The Arconia's New Suspects: Everything We Know About The Only Murders In The Building Season 5 Cast And Roles

The Arconia is once again the site of a fresh crime, and with it comes a fresh roster of suspects, celebrity cameos, and returning favorites. As of December 2025, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 has already premiered, plunging the beloved true-crime podcasting trio—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—into their most personal and complex case yet: the murder of the building's long-time doorman, Lester. This season not only brings back the core chemistry that fans adore but also introduces a dazzling array of A-list talent to the cast, each playing a potentially pivotal role in solving (or complicating) the latest mystery.

The fifth installment of the hit Hulu (and Disney+ internationally) series continues the show's tradition of blending sophisticated murder-mystery with sharp, character-driven comedy. The cast list for Season 5 is a star-studded affair, confirming the return of the series' heart and soul while adding Oscar winners and celebrated comedians to the mix. From returning fan-favorites to brand new, potentially lethal residents, here is the ultimate guide to the full cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5.

The Core Trio: Charles, Oliver, and Mabel Return

The heart of Only Murders in the Building remains the unlikely friendship between the three Arconia residents, all driven by a shared passion for true-crime podcasts. Their chemistry is the show's secret weapon, and their return was the first and most vital confirmation for Season 5.

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Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage

• Role: A semi-retired, somewhat neurotic actor best known for his 1990s TV detective show, Brazzos.
• Season 5 Arc: Charles is back to sleuthing, though his personal life is often as dramatic as the murder investigation. His relationship with his co-stars and his own history in the Arconia continue to be key elements.
• Biography Profile: Steve Martin is a comedy legend, actor, writer, producer, and musician. His career spans over six decades, including iconic films like The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Father of the Bride. He is one of the most decorated entertainers in American history, including five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. He also co-created Only Murders in the Building.

Martin Short as Oliver Putnam

• Role: An eccentric, perpetually-in-debt Broadway director whose flair for the dramatic often helps and hinders the podcast's progress.
• Season 5 Arc: Oliver continues to balance the murder investigation with his attempts to stage a career comeback. His theatrical instincts are essential to the team's often ridiculous but effective detective work.
• Biography Profile: Martin Short is a celebrated Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Known for his over-the-top characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick, his work on SCTV and Saturday Night Live established him as a comedic icon. His film credits include Three Amigos! and Mars Attacks!. He has won two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, making him a true triple threat.

Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora

• Role: A sharp, stylish artist with a dark past connected to the Arconia and a pragmatic approach to the mysteries.
• Season 5 Arc: Mabel is navigating the professional world while trying to keep her two older partners focused. As the most grounded member of the trio, her insights are often the catalyst for major breakthroughs in the case of Lester's murder.
• Biography Profile: Selena Gomez is a globally recognized actress, singer, and producer. She rose to fame on the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place and has since starred in films like Spring Breakers and The Dead Don't Die. As a recording artist, she has achieved massive commercial success. She is an executive producer on Only Murders in the Building, earning critical acclaim and two Emmy nominations for her performance as Mabel Mora.

Major Returning and New Guest Stars for the Lester Murder Case

Season 5 focuses on the murder of Lester, the Arconia's doorman, which was the cliffhanger ending of the previous season. This new central mystery necessitates the return of some familiar faces and the introduction of several high-profile new characters, all of whom are potential suspects or key witnesses in the investigation. The show’s formula relies heavily on its revolving door of celebrity guests, and this season is no exception.

The Returning Favorites

The Arconia wouldn't be the same without its recurring residents and allies. A few notable returnees are confirmed to play a role in the new mystery, offering continuity and fan service.

• Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin: The three-time Oscar winner is confirmed to return for Season 5, reprising her role as the talented but troubled actress and Oliver's love interest. While her storyline may not be as central as in the previous season, her presence, particularly her relationship with Oliver, remains a key emotional thread.
• Julian Cihi as Tim Kono: The original murder victim from Season 1 is slated to make a return appearance, likely in flashbacks or dream sequences, connecting the current events to the Arconia's long history of crime.

The New Faces and Potential Suspects

The introduction of new residents and powerful figures is a hallmark of the series, providing fresh motives and red herrings. Season 5 raises the stakes with some of the biggest names in Hollywood joining the ensemble.

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• Christoph Waltz as Bash Steed: The two-time Academy Award winner joins the cast as a major new character. Bash Steed is portrayed as an artificial intelligence (AI) tycoon, a figure whose immense wealth and mysterious dealings immediately make him a prime murder suspect in the Arconia. His character likely represents a clash between old-money New York (The Arconia) and the new tech elite.
• Renée Zellweger: The Oscar-winning actress is a confirmed new addition to the Season 5 cast. Details on her specific character and role are being kept tightly under wraps, fueling speculation that she might be the season's primary antagonist or a major new resident with a powerful secret. Her involvement promises an intense performance.
• Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio: Known for her role in Madame Secretary, Leoni plays Sofia Caccimelio, a character introduced in the Season 4 finale. Sofia is a powerful figure who offers to hire the amateur sleuths to investigate a different case, potentially expanding the podcast's scope beyond the Arconia's walls.
• Dianne Wiest: Another celebrated actress joining the ensemble, Wiest's role is a key guest star. Her character's identity and connection to Lester or the Arconia's elite residents are crucial to the mystery.
• Jermaine Fowler: The comedian and actor is a confirmed new cast member. His addition suggests a strong comedic presence in the supporting cast, perhaps as a new Arconia employee, a rival podcaster, or another family member of the victim.
• Logan Lerman: Returning after his appearance in a previous season, Lerman's role is a welcome sight for fans. His character's connection to Mabel and the wider Arconia circle will be explored further as the mystery deepens.

Topical Authority: The Arconia, True Crime, and the Legacy

Only Murders in the Building (OMITB) has established itself as a cornerstone of modern mystery-comedy television. The series thrives on its unique setting—The Arconia—a fictional, grand, and highly exclusive Upper West Side apartment building in New York City. This setting is not just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, embodying the secrets and eccentricities of the city's elite.

The success of the show is intrinsically linked to the global fascination with the true-crime podcast genre. The trio’s amateur investigation, recorded as their podcast, mirrors the real-world phenomenon of armchair detectives and the ethical complexities that come with it. Season 5 continues this self-aware narrative, with Charles, Oliver, and Mabel struggling to maintain their podcast's integrity while facing real danger.

The casting strategy—pairing legendary comedians (Steve Martin, Martin Short) with a globally recognized pop culture icon (Selena Gomez), and then surrounding them with a rotating cast of Oscar-winning guest stars (Meryl Streep, Christoph Waltz, Renée Zellweger)—has created a topical authority that few other streaming series can match. This season promises to deliver the same blend of high-stakes murder, theatrical flair, and genuine emotional connection that has made it a critical and commercial darling for Hulu and Disney+.

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What to Expect from the Season 5 Storyline

The central plot for Season 5 revolves around the murder of Lester, the Arconia's doorman. Lester was a familiar, if often grumpy, presence throughout the series, and his death is a shocking event that hits close to home for all the residents. The investigation will undoubtedly explore the inner workings of the Arconia staff, the secrets held by its long-time employees, and the dynamics between the staff and the wealthy residents.

The theme of AI technology and the tech elite is a strong new element, introduced through Christoph Waltz's character, Bash Steed. This suggests a more modern, high-tech twist to the classic whodunit format, forcing the old-school detectives (Charles and Oliver) and the modern artist (Mabel) to grapple with new forms of evidence and deception. The addition of Téa Leoni's character, Sofia Caccimelio, potentially opens the door for a future season that takes the podcast and the trio's investigations outside of the Arconia, marking a significant evolution for the series' narrative structure. With the full cast now in play, the fifth season promises to be the most intriguing and star-studded mystery yet.