Why Only Murders in the Building Season 5 needs to give Meryl Streep a bigger role, explained in detail

Hulu’s critically acclaimed comedy-mystery series Only Murders in the Building has made a comeback with its fifth season premiered on September 9, 2025.

The season kicks off with the three main characters, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), unraveling the mystery of the doorman’s mysterious death, Lester. Meryl Streep returns in the role of Loretta Durkin, Oliver’s wife, for Season 5, but so far, her part is somewhat limited.

The show's alluring recipe of mystery, humor, and unforgettable characters, the trio plus strong guest characters, has garnered its success. Meryl Streep’s character, Loretta, not only provided the story with an aspect of warmth but also with the magnetism of a superstar.

In the Only Murders in the Building Season 4 finale, her character was scripted to fly to New Zealand for a film, thereby giving a logical explanation to her diminished screen time. John Hoffman, the showrunner, has brought out the real scheduling reasons for Streep's limited appearances and hinted at the character's potential development during the creative process.

Why Only Murders in the Building Season 5 needs a bigger Meryl Streep role

Meryl Streep made her debut in the series Only Murders in the Building Season 3, where she played the part of Loretta Durkin, an eccentric and struggling stage actress. Her character became pivotal to the storyline of the season when she got involved with the main trio of characters, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, after the murder that was linked to Oliver’s Broadway production.

Streep’s involvement in the third season was impactful, as it not only brought the star power but also the emotional subtlety that would enrich the series’ mix of comedy, mystery, and loving character interactions.

Streep was back in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 as Loretta, but this time her presence on screen was very limited. There were practical reasons for the cutback: the character was supposed to be shooting a film in New Zealand, which was Streep’s real-life scheduling conflict as well.

In a detailed explanation, showrunner and co-creator John Hoffman shared the reasoning behind the decision during his TVLine interview. Hoffman said:

“It’s partly pragmatic in that way, sure. But really it’s about what the trio has built together, and what Oliver and Loretta have built together. That is a little wink to Hollywood at the moment when she’s saying how, suddenly, the budget [on her show] is requiring [they shoot in] New Zealand. That was one part of it. But then it feels to me like a beautifully adult decision that she comes to, saying, “We don’t have to do this in any way traditionally… we never have… we shouldn’t.””

Hoffman added:

“There was a slightly longer speech there talking about “we can long for other, and pine for each other, and then when we’re together, it’s that much more magical. That’s all I want is to keep that.” So, we’ll see how it goes. Nothing would make me happier than more Meryl Streep in the show.”

Meryl Streep's minimal appearance in the newest season of Only Murders in the Building has caused a wave of discontent among the critics and the audience. In Season 5 Episode 6, titled Flatbush, Loretta Durkin makes a remarkable appearance as her character portrays a moment of heartfelt emotion when she meditates upon the real-world death and destruction caused by Los Angeles wildfires, a sequence that has been lauded for its realism and subtlety.

Critics have pointed out the series's treatment of Loretta in an unfavorable way, even amid these strong moments. Critics state that the character of Oliver shows no development since he has married Loretta; he is still the same weird and extravagant showman, while Mabel continues to be the group's emotional support.

In numerous episodes of Only Murders in the Building, Loretta is hardly referred to, and even in those instances, it is usually through very short statements about her being in LA instead of being her of the main plot or the group. When Streep's character is back in the Episode titled Cuckoo Chicks, the impact of her return is empty because of her absence in the plot all season long.

Critics from Collider and /Film have pointed out that this non-integration is a lost chance. Collider remarks that Streep's Season 3 arc was successful because Loretta was allowed to show her vulnerability and develop a deep and complicated relationship with Oliver, but her irregular appearances in the following seasons have prevented that growth.

Meanwhile, /Film takes it a step further, claiming that the hiring of Streep, who is a major film figure, drains the cast of its power when she is not completely used or involved in the main storyline in a meaningful way.

The frustration is made worse by knowing Streep’s hectic work schedule, with reports mentioning her obligations, including a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. Nonetheless, the critics argue that the emotional core of the series will be endangered if Loretta is left out. Her charm and dramatic intricacy are the counterweights to Martin Short’s humor.

The consensus is that Streep’s limited schedule should be taken into consideration by the production, but the writers and showrunners should still make more efforts to come up with creative ways to give Loretta a meaningful role instead of assigning her to rare appearances. If this is not done, Only Murders in the Building may probably lose the heart and humor that have made Loretta so unforgettable in the first place.

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Also Read: Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9: Release date, time, streaming details and more

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