This summer, “Only Murders In The Building” returns for a third season and picks up straight after the events of the season two finale, which saw the trio, (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez), caught up in another murder mystery following the death of Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) in the opening night of Oliver’s brand new Broadway production.

Without trying to go into any spoilers from the two episodes, as you might expect, with the trio’s history from the last two seasons, which saw them coming together to investigate a murder in the building, launch a true crime podcast and eventually solving the murder mystery.

Once again, Martin Short is able to steal the show, and with the story shifting to a murder taking place at the debut of his new Broadway show, we spend much more time in his world, where he is in his element. I think this is a great step for the show, as last season was about exploring Steve Martin’s history. It’s nice to see Martin Short’s character expanded.

Fans of the show are going to feel right at home with this quirky show. It’s got the same humour and charm that makes it stand out. The onscreen chemistry between the trio just works so well, especially with Selena constantly reminding them that they are much older than she is, so doesn’t understand some of their references, and visa versa.

The overall pace of the first two episodes feels refreshing, with things happening much quicker than we saw in the previous seasons.  I think dropping two episodes at once to start is a great way of getting us viewers back into the groove and establishing the next season’s story arc.  In these first two episodes, the show does a good job of not simply rehashing the same story again, as none of the three characters are “implicated” in the murder, so they just want to find the killer, while also creating new podcast episodes.

Trying to follow up the two previous seasons was never going to be easy, and I think this season does have some big shoes to fill, but I think they’ve found a way to do so, since this season has two big guest stars; Paul Rudd plays the murder victim, Ben Glenroy and Meryl Streep, who plays an actor in the play that Oliver is creating. These two actors certainly bring some star power to this show, and it’s not just a simple cameo. They are both major characters, who are both explored through the use of flashbacks. Without spoiling anything, they both are multilayered characters that are certainly fun to watch, and ultimately, I want to see what happens next.

There are plenty of curveballs, red herrings and distractions in place to keep us viewers playing along at home, with the idea of who dunnit?  And that’s the core aspect of the show, while delivering that unique humour and style of Martin Short and Steve Martin.

Overall: The first two episodes kick off what looks to be another great season, and I can’t wait to see where this one goes.  If you enjoyed the previous two seasons, I’m sure you’ll gonna love these first two episodes.  It feels great to be back in this universe, and while I wasn’t as blown away by these episodes as I was during the first season, I really enjoyed them.  This show has that drama element, with a compelling story, but with lovable characters, who make me laugh, and it’s so refreshing to have a show like this around.

Rating – 4 Out Of 5

“Only Murders In The Building” season 3 returns with the first two episodes on Hulu in the United States, Star+ in Latin America and on Disney+ around the world on Tuesday, 8th August 2023.

The previous two seasons are also available to stream now.

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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