Production for the fifth season of Hulu’s critically acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building is officially underway in New York, and with it comes the announcement of the season’s first major casting addition. Emmy-winning actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key has signed on for a recurring role, marking his debut in the murder-mystery comedy.
While details about Key’s character remain under wraps—as is tradition for the series—his addition signals another exciting lineup of guest stars. Only Murders in the Building has built a reputation for blending sharp storytelling with an impressive revolving door of talent, and Key’s comedic versatility makes him a natural fit.
The upcoming season will center on the murder of Lester (Teddy Coluca), the Arconia’s longtime doorman, with series leads Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, and Michael Cyril Creighton returning. Following the season four finale, which introduced a second mystery tied to the disappearance of a powerful figure in New York, the stakes appear to be higher than ever.
Key, best known for his work on Key & Peele, Schmigadoon!, and Friends from College, has established himself as a formidable talent in both live-action and voice acting. His recent projects include voicing Bumblebee in Transformers One and Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He is also set to appear in Shane Black’s upcoming crime thriller Play Dirty, alongside Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield.
Since its premiere in 2021, Only Murders in the Building has remained a standout in the comedy-mystery genre, earning widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including its first SAG Award for Best Comedy Ensemble earlier this year. With production now underway, season five is expected to premiere later this year on Hulu.