What is the plot?

In the Arconia, a luxurious Upper West Side apartment building, three residents--Charles-Haden Savage, a former television actor; Oliver Putnam, a struggling Broadway director; and Mabel Mora, a young artist--find themselves drawn together by their shared obsession with true crime podcasts. The story begins when they hear a commotion in the building and discover that their neighbor, Tim Kono, has been found dead in his apartment. The police quickly label it a suicide, but the trio suspects foul play.

Motivated by their curiosity and a desire to solve the mystery, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel decide to start their own podcast about the case, titled "Only Murders in the Building." They begin their investigation by interviewing other residents of the Arconia, including the eccentric and wealthy residents who have their own secrets. Mabel, who has a personal connection to Tim, reveals that they were childhood friends, and she is particularly determined to uncover the truth.

As they dig deeper, they discover that Tim had a complicated life, including a tumultuous relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who is also a resident of the building. They learn about Tim's past, including his involvement in a mysterious incident that left him estranged from his family. The trio faces various challenges, including their own personal issues and the skepticism of the police, who are not taking their investigation seriously.

During their investigation, they uncover a series of clues, including a mysterious text message sent to Tim shortly before his death. They also find a hidden stash of items in Tim's apartment that suggest he was being blackmailed. As they piece together the puzzle, tensions rise between the trio, particularly between Charles and Oliver, who have differing approaches to the investigation.

The plot thickens when they discover that Tim had a secret life, including a connection to a wealthy art dealer. They confront the art dealer, who becomes defensive and evasive, raising further suspicions. Meanwhile, Mabel grapples with her own feelings about Tim and her past, revealing her emotional turmoil as she tries to reconcile her memories of him with the evidence they are uncovering.

As they continue their investigation, they face setbacks, including a confrontation with the police, who warn them to stop meddling in the case. Undeterred, they press on, leading to a series of dramatic revelations. They learn that Tim had been involved in a love triangle, and the dynamics of jealousy and betrayal become central to their understanding of the case.

In a pivotal moment, they discover a hidden recording on Tim's phone that captures a heated argument he had with someone just before his death. This recording becomes a crucial piece of evidence, and they realize that the person he was arguing with is someone they had previously interviewed. This revelation sends them on a new path of investigation, leading them to confront the suspect directly.

As the investigation reaches its climax, the trio finds themselves in a dangerous situation when they confront the suspect in a tense showdown. The confrontation escalates, and they narrowly escape a potentially deadly encounter. This experience solidifies their bond as a team, and they realize that they are in deeper than they initially thought.

In the final act, they piece together the final clues, leading to a shocking revelation about Tim's death. They discover that the true culprit is someone they never suspected, and the motive is tied to a long-standing grudge. The emotional weight of the truth hits Mabel hard, as she reflects on her relationship with Tim and the impact of his death on her life.

The season concludes with the trio releasing their podcast, sharing their findings with the world. However, just as they celebrate their success, a new mystery emerges, hinting at further adventures to come. The final scene leaves viewers with a sense of intrigue and anticipation, as the characters prepare to face new challenges in their quest for truth.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Only Murders in the Building," season 1, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel discover the true identity of the murderer, leading to a dramatic confrontation. They manage to clear their names and find closure regarding the murder of Tim Kono. The season concludes with the trio solidifying their bond as friends and partners in crime-solving, while a new mystery begins to unfold.


As the final episode unfolds, the tension in the Arconia building reaches a peak. Charles, Oliver, and Mabel gather in the apartment of the late Tim Kono, piecing together the clues they have collected throughout their investigation. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and anxiety, as they realize they are close to uncovering the truth behind Tim's murder.

In a pivotal scene, they confront the building's resident, Jan, who has been a suspect throughout their investigation. The trio's suspicions are confirmed when they discover Jan's connection to Tim and her motive for murder. The revelation is shocking; Jan had been involved in a complicated relationship with Tim, which ultimately led to his demise. The emotional weight of this moment is palpable, as Mabel, Charles, and Oliver grapple with the betrayal of someone they had come to trust.

As they confront Jan, the tension escalates. Jan, cornered and desperate, reveals her side of the story, but her justifications do little to assuage the horror of her actions. The confrontation is fraught with danger, and the stakes are high as the trio must navigate their own fears and the reality of the situation. Mabel, in particular, is driven by a mix of anger and sadness, reflecting on the loss of Tim and the impact of Jan's actions.

In a climactic moment, the police arrive, having been tipped off by the trio. The arrival of law enforcement brings a sense of relief, but also a bittersweet realization that their lives have been irrevocably changed. Jan is taken into custody, and the trio watches as the chaos of the situation unfolds. They are relieved to have solved the mystery, but the emotional toll of the events weighs heavily on them.

As the dust settles, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel find solace in each other's company. They sit together in the Arconia, reflecting on their journey and the bond they have formed through their shared experience. The camaraderie they have developed is evident, and they express a sense of gratitude for one another. This moment of connection serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of friendship and support in the face of adversity.

The season concludes with a hint of new beginnings. As they discuss their next steps, a new mystery begins to emerge, suggesting that their adventures are far from over. The camera pans out, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for the trio.

In the end, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel emerge from the ordeal changed but united. They have not only solved a murder but have also forged a deep friendship that will carry them into future investigations. Each character has faced their own demons throughout the season, and while they have found closure regarding Tim's murder, the journey of discovery and connection continues.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Only Murders in the Building," Season 1, there is no post-credit scene. The season concludes with the final episode, where the main characters--Charles, Oliver, and Mabel--are left in a suspenseful situation, setting the stage for future developments. The focus remains on their investigation into the murder of Tim Kono, and the episode wraps up without any additional scenes after the credits. The absence of a post-credit scene emphasizes the ongoing mystery and the characters' commitment to solving the case, leaving viewers eager for more.

What motivates Charles to join the podcast investigation?

Charles, a former television actor, feels a deep sense of nostalgia and a desire for purpose after his career has waned. The murder mystery reignites his passion for storytelling and performance, providing him with a chance to step back into the spotlight and connect with others.

How does Mabel's past influence her involvement in the investigation?

Mabel's connection to the building and her childhood memories of living there drive her to uncover the truth behind the murder. Her personal history with the building and her relationship with the victim, Tim Kono, add layers of emotional complexity to her motivations.

What role does Oliver's financial situation play in the story?

Oliver's financial struggles are a significant motivator for him to participate in the podcast. He sees the investigation as a way to gain notoriety and potentially revive his career in theater, while also hoping to secure funding for his next production.

How does the dynamic between the three main characters evolve throughout the season?

Initially, Charles, Mabel, and Oliver have a somewhat awkward relationship, each bringing their own quirks and insecurities. As they work together on the podcast, they develop a deeper bond, learning to trust and rely on each other, which ultimately transforms their individual motivations into a shared goal.

What clues do the trio uncover that lead them closer to solving the murder?

Throughout the season, the trio discovers various clues, including Tim Kono's secretive behavior, his connections to other residents, and hidden messages in his belongings. Each revelation adds layers to the mystery, leading them to confront their own assumptions and biases about the people in their building.

Is this family friendly?

"Only Murders in the Building" is generally suitable for a family audience, but it does contain some elements that may be objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are a few aspects to consider:

  1. Murder Mystery Theme: The central plot revolves around a murder, which may be unsettling for younger viewers. The investigation includes discussions about death and the circumstances surrounding it.

  2. Mature Language: There are instances of mild profanity and adult language that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

  3. Emotional Themes: The show explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the complexities of human relationships, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong emotions.

  4. Tension and Suspense: Some scenes are suspenseful and may create a sense of anxiety or fear, particularly as the characters delve deeper into the mystery.

  5. Character Backstories: The characters have personal struggles and traumas that are revealed throughout the series, which may be heavy for younger viewers to process.

Overall, while the show has comedic elements and a light-hearted tone, the underlying themes and content may require parental guidance for younger audiences.