Only Murders in the Building is Hulu’s latest comedy. The first three episodes premiered on August 31, 2021 and the show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. In an exclusive with The Wrap, a Hulu representative reported that Only Murders in the Building is the platform’s most-watched premiere for any comedy series. That is astounding, especially when you consider Hulu has played host to other comedy juggernauts like Seinfeld.
The Best Form of Comedy Involves Tragedy…and Murders
Only Murders in the Building tells the story of three tenants in an upscale New York City apartment building. The trio of Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) are brought together by a love of true-crime podcasts. When a grisly murder occurs in the building, the unlikely group suspects the worst and begins their own investigation. Along the way, they start their own true-crime podcast to document their findings. It is during this investigation, the three unravel the building’s layered shocking secrets. Even more shocking are the lies the three tell one another and themselves.
Steve Martin and John Hoffman created the series. Steve Martin, Martin Short, John Hoffman, and Dan Fogelman serve as executive producers alongside Selena Gomez. 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Television, and Rhode Island Ave. Productions are all involved with the production.
It’s clear that Hulu has another hit comedy on its hands with Only Murders in the Building. The comedic camaraderie between Steve Martin and Martin Short has stood the test of time. But it’s the unlikely charisma and chemistry that Selena Gomez brings to the group that really helps the show shine. By bringing in an opposing viewpoint and a character shrouded in just as many secrets as Martin and Short, Gomez more than holds her own with these comedy titans. In the end, Only Murders in the Building has all the right ingredients for any fan of true crime or witty comedy.