Only Murders in the Building Review

The show's engine is the chemistry between its three leads, and it is close to perfect: Martin's dry underplaying, Short's manic theatricality and Gomez's deadpan youth balance each other in a way that would work with no murder at all. The murders are the structure rather than the point, a new one each season solved in ten episodes with a competent fair play mystery underneath, and the show is at its best when it steps away from the case for an episode about one of the trio or a resident of the building.

The Arconia itself is a character, shot with an affection for its lobbies and stairwells. The satire of true crime and podcasting is gentle and accurate. The mysteries themselves are the weak link, resolved with reveals that are tidy rather than clever, and the later seasons lean on celebrity guest stars in a way that dilutes the core. As a comedy about aging and friendship, it is quietly one of the best on television.