The latest season of the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building brings fresh intrigue and a notable boost to its ensemble cast, including Bobby Cannavale. Set in New York’s fictional Arconia building, the new season picks up after the shocking discovery of the doorman’s murder, with the main characters—podcasters Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin), and Oliver (Martin Short)—delving into a complex mystery that entwines old-world mob ties and billionaires with hidden motives. Bobby Cannavale Only Murders Season 5 is now a key phrase for fans eager to see the actor’s new role as part of this unfolding drama.
Following the resolution of a previous murder in Season 4, the trio discovers the body of Lester, the Arconia’s longtime doorman, and takes on the challenge of investigating his death. This plot development sets up a darker, more suspenseful season filled with new characters whose connections to the building and each other deepen the show’s mystery.
Introducing New Faces: From Billionaires to Mob Connections
Season 5 showcases an array of fresh characters, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of talent including Logan Lerman, Keegan-Michael Key, Christoph Waltz, Renee Zellweger, Dianne Wiest, and the return of Meryl Streep. The first three episodes particularly highlight Bobby Cannavale alongside Téa Leoni and Beanie Feldstein, who contribute significantly to the season’s tension between the old mob and new rival powers inhabiting the Arconia.
This influx of high-profile performers expands the story, with many characters bringing their own layered narratives tied to the murder mystery. The star power not only adds flair but also underlines the series’ narrative shift into more mature, suspenseful territory, amplifying the stakes for the core trio.
Logan Lerman’s Role as a Suspicious Billionaire
Logan Lerman plays Jay Pflug, introduced as one of three billionaires who might be connected to Lester’s death. Jay’s pharmaceutical family background, which implicates them in producing addictive drugs, draws a parallel to real-world controversies such as those involving the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. Oliver’s observation in Episode 3 that these drugs
“highly addictive drugs that ruin a lot of people’s lives,”
—Oliver, Character highlights Jay’s potential culpability. His character adds a layer of social commentary and a modern corporate villain archetype to the plot.
Jay Pflug first appears in Season 5 Episode 3, titled Rigor. Logan Lerman is known for diverse roles in films like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Bullet Train.
Bobby Cannavale’s Role as Brooklyn’s Dry Cleaning King
Bobby Cannavale portrays Nicky Caccimelio, a key figure in the unfolding season. Known as the “Dry Cleaning King of Brooklyn,” Nicky is tied to the building’s old mob scene, offering a clear link to criminal activity and secrets that complicate the investigation into Lester’s demise. His character’s disappearance triggers the central mystery in Episode 1, where his wife Sofia implores the trio to find him.
This season marks Nicky’s first appearance in Episode 1, Nail in the Coffin. Bobby Cannavale’s extensive acting resume includes The Watcher, Nine Perfect Strangers, Ezra, and Ant-Man, lending weight and complexity to Nicky’s character.
Téa Leoni as the Determined Sofia Caccimelio
Téa Leoni appears as Sofia Caccimelio, Nicky’s devoted wife, who initially appeared in the Season 4 finale. She represents a concerned spouse and mother searching for her missing husband, though her motivations may hold surprises as the investigation unfolds. Sofia may be hiding more than she lets on, creating new tensions for the main trio.
Sofia’s character first debuted in Season 4 Episode 10, My Best Friend’s Wedding. Téa Leoni is widely recognized for her role in Madam Secretary, as well as appearances in The Family Man and Fun with Dick and Jane.
Renee Zellweger’s Portrayal of a Powerful Real Estate Mogul
Joining the ranks of wealthy suspects is Camila White, played by Oscar–winner Renee Zellweger. As a real estate magnate who owns a significant portion of New York’s hotels, White is introduced as the second-richest billionaire character in the season. Described also as an entrepreneurial designer, her character draws attention for a poised, polished image.
Charles comments that she
“can also rock a neutral cashmere,”
and calls her the
“human incarnation of a Nancy Meyers kitchen,”
a metaphor highlighting her composed yet potentially ruthless nature in business and the mystery. Camila’s financial clout and personality bring new complexities to the narrative.
Camila White appears first in Season 5 Episode 3, Rigor. Zellweger’s diverse career includes The Bridget Jones franchise, Chicago, Jerry Maguire, and Judy.
Christoph Waltz’s Tech Billionaire Sebastian “Bash” Steed
Another billionaire character is Sebastian “Bash” Steed, portrayed by Christoph Waltz. A tech magnate worth $53 billion, Bash is passionate about longevity and innovation but remains somewhat enigmatic. His character may echo real-life tech personalities, as Oliver recalls Bash as
“the guy who invented that thing.”
This creates intrigue around his role in the season’s mystery and potential rivalry with other powerful players at the Arconia.
Bash Steed makes his debut in Season 5 Episode 3, Rigor. Waltz’s celebrated career includes Inglorious Bastards, Django Unchained, and No Time to Die.
Beanie Feldstein’s Althea: Mabel’s Complicated Friend
Beanie Feldstein portrays Althea, also known as Thé, an old friend of Mabel’s who reenters the story in Season 5 with a new name and attitude. A talented but arrogant singer who recently moved into the Arconia, Althea quickly creates friction with Mabel, fostering a tense frenemy dynamic that enriches the character-driven drama.
Althea first appears in Season 5 Episode 2, After You, with flashbacks revealing close ties to Mabel’s past. Feldstein is known for performances in Booksmart, Lady Bird, and Neighbors 2.
Keegan-Michael Key as the Cryptic Mayor Tillman
In the politically charged backdrop of New York City’s election year, Keegan-Michael Key appears as Mayor Tillman. He delivers a eulogy at Lester’s wake while urging residents to vote, despite having never met the doorman. However, nuances in his behavior hint that Mayor Tillman might be more involved in the Arconia’s secrets and murder investigation than he openly admits.
Mayor Tillman is introduced in Season 5 Episode 1, Nail in the Coffin. Key is famous for his work in Key & Peele, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Schmigadoon!
Dianne Wiest Plays the Mourning Wife With Clues to the Past
Dianne Wiest joins as Lorraine Coluca, widow to the murdered doorman Lester, and an opera singer known for her compassion and insight. Her longstanding relationship with Lester offers the trio invaluable leads, as she understands the true nature of the residents and her late husband’s feelings about them. Lorraine could be the crucial link needed to solve the season’s mystery.
Her character appears from Season 5 Episode 1, Nail in the Coffin. Wiest’s extensive filmography includes Practical Magic, Edward Scissorhands, and Bullets Over Broadway.
Where and How to Watch Only Murders Season 5
The first three episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 are available for streaming on Hulu, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday at midnight ET. For those new to the platform, Hulu offers a 30-day free trial on its basic plan, which includes ads and costs $9.99 per month after the trial. Ad-free viewing is also available for $18.99 per month.
For viewers who prefer broader streaming options, Hulu is included in several Disney+ bundle packages, which start at $10.99 per month for ad-supported plans and go up to $29.99 for ad-free access to Disney+, Hulu, and Max.
Season 5’s Significance and Anticipated Developments
With Bobby Cannavale joining a formidable cast and an intricate storyline delving into both the glitz of billionaire lifestyles and the shadows of organized crime, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 promises a compelling blend of suspense, character drama, and dark humor. The fresh dynamics between new and returning characters heighten the stakes, signaling that the mystery surrounding Lester’s death will reveal profound secrets and power struggles within the Arconia.
As the show continues to launch its episodes weekly, viewers can anticipate more twists and revelations that expand the universe of Only Murders and deepen the investigation led by the charismatic trio of podcasters. Bobby Cannavale Only Murders Season 5 is shaping up to be a pivotal season in the series’ acclaimed run.
