Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, some gory images in fun NYC murder mystery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Only Murders in the Building
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say that while the show features a mix of witty humor and engaging mystery, it is laden with excessive profanity and sexual innuendo that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Many praised the performances of the lead actors and the show's unique atmosphere, but concerns about its mature content and dark humor raised doubts about its suitability for family viewing.
- mature content
- excessive language
- strong performances
- engaging mystery
- dark humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say this show is highly entertaining with a blend of comedy and murder mystery, featuring a talented cast that includes well-known celebrities. However, many reviews point out that it contains frequent swearing, graphic content, and mature themes, making it more suitable for older children or teens who can handle such elements with parental guidance.
- strong characters
- comedy and mystery
- frequent swearing
- graphic content
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) are neighbors who sometimes see each other in the elevators in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING's luxury apartment building, The Arconia. But when a fellow resident winds up dead and the trio learn that they share an obsession with true crime podcasts, they hatch an inspired idea: What if they produce their own podcast about the death (murder?) of their former neighbor? What could possibly go wrong?
Is It Any Good?
It's precious and artsy, a hothouse flower of a dramedy set amongst the rich and idle, but this series is also cinematically shot and expertly acted, with an intriguing setting and unusual characters. Anchoring the action of Only Murders in the Building in an upper-crust NYC co-op was an inspired choice. With its tenant boards, draconian rules, and insular atmosphere, Only Murders' fictional Arconia is a world within the larger world of New York City (the series was filmed in the real-life co-op building The Belnord), and it's great fun watching Mabel, Charles, and Oliver tiptoeing around looking for clues to the murder mystery that's presented itself on their home base.
Speaking of the trio of main actors, they work quite well; Martin and Short are old hands at putting across lines, of course, but Gomez is a pleasantly tart counterpoint to the sometimes self-indulgent blather the other two are prone to. "We have our first clue!" exults Martin's Charles on a fact-finding foray with Mabel, "And we stole it from a neighbor to get it!" "Yeah, I know. I was there," responds Mabel, deadpan. Short's Oliver is complicated and delightful, too. Marooned in his overdone apartment (spending time in these ritzy abodes is a key pleasure of the show), cheerfully pushing his dog around in a stroller and gassing about his directorial projects of the past and future, he's hilarious and heartbreaking by turns. The many cameos from NYC faves like Tina Fey and Fran Lebowitz are a hoot too. Only Murders is a weird experiment that works.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether lighthearted crime shows like Only Murders in the Building are more appealing than serious procedurals. If so, why? Do crimes like murder seem less upsetting in a comedy context? What's the impact of seeing violence on television?
Families can also discuss why so many TV shows revolve around "odd couple" pairings. Is it just a way to generate conflict? Do you think unlikely character pairings are better for drama shows or for comedies? How would this show change if all the characters were in their 20s like Mabel, or all in their 70s like Charles and Oliver?
What's the purpose of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel working on a project together? In real life, does a common goal bring people together? What other common goals unite characters on other shows you enjoy? Would these three characters have gotten to know each other without their common goal?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 31, 2021
- Cast : Steve Martin , Martin Short , Selena Gomez
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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