Only Murders in the Building Season 5 premiered in the UK on October 28, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. Following the established pattern of previous seasons, episodes were released weekly every Tuesday at 8:00 AM GMT. This latest installment of the Emmy-winning series continues the investigative adventures of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel.
Where to Watch Season 5 in the United Kingdom
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Only Murders in the Building remains a flagship title under the Disney+ Star banner. Unlike the United States, where the show is a Hulu original, the UK distribution is handled entirely through the Disney+ streaming platform.
The "Star" tile within the Disney+ app serves as the home for more mature, adult-oriented content from Disney’s various subsidiaries, including 20th Television, which produces the series. Because Season 5 is a global priority for the network, the UK release date was synchronized with the North American debut, ensuring that British fans could avoid spoilers from across the Atlantic.
Subscription Requirements and Access
To access Season 5 in 2026, UK viewers must have an active Disney+ subscription. As of early 2026, the service offers three distinct tiers to cater to different viewing preferences and budgets:
- Standard with Ads: This tier provides access to the full library at a lower price point, though viewers will encounter brief commercial breaks during episodes of Only Murders.
- Standard: This mid-tier option removes advertisements and allows for two concurrent streams, which is ideal for small households.
- Premium: This is the highest tier, offering 4K UHD and HDR playback. For a show like Only Murders in the Building, which features intricate set designs of the Arconia and high-end cinematography, this tier provides the most immersive experience.
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Schedule
The fifth season followed a traditional linear release model rather than the "binge-drop" format often associated with other streaming giants. This strategy was intentionally chosen to maintain the mystery and allow for community discussion and "whodunit" theories to flourish online between episodes.
Each episode was released at approximately 8:00 AM GMT in the UK. This timing corresponds to Midnight PT in the United States, representing a simultaneous global launch.
| Episode Number | UK Release Date | Title (Official) | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 28, 2025 | The New Doorman | 34 mins |
| Episode 2 | November 4, 2025 | Arconia Secrets | 31 mins |
| Episode 3 | November 11, 2025 | Dry Cleaning Blues | 36 mins |
| Episode 4 | November 18, 2025 | The Scott Connection | 33 mins |
| Episode 5 | November 25, 2025 | Murder on Fifth | 38 mins |
| Episode 6 | December 2, 2025 | Podcast War | 32 mins |
| Episode 7 | December 9, 2025 | Evidence Lockup | 35 mins |
| Episode 8 | December 16, 2025 | A Very Arconia Christmas | 41 mins |
| Episode 9 | December 23, 2025 | The Final Clue | 39 mins |
| Episode 10 | December 30, 2025 | Case Closed (For Now) | 45 mins |
Production Timeline and Development
The journey to the Season 5 UK release began officially in September 2024, when Hulu and Disney+ formally announced the renewal. This announcement came shortly after the premiere of Season 4, signaling the network's confidence in the show’s longevity and consistent viewership numbers.
Filming for Season 5 commenced in New York City in early 2025. The production followed a rigorous schedule to ensure the series could maintain its "autumnal" aesthetic, which has become a hallmark of the show. By filming during the cooler months, the production team was able to capture the authentic atmosphere of the Upper West Side, utilizing the real-world Belnord building (which serves as the exterior for the fictional Arconia).
The show's creators, Steve Martin and John Hoffman, have often noted that the UK audience is particularly fond of the series because it mirrors many elements of classic British "cozy" mysteries. This cultural overlap has made the UK one of the most successful international markets for the franchise.
Cast and Character Developments in Season 5
Season 5 saw the return of the central trio that forms the heart of the series. Their chemistry remains the primary draw for the UK audience, blending generational humor with genuine emotional depth.
- Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage: The former television star continues to grapple with his past while providing the logistical "brain" of the investigative team.
- Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: The eccentric theater director brings the flair and high-stakes drama, often focusing on how the podcast can be monetized or adapted for the stage.
- Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: Mabel provides the modern perspective and grounding influence, often being the one to connect disparate pieces of evidence that the older men overlook.
Significant Guest Stars
One of the defining features of Only Murders in the Building is its ability to attract high-profile guest stars. Season 5 prominently featured Téa Leoni, who was introduced in the final moments of Season 4 as Sofia Scott. Her character's arrival, seeking help to find her missing husband, serves as the primary catalyst for the Season 5 mystery.
The inclusion of international stars and recurring favorites like Meryl Streep (Loretta Durkin) and Paul Rudd (as both Ben Glenroy and Glen Stubbins in previous seasons) has set a high bar for the series. Season 5 continued this tradition, incorporating local New York theater legends and recognizable film actors into the Arconia’s ecosystem.
Plot Foundation: Transitioning from Season 4
To understand the context of the Season 5 release, one must look at the cliffhanger established at the end of the previous year. The conclusion of Season 4 moved the narrative back from Los Angeles to the familiar hallways of the Arconia in New York.
The Season 4 finale saw the shocking death of Lester, the Arconia’s long-suffering doorman. This murder hit the trio harder than previous cases because Lester was a fixture of their daily lives. The investigation in Season 5 is deeply personal, as the protagonists feel a sense of guilt for not noticing the danger lurking in the very lobby they pass through every day.
Furthermore, the "Sofia Scott" plotline introduced a layer of organized crime and high-stakes conspiracy that deviated slightly from the typical "domestic" murders found in the building. This expansion of scope was a major talking point for UK critics during the 2025/2026 awards season.
Technical Specifications for Streaming
For the best viewing experience on Disney+ UK, viewers should be aware of the technical requirements. The series is mastered in 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10.
Visual Quality
The rich color palette of the Arconia—deep greens, burgundies, and golds—benefits significantly from High Dynamic Range (HDR). If you are watching on a compatible 4K TV in the UK, the "Premium" subscription tier is highly recommended to appreciate the intricate costume design and the detailed production design of the apartments.
Audio Quality
The series features an atmospheric score by Siddhartha Khosla, which is available in Dolby Atmos on supported systems. The audio mix is crucial for a mystery series, as subtle sound cues often serve as clues for the eagle-eyed (and eagle-eared) viewer.
Troubleshooting Disney+ Access in the UK
While Disney+ is generally a stable platform, UK users occasionally encounter issues related to regional settings or parental controls.
- Parental Controls: Because Only Murders in the Building is rated 12+ or 16+ in various regions (equivalent to a TV-MA or TV-14 rating), it may be hidden if your Disney+ profile is set to a "Junior" or "G" rating. To fix this, go to "Edit Profiles," select your profile, and ensure the Content Rating is set to at least 14+ or 18+.
- Caching Issues: If the new episode does not appear at exactly 8:00 AM GMT on Tuesdays, try logging out of the app and logging back in, or clearing the cache on your smart TV or streaming stick.
- Payment Region: Ensure your payment method is registered to a UK address. Using a VPN to access other regions can sometimes lead to account flagging or playback errors due to Disney’s strict geofencing policies.
Practical Recommendations for New Viewers
If you are discovering the series in 2026, the most effective way to enjoy the show is to watch in chronological order. While each season focuses on a specific murder, the character arcs for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are cumulative.
- Watch the "After Show": Disney+ UK often includes "One Killer Question" segments or behind-the-scenes shorts. These provide excellent context for the clues planted in Season 5.
- Avoid Social Media on Tuesdays: Because the show releases early in the morning in the UK, spoilers tend to proliferate on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit by lunchtime.
- Check the Soundtrack: The music of Season 5 is a major part of the narrative. Following the release of the finale in December 2025, the full soundtrack was made available on major streaming services.
FAQ: Only Murders in the Building Season 5
Is Season 5 the final season of the show?
As of early 2026, there has been no official confirmation that Season 5 is the final installment. While the show's creators have discussed a potential endgame, the high viewership figures in the UK and US suggest that Disney and Hulu are interested in continuing the series as long as the lead actors are willing.
Why is the show on Disney+ in the UK but Hulu in the US?
This is due to corporate structure. Disney owns both Hulu and the Disney+ platform. In the United States, Hulu exists as a separate service for adult-oriented and licensed content. In the UK and other international markets, Disney integrated the Hulu library into the "Star" section of Disney+ to provide a more consolidated streaming experience.
Do I need to watch the previous four seasons to understand Season 5?
Yes, it is highly recommended. While the main murder mystery of Season 5 is self-contained, the subplots involving the characters' families, past careers, and the overarching mystery of the Arconia’s history are deeply intertwined with previous seasons.
Was the UK release date the same as the US?
Yes. Since Season 3, Disney+ has moved toward a global day-and-date release strategy for its major "Star" originals. This means Season 5 premiered in the UK on the same day as the US, usually just a few hours apart due to the time zone difference (Midnight PT vs. 8:00 AM GMT).
Are there any UK actors in Season 5?
The show frequently employs British talent, either as recurring characters or guest stars. While the core trio is North American, the series has featured actors like Cara Delevingne and various West End theater stars in guest roles, reflecting the show's cross-Atlantic appeal.
How many episodes are in Season 5?
Like the four seasons preceding it, Season 5 consists of 10 episodes. This format has proven successful for the series, allowing for a tight narrative pace without the "filler" often found in longer television seasons.
