Only Murders in the Building returns for a gripping and darkest fourth season that sees our beloved trio of amateur sleuths and podcasters—Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez)—dive headfirst into a new mystery that starts in Hollywood and quickly brings them back to the familiar corridors of the Arconia in New York.
The season premiere, “Once Upon a Time in the West,” released on August 27, 2024, offers a delightful mix of humor, intrigue, and a fresh satirical take on Hollywood.
The season kicks off with the trio in Los Angeles, attending a meeting regarding the adaptation of their podcast into a screenplay. The excitement is short-lived, however, as Charles grows concerned about his missing stunt double, Sazz Pataki, played by Evergreen Park’s Jane Lynch.
While the trio receives misleading texts as to Sazz’s whereabouts, they are redirected to Los Angeles, where their true-crime podcast is being turned into a Hollywood film, with Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria set to portray Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, respectively. This mystery of Sazz pulls them back to New York, setting the stage for another season of quirky detective work.
After a hilarious visit to Paramount Studios and then a “Hollywood” party our trio discovers what happened to Sazz – after being shot in the final episode of Season 3, she is found burnt to ashes in the incinerator – only her metal joints from Bulgaria left.
Cast Performances
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez reprise their roles with the same chemistry and charm that fans have come to love. The addition of star-studded guest appearances, including Meryl Streep, Molly Shannon, and Eugene Levy, brings a new layer of excitement and gravitas to the series.
Each guest star seamlessly blends into the show’s fabric, with Melissa McCarthy and Kumail Nanjiani providing notable performances that hint at larger roles as the season progresses.
Hollywood Satire and Direction
The season opener cleverly navigates the complex world of Hollywood, poking fun at the industry while also celebrating its idiosyncrasies. The satire is sharp yet affectionate, reflecting a deep appreciation for the cinematic arts. The shift back to New York after the Hollywood escapade is smoothly executed, maintaining the show’s pacing and intrigue.
The first episode of Season 4 sets a high bar for the remainder of the season. It skillfully blends the series’ trademark wit with a new, more complex narrative. The episode lays the groundwork for a season that looks to explore deeper themes of fame, art, and authenticity, all while delivering the compelling murder mystery narrative that fans adore.
Selena Gomez’s Mabel struggles with whether to agree to the Hollywood adaptation and sign over her life rights to Paramount Studios, adding a personal dilemma that mirrors the larger themes of identity and representation in media.
The blend of familiar and new elements—both in the cast and the plot—keeps the series feeling fresh yet reassuringly consistent with its unique style and humor. With each character already showing new layers and potential growth, the season is poised to be a dynamic exploration of both the characters themselves and the ever-enthralling mystery genre.
Only Murders in the Building continues to be a masterclass in blending genres, and this season opener is a promise of more twists, laughs, and unforgettable moments to come. As the mystery unfolds, viewers will undoubtedly be eager to tune in each Tuesday to see how the latest murder in the building unravels.
(Only Murders in the Building — “Opening Night” – Episode 310 — Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu)
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