Renewal and Season 5 Status
As of mid-2026, Only Murders in the Building has not been officially renewed for a fifth season by Hulu, though the show has been renewed through Season 4. Without a firm announcement, a Season 5 release cannot be confirmed. Producers and showrunners have not shared a timeline, and past patterns suggest that renewal announcements typically occur a few months after a season finale. Fans should treat any rumored windows as speculation until an official statement is issued.
Expected Release Calendar for Season 5
Historical Season Release Patterns
Past seasons of Only Murders in the Building have followed a predictable cadence that can inform expectations for Season 5. Seasons 1 through 4 each consisted of 10 episodes and aired on Hulu in the United States. Release windows have generally aligned with Hulu’s broader original slate, though the show has avoided the ultra-early booking common to some streamers.
| Season | Episodes | Premiere Date | Finale Date | Typical Release Cadence |
|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | August 31, 2021 | October 5, 2021 | Weekly on Thursdays |
| Season 2 | 10 | June 28, 2022 | August 2, 2022 | Weekly on Thursdays |
| Season 3 | 10 | August 8, 2023 | September 19, 2023 | Weekly on Thursdays |
| Season 4 | 10 | July 18, 2024 | September 5, 2024 | Weekly on Thursdays |
Projected Timeline for Season 5
If Season 5 is officially picked up, historical patterns suggest a production start in early-to-mid 2025, with a potential filming duration of 90 to 110 days. Pre-production—location scouting, casting holds, and script revisions—typically begins 4 to 6 months before cameras roll. Assuming production starts in March 2025, this would point toward a possible filming window from April to July 2025, with post-production adding an additional 6 to 8 weeks. This could position a Season 5 release in late 2025 or early 2026, subject to delays, union schedules, and editorial needs.
- Early 2025: Official renewal and casting confirmations.
- Mid-2025: Principal photography over approximately 10 weeks.
- Late 2025: Post-production, score, and final edit.
- Q1–Q2 2026: Marketing ramp-up and premiere date lock.
Production Workflow and Key Milestones
Streaming originals like Only Murders in the Building operate on tightly orchestrated schedules. Script approval, casting finalization, and location permits must align well before cameras start rolling. Delays in writers’ rooms, talent availability, or union negotiations can shift timelines by weeks or months. Below is a simplified overview of typical milestones and their influence on the release schedule.
| Milestone | Typical Lead Time | What It Affects |
|---|
| Renewal Decision | 3–9 months before production | Commissioning and budgeting |
| Script Finalization | 6–8 months before filming | Prep schedules and casting |
| Principal Photography | 10–12 weeks | Core content capture |
| Post-Production | 6–8 weeks | Editing, VFX, sound, and color |
| Marketing & PR | 3–4 months before premiere | Audience build and launch timing |
Factors That Could Shift the Schedule
Even with a solid plan, Season 5 could face variables that alter timing. Cast and crew availability, writers’ room pacing, and evolving union agreements all play a role. Streaming platforms sometimes adjust release dates to align with broader franchise moments or marketing windows. While none of these changes are confirmed for Only Murders in the Building, they are common considerations in modern television scheduling.
What to Monitor for Official Updates
To stay informed, track official channels: Hulu press releases, announcements from executive producers Steve Martin and John Hoffman, and statements from the showrunner. Trade outlets such as Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and major entertainment outlets will provide credible updates once decisions are made. Social media accounts for the cast can offer hints, but they should be treated as informal signals rather than confirmation.
Bottom Line on Season 5 Planning
As of now, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 remains unconfirmed and without a release date. If renewal happens in early 2025, a realistic production cycle could place episodes in late 2025 or early 2026. Historical patterns provide a useful baseline, but only an official announcement from Hulu will clarify planning. Until then, focus on verifiable milestones—renewal news, script development, and casting updates—rather than unofficial timelines.