Meryl Streep has made a notable return to Hulu’s mystery series Only Murders in the Building, reprising her role as Loretta Durkin in Season 5. Known for her soft-spoken and idiosyncratic character, Loretta had previously won hearts after making a breakthrough in Oliver’s (Martin Short) theater production and eventually marrying him in the Season 4 finale. Now fans are delighted to see her back, especially as she shares a tender kiss with Martin Short’s character in a recent episode.
Currently set in New York, the series finds Loretta returning from New Zealand, where she was filming her fictional hit series Law & Order: Burn Unit. Her comeback is prompted by a devastating fire that destroyed her apartment of nearly fifty years, wiping out decades of memories. This event arrives at a crucial and timely moment in the story, as Oliver, Mabel (Selena Gomez), and Charles (Steve Martin) are engrossed in investigating another murder at their building, The Arconia, with Oliver even considering selling his apartment. The tension between personal upheaval and an ongoing criminal case sets the stage for Loretta’s new arc this season.
Investigation Unfolds as Loretta Returns to New York
In episode six, titled Flatbush, Loretta jumps right into the mystery, seeking answers about Lester’s (Teddy Coluca) death—the night of her wedding to Oliver. Knowing that the main trio has alienated the two widows connected to the case, Lorraine Coluca (Dianne Wiest) and Sofia Caccimelio (Téa Leoni), Loretta offers to go undercover during Lorraine’s open house to look for a crucial plaid bag, suspected to have been exchanged between the widows. The show raises questions about whether these two women might be collaborating for financial gain linked to underground poker games, fueling suspicions around the cause of their husbands’ deaths.
However, it becomes clear that Lorraine and Sofia are only friends, not conspirators, as their involvement centers around a local children’s theater production of Newsies. This revelation shifts the perspective on the investigation, reminding the viewers and characters alike that appearances can be deceiving when motives are unclear. The emotional core of the episode surfaces in a heartfelt moment where Lorraine expresses her deep grief and longing for her late husband Lester, a scene that grounds the mystery in human loss.
Loretta and Oliver’s Emotional Moment Offers a Brief Respite
Following Lorraine’s vulnerability, Loretta and Oliver choose to give her space and instead take a walk through Lester’s old neighborhood. Throughout the episode, Loretta has been weighed down by the loss of her possessions in the fire, but this conversation brings clarity and comfort. She expresses gratitude for Oliver’s presence, revealing her emotional reliance on him in a time of crisis. Their connection culminates in a sweet kiss shared on a Brooklyn sidewalk—an intimate gesture that has captivated fans and added a softer, heartfelt layer to the intense storyline.
Their peaceful moment is quickly interrupted when both Loretta and Oliver notice Lorraine and Sofia heading to a local theater. They trail the widows and discover them engaged in passing rolled-up prop newspapers—as part of their work on the children’s Newsies production—not exchanging secret messages or planning schemes as initially suspected. A group of energetic children from the theater confirms the widows’ true intentions, adding a touch of authenticity and charm. This scene also highlights a fun behind-the-scenes detail: how delightful it would be for young actors to remember receiving prop newspapers from Meryl Streep herself.
Ongoing Mysteries and New Developments at The Arconia
The investigation into the deaths of Lester and Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale) continues to evolve, now with a new detective on the case, deepening the intrigue. Loretta’s return raises the question of how long she will remain involved, especially as a major plot twist unfolds. (Warning: massive spoilers ahead) Oliver has decided to accept an offer to sell his apartment at The Arconia, signaling potential changes for the core group’s living situation. Fans are left wondering if the sale will actually happen or if it’s a cleverly placed red herring, as the series title strongly suggests all key events remain rooted within the building itself.
This blend of personal drama, murder mystery, and character dynamics keeps audiences intensely engaged, especially with Loretta and Oliver’s relationship unfolding amidst tension and unresolved questions. The series continues to balance humor and emotional weight against the backdrop of suspenseful whodunits, drawing viewers deeper into its layered narrative.
Where and How to Watch the Latest Season
The first six episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 are available to stream on Hulu, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday at 12 a.m. ET. For those new to the platform, Hulu offers a 30-day free trial on its basic plan, which includes ads and then costs $9.99 monthly. An ad-free subscription is available for $18.99 per month.
Additionally, viewers interested in multiple streaming services may find value in Disney+ Bundles that include Hulu. These bundled packages start at $10.99 monthly with ads for both Disney+ and Hulu, scaling up to $29.99 per month for ad-free Disney+, Hulu, and Max combined, providing flexible options depending on one’s content priorities.
