatic death takes place in their apartment building in New York City, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles unite forces to pursue the murderer.

In the second season, the trio becomes embroiled in another homicide investigation, but this time they find themselves implicated as possible culprits. To absolve themselves of suspicion, they must hunt down the killer and unravel the identity of the mysterious figure who appears to be taunting them with knowledge about the crime scene.

The showrunner expressed his desire to amplify the intensity and impact of the show as it makes its return in June 2022.

Hoffman, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, shared his vision for season two. He intends to present a barrage of unsettling situations at the beginning, creating an initial sense of fear. Additionally, he promises an abundance of humor that will transcend the boundaries of reason.

Ultimately, the show revolves around the three main characters and their interactions with the diverse inhabitants of New York City. It explores the concept of breaking free from one's isolated existence and joining forces with unexpected allies in the fight against injustice.

One month later, Martin and Short expressed their support for their fellow costar, Gomez, upon learning that she did not receive an Emmy nomination. The duo, on the other hand, were recognized individually with award nominations for their exceptional work on the show.

"We are overjoyed with the nominations, not just for ourselves but for the entire show. It is disappointing that Selena did not receive a nomination as she plays a vital role in our performances," Martin conveyed to The New York Times during that period. Short emphasized that despite the lack of recognition as an actress, Gomez received a nomination as an executive producer for the popular Hulu series.

Scroll down for everything to know about Only Murders in the Building season 3:

Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

Is 'Only Murders in the Building' Renewed for Season 3?

In July 2022, Hulu announced that the series was renewed while the sophomore season was still airing on the streaming service.

Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

Who Is Returning to 'Only Murders in the Building'?

Gomez, Short, and Martin are preparing to investigate the next major enigma in Arconia. The return of Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Tina Fey in their respective roles as Detective Williams and Cinda Canning has not yet been confirmed.

After the conclusion of season 2, it was announced that Paul Rudd would be making a comeback, having made a brief appearance as the fictional actor Ben Glenroy. The demise of his character will take center stage in season 3.

Actor Ryan Broussard, who portrays Will Putnam, Oliver's son in the show, confirmed his return through an Instagram post with his onscreen dad in January 2023. In April 2023, Deadline reported that Michael Cyril Creighton's character, Howard Morris, would become a regular for the third season of the Hulu series.

Nathan Lane, known for his role as Teddy Dimas in seasons 1 and 2, revealed in an interview with ET Canada in April 2023 that he would not be returning for the new season. He humorously stated, "I'm not in it. They moved on. It's now called 'Only Meryl in the Building'."

Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

When Will Season 3 Premiere?

While on stage with Short for their comedy show in April 2023, Martin announced that the third season will premiere on August 8. Hulu confirmed the news one month later. 

Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

Where Did the Story Leave Off?

The third season would follow the aftermath of the main trio tracking down who killed Bunny and uncovering the identity of Glitter Guy.

After a time jump, Mabel, Charles and Oliver get caught up in another murder.  

Credit: Christy Radecic/AP/Shutterstock

How Will Ben's Murder Be Explored?

"I’m currently six weeks into the writing process for Season 3, and what we have planned is absolutely mind-blowing and incredibly exciting. It's a rollercoaster ride of unexpected twists and turns," shared Hoffman in an exclusive interview with TV Line in August 2022. "We continuously push ourselves to think outside the box, asking questions like, 'What can we do differently?' and 'What will provide a fresh perspective?' So brace yourself! There's a whirlwind of events unfolding, and the victim's character is vividly portrayed thus far."

Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

Do Mabel and Alice Have a Future Together?

During an interview with TVLine in August 2022, Hoffman hinted that Mabel and Alice's relationship would not continue in the same way after the time jump in season 3. "Alice's storyline wrapped up in a rather heartwarming manner, with the beginnings of a reconciliation in her friendship with Mabel. I appreciate the camaraderie that exists between them. However, I don't foresee their relationship progressing into a romantic one," the creator explained.

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Who Else Is Joining the Cast?

In October 2022, Deadline reported that Jesse Williams has been cast to play the role of a documentarian who becomes intrigued by the case featured in season 3. Following this, three months later, Gomez revealed that Meryl Streep would also be joining the cast in an undisclosed role, with the announcement made through an Instagram video featuring the cast on set.

Ashley Park announced her addition to the cast in February 2023 through a TikTok video alongside Gomez and Short. The video, captioned by the Emily in Paris actress, showcased the trio lip-synching to lines from the 1942 film My Sister Eileen. According to Deadline, Park has been cast as Kimber, a Broadway star.

In March 2023, Deadline reported that Jeremy Shamos, Linda Emond, and Wesley Taylor would be joining the cast of season 3 in recurring roles. The details surrounding their characters have been kept tightly under wraps.

Credit: Courtesy of Selena Gomez/Instagram

Jesse Is 'Killing It'

Gomez playfully teased about @ijessewilliams' performance in season 3, sharing a makeup trailer selfie on Instagram on February 28.

Williams responded with a rollercoaster emoji, hinting at some intense moments.

Credit: YouTube

Who Is Meryl Streep's Character?

The character portrayed by Streep, named Loretta according to TVLine, made her debut in a season 3 teaser released in March 2023. In this preview, Loretta exuded delightful enthusiasm while participating in a table read for Oliver's (Short) play.

"Oh my God, it's me!" she said while reading the script, laughing as Short, Rudd and Gomez's characters look on. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. It's me. Isn't it?"

Credit: SteveSands/NewYorkNewswire/MEGA

Why Is Mabel in a Wedding Dress?

Gomez, Short, and Martin recreated their popular film franchise, Father of the Bride, during the filming of OMITB in March 2023.

"The Jerk" actor took to Twitter to share the exciting news, posting a picture of himself dressed in a tuxedo alongside Gomez wearing a wedding dress. He also shared an image of Short posing with the former Disney Channel alum. "This also happened, can you believe it?" he wrote.

The trio was also captured on camera shooting a scene for OMITB at the show's New York City set. Dressed in their respective costumes, with Gomez donning a bridal gown, the actors appeared frazzled as they hurriedly ran to catch a cab during the filming.

Credit: Courtesy of Selena Gomez/Instagram

When Did Filming Wrap?

Season 3 of @onlymurdershulu has concluded, and Gomez expressed her admiration for it on Instagram. On April 20, 2023, she shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Streep, expressing her inability to fully capture the beauty of this season with words. Gomez described it as both uproariously funny and demanding, making it a dream come true for her. She concluded her post by expressing her love and admiration for the incredible woman that Streep is.