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Only Murders in the Building (OMITB) is an American mystery comedy-drama created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman. The series follows three residents of a luxurious Manhattan apartment building, the Arconia, who bond over their fascination with true crime podcasts.Portrayed by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, the unlikely trio transforms their curiosity into action as they team up to solve a string of murders within their building while documenting their sleuthing through their own podcast of the same name.Only Murders in the Building season 5 brings together quirky personalities that keep the mystery fresh. From Charles’s quiet awkwardness to Oliver’s flamboyant charm, each character adds a distinct spark to the story.Here is a list of the seven best characters from Only Murders in the Building season 5.Disclaimer: The following list is ranked in no particular order, and the opinions expressed belong solely to the author.Camila White, Detective Donna Williams, and 5 other best characters from Only Murders in the Building season 51) Oliver Putnam (Martin Short)Martin Short as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Oliver Putnam continues to be the sharpest voice in the room, balancing Charles’s social awkwardness with theatrical flair. Flashbacks reveal a younger Oliver who always felt out of place, a dreamer craving applause and affection that never arrived.What once looked like self-centeredness now feels like self-protection, a way to cover the doubts that drive his relentless pursuit of success. Even with this newfound vulnerability, Oliver still commands every scene with his vibrant energy and perfect comedic rhythm.Martin Short’s portrayal earned him an Emmy nod each season.2) Charles Haden Savage (Steve Martin)Steve Martin as Charles Haden Savage in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Charles has always been seen as the lovable oddball, a man whose life seems shaped by a string of personal and romantic stumbles. This season’s flashbacks pull back the curtain on his earlier fame, showing the peak of his acting career before the spotlight dimmed.The focus shifts from his comedic quirks to an emotional portrait. With Mabel busy chasing her own ambitions and Oliver absorbed in his own world, Charles faces the weight of being alone.A therapy session reveals his pattern of falling for distant partners, exposing his vulnerability. Beneath the surface of his eccentric humor lies a man who longs to be truly seen, turning his story into one of both melancholy and longing.3) Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez)Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Mabel’s journey has always centered on figuring out who she is and what she wants from life. By season 5, she begins to gain a clearer sense of direction, throwing herself into the podcast and its movie adaptation.Her relationship with Charles and Oliver grows stronger as well, showing how they have become a chosen family rather than just partners in solving crimes. Through them, Mabel realizes that connection, not just curiosity, is what gives her life meaning.This season also looks back at her past. Scenes from her childhood, especially her friendship with Lester and the loneliness that surrounded her, shed light on why she values independence so fiercely.These glimpses into her early life move her story beyond mystery and humor, revealing the vulnerability that have shaped her all along.4) Camila White (Renée Zellweger)Renée Zellweger as Camila White in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Camila White, a celebrated home and lifestyle icon often compared to Martha Stewart, has crafted a luxurious world built on impeccable style and presentation. Yet behind the curated perfection is a woman shaped by an insatiable drive to succeed.A quiet moment at the bar with Nicky hints at an unresolved affection from her younger days, which she later confides to Loretta (Meryl Streep), revealing an unexpected softness beneath her elegant facade. Still, her true essence emerges as one fueled by strategy and ambition, always intent on maintaining her power and prestige.This season’s defining moment comes when Camila buys out every apartment in the Arconia to position herself for the city’s first casino license. The move captures her shrewdness and her ability to blend sophistication with ruthlessness.5) Althea (Beanie Feldstein)Beanie Feldstein as Althea in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Althea (Beanie Feldstein) captures the confident yet image-obsessed energy of Gen Z with a mix of wit and self-awareness. Once inseparable from Mabel (Selena Gomez), she has since transformed herself into a pop sensation after their friendship unraveled.Now performing under the name "Thé," Althea treats every moment as part of her brand, chasing online relevance with the confidence of someone who believes her fame will last forever.When Althea returns, her presence forces both her and Mabel to confront what drove them apart. Beneath the rivalry lies mutual admiration and insecurity, showing how easily ambition and comparison can blur genuine connection.Though she appears briefly, Althea plays a key role in the story. Her influence leads the group to the casino’s Ladies Night event, setting in motion one of the season’s pivotal developments.6) Howard Morris (Michael Cyril Creighton)Michael Cyril Creighton as Howard Morris in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)From the beginning, Howard Morris (Michael Cyril Creighton) has been a steady presence in the series, somehow always caught up in the chaos of each new mystery.What started as a portrayal of a talkative, attention-seeking neighbor has evolved into that of a devoted friend to the main trio, someone who is genuinely invested in their adventures.Following his breakup with Jonathan (Jason Veasey), Howard finds himself once again yearning for connection, channeling that longing into his latest project, teaching the new robotic doorman, L.E.S.T.R., the finer points of human interaction.This season expands Howard’s story, showing a touching moment when his mother learns of his sexuality. His awkward charm and sincerity make him one of the show’s most genuine and endearing characters.7) Detective Donna Williams (Da'Vine Joy Randolph)Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Detective Donna Williams in Only Murders in the Building (Image via Getty)Fresh off her Academy Award win for The Holdovers and an Emmy nomination for this series, Da’Vine Joy Randolph continues to shine as Detective Donna Williams.Returning as the grounded investigator who has evolved from a skeptic into a trusted collaborator, Randolph infuses the role with both authority and effortless humor. Once doubtful of the trio’s unconventional methods, Donna now knows them well enough to see that their chaotic energy often leads to real results.This season shows Donna growing closer to the trio as she helps solve a new mystery. Her undercover stint at a women-only casino night and witty exchanges with Charles and Oliver reveal her shift from detached detective to true friend, with Randolph’s humor making her a standout presence.Interested viewers can watch Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.
