Only Murders in the Building adds motion pictures into the mix as the entertaining comedy whodunit returns for its fourth season on Hulu.

The big news going into the new season is that Michael Cyril Creighton is now a series regular. Obviously, this is not all the big news because the Arconia is now playing host to a motion picture production. That’s right! Paramount Pictures is producing a film adaptation of the hit podcast starring Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, and Eva Longoria as Oliver, Charles, and Mabel, respectively. They are among numerous guest stars that the series has lined up for its fourth season. I know you’re probably asking yourself the same question–why Paramount Pictures and not 20th Century Studios?!?

Hulu sent seven episodes to press prior to the season’s launch. I can tell you that once again, it’s a binge-worthy season. Honestly, I’m not really going to get into the plot in particular because it would mean giving away spoilers and nobody wants that. What we know going into the season is that Charles Haden Savage’s (Steve Martin) stunt double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch) was murdered during last year’s season finale. But why? There is also the question of whether the shooter intended to murder Charles instead. If this is the case, Oliver (Martin Short) or Mabel (Selena Gomez) could be next. The trio cut their time short in Los Angeles to head back to New York. In starting their investigation, we start learning more about the building’s West Tower. Did one of them have a vendetta? If so, why?

There’s a phrase–if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Much like the previous seasons, Only Murders in the Building sticks to the same formula. The big difference this season is that their Hollywood counterparts want in on the action. It certainly ups the comedy angle to an extent. The other thing is that this allows the comedy’s writers to find humor in the age gap between our trio of stars. The casting of Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, and Eva Longoria may be closer in age. However, it is less of an odd couple casting than pairing Martin and Short with Gomez. Regardless, there are still plenty of opportunities to find humor in the overall situation. At one point, Charles Haden Savage is speaking as if he’s in a film noir.

Four seasons in, Only Murders in the Building is still going strong and shows no signs of getting stale.

CREATORS: Steve Martin and John Hoffman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Steve Martin, John Hoffman, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Dan Fogelman, and Jess Rosenthal
CAST: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton
SPECIAL GUEST STARS: Meryl Streep, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Richard Kind, Jane Lynch, Melissa McCarthy, Kumail Nanjiani, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Molly Shannon

Hulu launches the fourth season of Only Murders In The Building on August 27, 2023. Weekly episodes will follow on Tuesdays through October 29. Grade: 4/5

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