The Arconia Only Murders In The Building
Okay, picture this: you're cozied up on your couch, maybe with a warm blanket and your favorite snack (mine’s definitely something cheesy), and you stumble upon a show that just gets you. A show that’s like a perfectly brewed cup of tea on a chilly evening, but with more murder. And more laughs. And way more charmingly eccentric neighbors.
I’m talking, of course, about Only Murders in the Building. Seriously, if you haven't dived into this delightful little mystery yet, what are you even doing with your life? It’s set in this ridiculously gorgeous, old-school New York City apartment building called The Arconia, which is basically a character in itself. Think grand staircases, cozy nooks, and maybe a whisper of secrets behind every ornate door. It's the kind of place where you'd expect to find a budding artist sketching in the lobby or a retired Broadway star practicing their scales. But it also seems to be a magnet for… well, murder.
Our unlikely detective trio are none other than Steve Martin as the retired, somewhat clueless actor Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as the flamboyant, theater-obsessed producer Oliver Putnam, and the absolute queen, Selena Gomez, as the mysterious, art-loving young woman Mabel Mora. These three could not be more different if they tried. Charles is all about his quiet life and canned dips, Oliver lives for the drama and the spotlight (even if it’s just in his own mind), and Mabel is the cool, collected one, armed with a sharp wit and an even sharper eye for detail. They’re neighbors who barely know each other, united only by their shared love for a true-crime podcast. And then, bam! Someone in their building gets murdered. Poor, poor Tim Kono.
Instead of calling the cops and getting on with their lives (which, let's be honest, is what most of us would do after a mild panic attack), these three decide, "Hey, we're all podcast nerds, let's make our own podcast about this!" And thus, Only Murders in the Building, the podcast within the show, is born. It’s the ultimate cozy mystery, but with a hilarious twist: the amateur detectives are, well, amateur. They bumble, they misunderstand clues, they accuse each other probably more times than is healthy, but somehow, through sheer persistence and a healthy dose of luck, they start to unravel the truth.
The beauty of this show is how it blends genres so seamlessly. One minute you’re chuckling at Oliver’s over-the-top theatrical pronouncements, the next you’re genuinely invested in figuring out who the killer is. And then, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, they throw a curveball that sends you back to square one. It's like a really good puzzle, but instead of cardboard pieces, you’re dealing with red herrings, suspicious neighbors, and possibly a poisoned dip. (Don’t worry, it’s not that graphic. Think more ‘who-dun-it’ with a sprinkle of charm, less ‘blood-spatter everywhere’.)
The humor is so smart, it's like a perfectly timed punchline delivered by a seasoned comedian. And the chemistry between Steve, Martin, and Selena? Pure magic. They feel like a real, albeit incredibly dysfunctional, found family. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to gather your own quirky friends and start a podcast about… well, maybe not murder, but definitely about something fun!
Is The Arconia A Real Building In New York City?
And let's not forget the supporting cast! Every single person in The Arconia is a potential suspect and a potential comedic gem. There's the stern building manager, Ursula, who is always ready with a withering look. Then there's the super-wealthy, slightly unhinged next-door neighbor, Howard Morris, who seems to have a conspiracy theory for everything. And who can forget the wonderfully odd performances by people like Amy Ryan as the well-meaning but utterly clueless resident killer. They all add so much flavor to the stew, making the world of The Arconia feel so alive and, dare I say, oddly comforting, despite the looming threat of homicide.
What I love most is that it’s accessible. You don’t need a degree in forensic science to follow along. You just need a willingness to laugh, to be surprised, and to enjoy watching three incredibly talented people navigate the absurdity of it all. It’s the perfect escape. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, you can find friendship, laughter, and the thrill of a good old-fashioned mystery. So, if you’re looking for a show that’s lighthearted but intriguing, full of heart and hilarious banter, do yourself a favor and check out Only Murders in the Building. You might just find yourself whistling the theme tune and looking at your own neighbors with a little more curiosity. And who knows, maybe you’ll even start recording your own podcast. Just, you know, maybe pick a topic that doesn't involve actual dead bodies.