Stunt casting has been a TV staple for decades, from Brad Pitt popping up on Friends to Will Ferrell crashing The Office. It's a surefire way to generate buzz, and Hulu's Only Murders in the Building has embraced it wholeheartedly. But as Season 6 prepares to welcome a staggering 22 guest stars, some fans are wondering if the show is about to lose what made it special in the first place.
The series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as an unlikely trio of true-crime podcasters, has always balanced mystery and comedy with a warm, intimate feel. That chemistry is the heart of the show, and it's why it's racked up seven Emmy wins from 61 nominations. But with each new season, the guest list has grown longer, and Season 6 is shaping up to be the most crowded yet.
A Star-Studded Rollercoaster
Season 1 kept things relatively contained, but by Season 3, Meryl Streep's arrival set a new bar. Season 4 brought in Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Melissa McCarthy. Season 5 continued with Bobby Cannavale, Christoph Waltz, and Renée Zellweger. Now, Season 6 is going all in, with names like Olivia Colman, Nicola Coughlan, David Tennant, Sharon Horgan, Martin Freeman, and even Spice Girl Geri Halliwell confirmed to appear.
It's an impressive lineup, no doubt. But there's a growing concern that all these A-listers are crowding out the core trio. With only 10 episodes per season, each running 26 to 40 minutes, there's limited screen time to go around. If every guest star gets a meaningful arc, that leaves less room for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel's friendship—the very thing that made the show a hit.
The Risk of Dilution
When you pack in dozens of big names, their appearances can feel rushed or superficial. Instead of savoring a well-crafted cameo, viewers might get a whirlwind of celebrity cameos that never fully land. The show risks becoming a game of 'spot the star' rather than a compelling murder mystery with heart.
It's understandable that Hulu wants to keep momentum going six seasons in. But as other shows have learned, expanding the cast can sometimes dilute what made the original formula work. The same could happen here if the balance tips too far toward spectacle over substance.
Of course, it's possible the new additions will be woven in seamlessly, serving the story rather than overshadowing it. But the sheer number is worrying. Fans who fell in love with the Arconia's quirky residents might find themselves longing for simpler days when the focus was squarely on the trio's dynamic.
As we wait for a Season 6 release date, one thing is clear: Only Murders in the Building is at a crossroads. It can either embrace its growing ensemble and find new ways to shine, or it can risk losing the intimate charm that made it a standout. Here's hoping the show remembers that sometimes less is more.
Seasons 1–5 are streaming on Hulu in the U.S. Stay tuned for updates on Season 6.
