Only Murders in the Building season 1 ended on a major cliffhanger that left the door open for a whole new mystery to play out in season 2 — here’s everything to know about what’s in story for the Hulu series’ sophomore season. The mystery series debuted on Hulu in August, releasing the first three episodes simultaneously before shifting to a weekly format.
Only Murders in the Building season 1 combined a Scooby-like gang — Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora — together to investigate the murder of Tim Kono, who lived in the Arconia apartment building with them. As the series slowly unfolded, new information was discovered about Tim and his relationships with the Arconia’s residents, including Mabel herself. As the trio got closer to learning the truth, a few obstacles got in their way, making it a bit difficult to nail the case for their true crime podcast without ruffling the tenants’ feathers along the way.
With a new mystery emerging from Only Murders in the Building’s season 1 finale, here is everything to know about season 2, including its story, release date, and who in the cast is returning.
Only Murders In The Building Season 2 Renewal
Only Murders in the Building did pretty well for itself in season 1, with Hulu officially confirming the series would return for season 2. The renewal came a month in advance of Only Murders in the Building’s season 1 finale, which isn’t surprising considering the series had the most-watched comedy premiere day in the history of the streaming service. It’s likely season 2 will also consist of ten episodes.
How Only Murders Season 1 Setup Season 2's Story
Only Murders in the Building’s season 1 finale saw Mabel, Charles, and Oliver solve the mystery surrounding Tim Kono’s murder. After rummaging through Tim’s things, Mabel and Oliver discover a bassoon cleaner among the trash bag he took out the night he was poisoned. His killer turned out to be none other than Jan, Charles’ girlfriend and Tim’s ex-lover. Despite the murder-mystery being wrapped up and the podcast published, Charles, Mabel, and Oliver are arrested, now suspects in the murder of Bunny, the head board member of the Arconia. This cliffhanger ending sets up Only Murders in the Building season 2, this time with the trio investigating a murder that deals directly with them.
With Bunny’s determination to evict Oliver in season 1, and her meeting essentially pitting the building’s residents against them, someone probably killed Bunny and wanted to frame Mabel, Charles, and Oliver knowing board member’s public disdain for them. There’s also no doubt that their podcast will become even more buzzworthy with these deadly turn of events, now with Cinda Canning, another podcast host, covering their arrest. It’s unclear how the trio will get out of jail — whether they’ll be released on bail or whether there won't be enough evidence against them — but the stakes are certainly higher than ever for the characters when they return in Only Murders in the Building season 2. And according to showrunner John Hoffman, fans will also learn more about the history of the Arconia in season 2.
Only Murders In The Building Season 2 Cast: Who Will Return?
Only Murders in the Building will see the return of its central trio: Steve Martin as Charles, Martin Short as Oliver, and Selena Gomez as Mabel. Fans should also expect Tina Fey to reprise her role as Cinda Canning, the host of true crime podcast All is Not OK in Oklahoma. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Aaron Dominguez will probably return in season 2 as Detective Williams and Oscar, Mabel’s boyfriend, respectively. What’s more, the Arconia’s memorable residents — including Michael Cyril Creighton, Zaina Jah, and Russell G. Jones — should also return. However, Amy Ryan is unlikely to come back as Jan in Only Murders in the Building season 2 given her arrest and murder charges.
Only Murders In The Building Season 2 Release Date Prediction
It’s currently unclear when Only Murders in the Building season 2 will be released. Season 2 will begin filming in mid-November, so it’s likely to debut on Hulu at some point in mid-2022 at the earliest. For context, Only Murders in the Building season 1 began filming in December 2020 and wrapped production in April 2021, premiering on Hulu August 31. With that in mind, the series could wrap filming in late March 2022, with a possible season 2 premiere date in July 2022. That is, if season 2 has the same production timeline. Since the comedy is a weekly release, all post-production doesn't necessarily have to be done by the time the first episodes debut. Either way, fans should expect Only Murders in the Building season 2 to bow at some point in 2022.