Only Murders in the Building returned to Hulu this week for season 5, and predictably, the new season is jam-packed with high-profile guest stars. Given some of the A-list names from previous seasons—including Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy, and Meryl Streep, the latter of whom is also returning this season—the series definitely had its work cut out for it.
Yet, once again, the popular comedy-drama managed to score another round of Academy Award-winning actors, in addition to the comic relief guest stars.
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What happens in season 5 of Only Murders in the Building?
First and foremost, let’s dive into the plot. (Spoilers ahead for the first three episodes, which premiered on Sept. 9.)
At the end of season 4, our trio of podcasters-turned amateur detectives Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) found the body of the Arconia’s beloved doorman Lester (Teddy Coluca) floating in the blood-filled courtyard fountain. Though the grim discovery comes on the heels of Oliver’s wedding to Loretta (Streep), the three friends quickly get down to investigating in the beginning of season 5—particularly after Lester’s murder is inexplicably ruled accidental.
Adding another layer to the mystery is that Oliver discovers a severed human finger in the shrimp cocktail that was intended to have been served at his wedding, which they later learn did not in fact belong to Lester.
As the trio began to unravel the clues, they fall down a rabbit hole of mob ties to the Arconia dating back decades, and even learned of an underground gambling den that exists beneath the building, run by a a shadowy cabal of figures pulling the strings in New York City. It would seem that Charles, Oliver, and Mabel really have their work cut out for them this time.
Who guest stars in season 5 of Only Murders in the Building?
The first three episodes have already featured nearly a dozen guest stars, with more on the way. Here’s the actors and celebrities who have appeared to date.
Bobby Cannavale as Nicky Caccimelio
The Emmy-winning actor plays mobster Nicky Caccimelio, whom the trio learn had connections to Lester and who had even been seen speaking with him shortly before his death. Unfortunately, before they can track Nicky down to question him, Oliver stumbles upon his dead body at the Caccimelios family dry cleaner—with all of his digits intact.
Jermaine Fowler as Randall
The comedian stars as Randall, a new doorman Lester hired as a result of an uptick of murders in the building. In less than ideal timing, Randall started his first shift on Oliver’s wedding day, and the same day of Lester’s murder, requiring him to figure out the job as he goes along.
Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio
Leoni first made an appearance at the very end of last season as Sofia Caccimelio, a woman who approaches Charles and Mabel on Oliver’s wedding day seeking to hire them to investigate the disappearance of her husband, Nicky Caccimelio. Though they initially turn her down, the series of events leads them to investigate, regardless.
Keegan-Michael Key as Mayor Tillman
In a thinly-veiled nod to New York City mayor Eric Adams, Key plays the fictional Mayor Tillman, who is first encountered at Lester’s funeral, of all places. As it turns out, Tillman is a huge fan of the Only Murders in the Building podcast. And given his ambiguous connection to the Arconia, the character has already become a prime suspect in the murders.
Dianne Wiest as Lorraine
The Oscar-winning actress plays, Lorraine, the grieving widow of Lester who viewers likewise first meet at her husband’s funeral. It remains to be seen whether Lorraine, like her husband, is also harboring secrets—but knowing this show, we certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Beanie Feldstein as Althea (a.k.a. “Thē”)
Feldstein joins the cast this season as a former frenemy of Mabel’s who today goes by “Thē,” in order for her name to appear at the leading of beat streaming searches. We first meet Althea in a flashback, and in the present it’s revealed that she’s decided to move into the penthouse of the Arconia.
Christoph Waltz as Sebastian “Bash” Steed
When the trio infiltrate the secret casino under the Arconia, its revealed that the mob is no longer pulling the strings, but New York’s wealthy and influential billionaires. As such, the Inglourious Basterds star plays Sebastian “Bash” Steed, though not much is currently known about know about his character.
Renée Zellweger as Camila White
Arguably the biggest name of the season, Renée Zellweger plays billionaire Camila White, who is also introduced at the end of the third episode. Given that Zellweger has stepped back from acting as frequently in recent years, her inclusion in the cast is quite notable.
Logan Lerman as Jay Pflug
The third billionaire we meet is Jay Pflug, portrayed by Percy Jackson star Logan Lerman. In perfect kismet, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel notice while hiding behind the casino’s bar that Jay appears to be missing a finger. Dun, dun, dun!
Richard Kind as Vince Fish
Although Kind’s character hasn’t been introduced yet, he reportedly plays a character with the comedic-sounding name Vince Fish, and likewise appears in the trailer for season 5. Kind’s brand of humor is spot-on for Only Murders, and his casting seems if anything overdue.
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