The Mayor, The Doorman, And The Shocking Twist: 5 Biggest Reveals From Only Murders In The Building Season 5

The fifth season of *Only Murders in the Building* has once again proven that the Upper West Side's most eccentric true-crime podcasters cannot escape the gravitational pull of homicide. As of today, December 22, 2025, the dust has settled on the Arconia's latest tragedy, but the shocking finale has already set the stage for an even more ambitious, and potentially international, investigation. This season delivered a masterclass in misdirection, revealing a killer no one suspected and concluding with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that guarantees the trio’s podcast, *Only Murders*, is far from over. The latest ten-episode installment, which premiered on September 9th, took the beloved amateur sleuths—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—out of the spotlight and into the life of a long-time resident, proving that even the most familiar faces hold the darkest secrets. From the shocking death of the Arconia’s beloved doorman, Lester, to the return of a Season 1 ghost, and a major political scandal, Season 5 was arguably the most complex and emotionally resonant chapter yet.

The Core Trio: Charles, Oliver, and Mabel's Biography

The heart of *Only Murders in the Building* lies in the unlikely friendship between three residents of the exclusive Arconia apartment building, brought together by their shared love for true-crime podcasts.

• Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage: An aging, semi-retired actor best known for his 1990s television detective show, *Brazzos*. Charles is the most neurotic and cautious of the group, often struggling with personal relationships and his own professional insecurities. His character provides much of the dry, observational humor.
• Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: A flamboyant, perpetually-broke Broadway director whose career has seen better days. Oliver is the energetic, over-the-top leader of the podcast, constantly chasing funding and theatrical success. His flair for the dramatic and his love for dips are recurring comedic elements.
• Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: A young, cynical artist with a mysterious past tied to the Arconia. Mabel initially moves into her aunt’s apartment to renovate it. She brings a fresh, modern perspective to the investigations and is the most naturally gifted sleuth, often using her sharp instincts and street smarts.

The Shocking Season 5 Murder Case: Who Killed Lester?

The fifth season immediately established a more personal and tragic tone by focusing on the murder of Lester, the Arconia's long-serving and seemingly harmless doorman. The investigation quickly unraveled a web of corruption and political maneuvering that extended far beyond the building's gilded walls. The central mystery revolved around Lester’s death in the Arconia courtyard, which initially appeared to be a tragic accident or a simple dispute. However, as Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora dug deeper, they discovered that Lester was sitting on explosive information related to the upcoming mayoral election. The Arconia, as always, became the epicenter of a major New York City scandal. The season excelled at introducing a rich array of new suspects and red herrings, including the returning residents and a host of A-list guest stars. The narrative artfully played with the idea that the killer could be anyone from a disgruntled resident to a powerful outsider. This constant misdirection kept the central question—*Who killed Lester?*—at the forefront of every episode, driving curiosity and engagement.

The Unmasking of the Killer: Mayor Beau Tillman

In the dramatic Season 5 finale, the true identity of Lester's killer was finally revealed: Mayor Beau Tillman, played brilliantly by Keegan-Michael Key. This reveal was a profound shock to viewers and the trio alike, as Tillman had been presented as a charismatic and seemingly upstanding political figure whose only connection to the Arconia was his campaign trail. The motive was deeply rooted in a cover-up. Lester, the doorman, had witnessed Mayor Tillman committing a seemingly minor but career-ending crime—an act of petty, yet politically damaging, vandalism or a confrontation that would have derailed his campaign. When Lester threatened to expose the truth, Tillman acted violently, throwing Lester against a hard surface in the courtyard, leading to his fatal injury. This resolution was a brilliant narrative move, shifting the focus from the usual Arconia resident drama to a larger commentary on corruption and the abuse of power. The trio's success in exposing a sitting politician solidified their status as genuine true-crime investigators, not just hobbyists.

Key Entities and Cameos from Season 5

The show's tradition of star-studded cameos and recurring character development was stronger than ever in Season 5, adding immense topical authority and flavor.

• Keegan-Michael Key (Mayor Beau Tillman): The shocking killer, adding political intrigue to the mystery.
• Julian Cihi (Tim Kono): The surprise return of the Season 1 victim in a flashback or dream sequence, grounding the show back to its origins.
• Dianne Wiest & Beanie Feldstein: Notable guest stars who played roles in the supporting cast, adding to the list of red herrings.
• Teddy Coluca & Téa Leoni: Other high-profile actors who appeared, continuing the show’s legacy of attracting major talent.
• Bobby Cannavale: Reprised his role, further integrating the New York City backdrop into the plot.

The Season 5 Finale Cliffhanger and The Season 6 Announcement

The *Only Murders in the Building* Season 5 finale delivered its customary final-minute twist, ensuring fans would be desperate for the next installment. Right after celebrating the resolution of Lester's murder, the scene shifted dramatically to a new, shocking crime. The final moments revealed that the next victim will be none other than Cinda Canning (Tina Fey), the highly successful, cutthroat true-crime podcaster whose work initially inspired Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. Cinda, who had been a rival and sometimes ally to the trio, is seen in a perilous situation, suggesting that her own past investigations or professional rivalries have caught up to her. This twist brings the show full circle, as Cinda is the original reason the three friends met in the first place, and now their investigation will focus on the very person who launched their careers. The good news for fans is that Hulu officially confirmed the renewal of the series for Season 6 immediately following the Season 5 finale. The announcement also included a massive hint about the new location: the trio will be heading to London for the next case. This monumental shift from the familiar Arconia to a new, international setting suggests a major expansion of the show's scope, promising fresh suspects, new cultural comedy, and a whole new set of true-crime podcasters to deal with. The move to London is expected to bring in a new wave of high-profile British guest stars and a plot that involves a transatlantic mystery.

What to Expect from Only Murders in the Building Season 6

With the Season 5 mystery solved and the Season 6 victim (Cinda Canning) and location (London) established, the next chapter is poised to be the most exciting yet. The shift from the Arconia's cozy confines to the sprawling, historic city of London opens up a world of possibilities for the narrative. The core dynamic of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel will be tested as they navigate a foreign city and an unfamiliar police force. Oliver Putnam’s theatrical connections may come into play, potentially involving the London stage, while Mabel Mora's artistic eye will be crucial in a new environment. Charles-Haden Savage will have to contend with a new set of eccentric characters, far removed from his familiar New York life. The Season 6 storyline is expected to delve into Cinda Canning's past, revealing the enemies she made on her path to becoming the "Queen of True Crime." This will allow the show to explore the ethical dilemmas of true-crime podcasting itself, a theme that has always been subtly woven into the series. The anticipation for the London-based mystery is already building, promising a fresh, witty, and deeply satisfying continuation of the *Only Murders* saga.

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