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[Common Sense Says](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-52a6e24e-4831-47cf-bf92-b0cd3a001c9d0) - [Parents Say 30 Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-52a6e24e-4831-47cf-bf92-b0cd3a001c9d1) - [Kids Say 46 Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-52a6e24e-4831-47cf-bf92-b0cd3a001c9d2) ### Common Sense Media Review  By **[Joyce Slaton](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/bio/joyce-slaton)** , based on child development research. [How do we rate?](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission/about-our-ratings) age 14+ Language, some gory images in fun NYC murder mystery. ## Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that *Only Murders in the Building* is a comic murder mystery about deaths that unite neighbors in a luxury New York City apartment building. The main characters are residents Charles ([Steve Martin](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Steve%20Martin)), Oliver ([Martin Short](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Martin%20Short)),… ## Why Age 14+? Violence & Scariness Stylized, often comic violence can be bloody/gory, including a dead body with br Language Cursing and language includes frequent "motherf-----g," "f--k," "s--t," "damn," Sex, Romance & Nudity Sex-related humor includes characters joking about one of them getting fingered Drinking, Drugs & Smoking Characters drink frequently. They also occasionally smoke cigarettes and marijua Products & Purchases Not present ## Any Positive Content? Diverse Representations Among the lead trio, queer Latina Mabel (played by Selena Gomez, who's Mexican A Positive Messages Wonderful friendships can be found in unexpected places. Trust and empathy can g Positive Role Models Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are all complicated characters who don't face their p - ### Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that *Only Murders in the Building* is a comic murder mystery about deaths that unite neighbors in a luxury New York City apartment building. The main characters are residents Charles ([Steve Martin](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Steve%20Martin)), Oliver ([Martin Short](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Martin%20Short)), and Mabel ([Selena Gomez](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Selena%20Gomez)). The racially diverse cast also includes queer people, adults in their 70s, and a deaf character. Stylized violence is often comedic but includes frequent blood, stabbings, shootings, poisonings, and intense deaths such as a smothering, as well as a character with brains exposed. Frequent sex-related jokes are played for humor, and characters kiss, have romantic relationships, and discuss their love lives. There's a brief glimpse of side-breast nudity during a shower scene. Frequent profanity includes "f--k," "motherf-----g," "s--t," "damn," "goddamn," "c--t," and the middle-finger gesture. Characters frequently drink alcohol and occasionally smoke cigarettes. They also use marijuana and abuse prescription drugs. But the series celebrates friendship and curiosity, showing how unlikely bonds can form when people work together to uncover the truth. - ### Violence & Scariness a lot Stylized, often comic violence can be bloody/gory, including a dead body with brains exposed. A character dreams of stabbing someone with a knitting needle as blood sprays. Characters die from wounds, stabbings, falls from great heights, and suffocation. A main character nearly dies by a blowtorch, and there's a shooting, with a head wound. Several poisoning incidents occur, one making a dog very sick (but she recovers). **Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. [Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews) Close - ### Language a lot Cursing and language includes frequent "motherf-----g," "f--k," "s--t," "damn," "goddamn," "c--t," and "nuts" (meaning male body part). Middle-finger gesture. **Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. [Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews) Close - ### Sex, Romance & Nudity some Sex-related humor includes characters joking about one of them getting fingered by her cousin; a character mistakenly thinking he kissed his half-sister; characters discovering a box of sex toys and saying, "I wonder which hole this goes into," etc. Characters talk about romantic pasts, get into relationships, kiss, and show affection. One character takes a shower, and the camera lingers on her back; glimpse of the side of one breast before the camera cuts away. **Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide. [Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews) Close - ### Drinking, Drugs & Smoking some Characters drink frequently. They also occasionally smoke cigarettes and marijuana and use prescription drugs recreationally. **Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. [Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews) Close - ### Diverse Representations a lot Among the lead trio, queer Latina Mabel (played by Selena Gomez, who's Mexican American) is complex and never afraid to speak her mind. Charles and Oliver (Steve Martin and Martin Short, both White men in their 70s) drive much of the action and have a lively network of characters of a similar age, including neighbors, friends, and romantic interests. Important supporting character Detective Donna Williams is a Black woman investigating the murders; she often acts as a moral compass. She's in a loving marriage with a Black woman named Kiara, and they have a son together. Another important character, Howard, is gay, and his sexuality is depicted matter-of-factly. Theo, a deaf character played by deaf actor James Caverly, communicates in ASL and has a pivotal role in an early season. *Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update .* - ### Positive Messages some Wonderful friendships can be found in unexpected places. Trust and empathy can grow out of challenging situations. Curiosity and critical thinking help uncover the truth. The show satirizes the public's obsession with true crime; as a result, tragedies are often played for humor. - ### Positive Role Models a little Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are all complicated characters who don't face their personal problems or deal with them in healthy ways. That said, they find comfort and acceptance in their unusual friendship group. Some supporting characters, like Howard and Detective Williams, show loyalty and integrity. But most characters, including the main trio, act in morally ambiguous ways, often lying and manipulating others to serve their own self-interest. ## Where to Watch ## Videos and Photos -  -  -  -  Only Murders in the Building -  -  -  -  Only Murders in the Building -  -  ### Only Murders in the Building ## Parent and Kid Reviews [See all](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building/user-reviews/adult) - [Parents Say (30)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-f4f3a418-413e-4e46-8e67-634d0120602b0) - [Kids Say (46)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-f4f3a418-413e-4e46-8e67-634d0120602b1) age 15+ Based on 30 parent reviews Parents say that while the show features a mix of witty humor and engaging mystery, it is laden with excessive profanity and sexual innuendo that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Many praised the performances of the lead actors and the show's unique atmosphere, but concerns about its mature content and dark humor raised doubts about its suitability for family viewing. - mature content - excessive language - strong performances - engaging mystery - dark humor #####  Summarized with AI ![]() ### ![]() ### [See all 30 parent reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building/user-reviews/adult) age 12+ Based on 46 kid reviews Kids say this show is highly entertaining with a blend of comedy and murder mystery, featuring a talented cast that includes well-known celebrities. However, many reviews point out that it contains frequent swearing, graphic content, and mature themes, making it more suitable for older children or teens who can handle such elements with parental guidance. - strong characters - comedy and mystery - frequent swearing - graphic content - suitable for older kids #####  Summarized with AI ![]() ### ![]() ### [See all 46 kid reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building/user-reviews/child) ## What's the Story? Charles ([Steve Martin](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/steve%20martin)), Oliver ([Martin Short](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/martin%20short)), and Mabel ([Selena Gomez](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/selena%20gomez)) are neighbors who sometimes see each other in the elevators in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING's luxury apartment building, The Arconia. But when a fellow resident winds up dead and the trio learn that they share an obsession with true crime podcasts, they hatch an inspired idea: What if they produce their own podcast about the death (murder?) of their former neighbor? What could possibly go wrong? Show more ## Is It Any Good? **Our review:** **Parents say** ( [30 Parent Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building/user-reviews/adult) ): **Kids say** ( [46 Kid Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building/user-reviews/child) ): It's precious and artsy, a hothouse flower of a dramedy set amongst the rich and idle, but this series is also cinematically shot and expertly acted, with an intriguing setting and unusual characters. Anchoring the action of *Only Murders in the Building* in an upper-crust NYC co-op was an inspired choice. With its tenant boards, draconian rules, and insular atmosphere, *Only Murders'* fictional Arconia is a world within the larger world of New York City (the series was filmed in the real-life co-op building The Belnord), and it's great fun watching Mabel, Charles, and Oliver tiptoeing around looking for clues to the murder mystery that's presented itself on their home base. Speaking of the trio of main actors, they work quite well; Martin and Short are old hands at putting across lines, of course, but Gomez is a pleasantly tart counterpoint to the sometimes self-indulgent blather the other two are prone to. "We have our first clue!" exults Martin's Charles on a fact-finding foray with Mabel, "And we stole it from a neighbor to get it!" "Yeah, I know. I was there," responds Mabel, deadpan. Short's Oliver is complicated and delightful, too. Marooned in his overdone apartment (spending time in these ritzy abodes is a key pleasure of the show), cheerfully pushing his dog around in a stroller and gassing about his directorial projects of the past and future, he's hilarious and heartbreaking by turns. The many cameos from NYC faves like [Tina Fey](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/tina%20fey) and [Fran Lebowitz](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/fran%20lebowitz) are a hoot too. *Only Murders* is a weird experiment that works. Show more ## Talk to Your Kids About ... - Families can talk about whether lighthearted crime shows like *Only Murders in the Building* are more appealing than serious procedurals. If so, why? Do crimes like murder seem less upsetting in a comedy context? What's the impact of seeing [violence on television](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/tips-on-how-to-deal-with-media-violence "TV Violence Tips")? - Families can also discuss why so many TV shows revolve around "odd couple" pairings. Is it just a way to generate conflict? Do you think unlikely character pairings are better for drama shows or for comedies? How would this show change if all the characters were in their 20s like Mabel, or all in their 70s like Charles and Oliver? - What's the purpose of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel working on a project together? In real life, does a common goal bring people together? What other common goals unite characters on other shows you enjoy? Would these three characters have gotten to know each other without their common goal? Show more ## TV Details - **Premiere date** : August 31, 2021 - **Cast** : [Steve Martin](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Steve%20Martin) , [Martin Short](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Martin%20Short) , [Selena Gomez](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Selena%20Gomez) - **Network** : [Hulu](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/tv/network/hulu-31438) - **Genre** : [Drama](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/tv/genre/drama-48) - **Topics** : [Friendship](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/tv/detail/friendship-62597) - **TV rating** : TV-MA - **Awards** : [Emmy - Emmy Award Winner](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/product-award/emmy-award-winner-56763) , [Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/product-award/emmy-award-nominee-56764) , [Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/product-award/golden-globe-award-nominee-56762) - **Last updated** : November 6, 2025 Show more ## Did we miss something on diversity? Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update. Only Murders in the Building ### Suggest an Update Your privacy is important to us. We won't share this comment without your permission. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. See our [privacy policy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission/privacy-policy) .  ## What to Watch Next  ###  ###  ###  ### [See all](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/mystery-tv) ## Mystery TV  ###  ###  ###  ### [See all](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/comedy-tv-shows-for-teens) ## Comedy TV Shows for Teens  ###  ###  ###  ### [See all recommended tv lists](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-lists) ## Related Topics - [Friendship](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/tv/detail/friendship-62597) Want suggestions based on your streaming services? [Get personalized recommendations](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews) Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. 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### Common Sense Media Review age 14+ Language, some gory images in fun NYC murder mystery. Parents Need to Know Why Age 14+? Any Positive Content? - [(30)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-f4f3a418-413e-4e46-8e67-634d0120602b0) - [(46)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/only-murders-in-the-building#tab-f4f3a418-413e-4e46-8e67-634d0120602b1) age 15+ Based on 30 parent reviews Parents say that while the show features a mix of witty humor and engaging mystery, it is laden with excessive profanity and sexual innuendo that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Many praised the performances of the lead actors and the show's unique atmosphere, but concerns about its mature content and dark humor raised doubts about its suitability for family viewing. - mature content - excessive language - strong performances - engaging mystery - dark humor #####  Summarized with AI ![]() ![]() age 12+ Based on 46 kid reviews Kids say this show is highly entertaining with a blend of comedy and murder mystery, featuring a talented cast that includes well-known celebrities. However, many reviews point out that it contains frequent swearing, graphic content, and mature themes, making it more suitable for older children or teens who can handle such elements with parental guidance. - strong characters - comedy and mystery - frequent swearing - graphic content - suitable for older kids #####  Summarized with AI ![]() ![]() ## What's the Story? Charles ([Steve Martin](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/steve%20martin)), Oliver ([Martin Short](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/martin%20short)), and Mabel ([Selena Gomez](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/selena%20gomez)) are neighbors who sometimes see each other in the elevators in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING's luxury apartment building, The Arconia. But when a fellow resident winds up dead and the trio learn that they share an obsession with true crime podcasts, they hatch an inspired idea: What if they produce their own podcast about the death (murder?) of their former neighbor? What could possibly go wrong? ## Is It Any Good? **Our review:** It's precious and artsy, a hothouse flower of a dramedy set amongst the rich and idle, but this series is also cinematically shot and expertly acted, with an intriguing setting and unusual characters. Anchoring the action of *Only Murders in the Building* in an upper-crust NYC co-op was an inspired choice. With its tenant boards, draconian rules, and insular atmosphere, *Only Murders'* fictional Arconia is a world within the larger world of New York City (the series was filmed in the real-life co-op building The Belnord), and it's great fun watching Mabel, Charles, and Oliver tiptoeing around looking for clues to the murder mystery that's presented itself on their home base. Speaking of the trio of main actors, they work quite well; Martin and Short are old hands at putting across lines, of course, but Gomez is a pleasantly tart counterpoint to the sometimes self-indulgent blather the other two are prone to. "We have our first clue!" exults Martin's Charles on a fact-finding foray with Mabel, "And we stole it from a neighbor to get it!" "Yeah, I know. I was there," responds Mabel, deadpan. Short's Oliver is complicated and delightful, too. Marooned in his overdone apartment (spending time in these ritzy abodes is a key pleasure of the show), cheerfully pushing his dog around in a stroller and gassing about his directorial projects of the past and future, he's hilarious and heartbreaking by turns. The many cameos from NYC faves like [Tina Fey](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/tina%20fey) and [Fran Lebowitz](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/fran%20lebowitz) are a hoot too. *Only Murders* is a weird experiment that works. ## Talk to Your Kids About ... - Families can talk about whether lighthearted crime shows like *Only Murders in the Building* are more appealing than serious procedurals. If so, why? Do crimes like murder seem less upsetting in a comedy context? What's the impact of seeing [violence on television](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/tips-on-how-to-deal-with-media-violence "TV Violence Tips")? - Families can also discuss why so many TV shows revolve around "odd couple" pairings. Is it just a way to generate conflict? Do you think unlikely character pairings are better for drama shows or for comedies? How would this show change if all the characters were in their 20s like Mabel, or all in their 70s like Charles and Oliver? - What's the purpose of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel working on a project together? In real life, does a common goal bring people together? What other common goals unite characters on other shows you enjoy? Would these three characters have gotten to know each other without their common goal? ## Did we miss something on diversity? Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by