With midterms right around the corner, UT students are beginning to experience peak levels of the stress and exhaustion that come with hunching over their laptops until 1:00 a.m. in the PCL. After stressful weeks like this, many of us like to spend our weekends in bed, binge watching our favorite comfort show. Well, I’m here to give you three reasons why Hulu’s new show, Only Murders in the Building, is the perfect series for easing your nerves and boosting your spirits.
1. SELENA GOMEZ
Only Murders in the Building’s starring cast includes renowned actors Steve Martin, Martin Short, and most importantly, Selena Gomez. Yes, Selena Gomez. Due to Gomez being busy producing hit shows like 13 Reasons Why, Only Murders In the Building is her first television role in a long time.
This is an extremely big deal for an undergraduate population of Gen-Z’ers who grew up watching her as the iconic character, Alex Russo, in The Wizards of Waverly Place. The Disney star’s presence in this lighthearted murder series will bring you childhood nostalgia and joy watching Gomez play the role of a struggling young woman that we can all better relate to, now that we are all grown up as well.
2. THE COMEDIC TRIO
Although you might not recognize them by name, Steve Martin and Martin Short are most familiar to college students as the goofy father from the Cheaper By the Dozen film series and Jack Frost from The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. The two comedians have come together on past film projects to create comedic genius and Only Murders in the Building is no different.
In the show, Steve Martin plays Charles-Haden Savage, a washed up television actor with dating issues. Martin Short plays Oliver Putnam, a former Broadway director who is struggling to pay his bills. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez’s character, Mabel, is a mysterious young woman whose residence at the Arconia, the expensive apartment building in which they all live, is puzzling to both Charles and Oliver. In true enemies to lovers fashion, these three characters hate each other at the beginning of the show. However, once they realize they share a love for a fictional true crime podcast and experience a death in their building, they become inseparable. As the unexpected trio works to solve the case of the dead man in their apartment building, the viewer watches their relationships evolve from humorous bickering to heartfelt companionship.
3. THE MUSIC
Finally, I believe the show’s soundtrack is the most fun element. The opening theme is an upbeat tune with a slight mysterious edge to it that reflects the show’s perfect mixture of comedy and thriller. Throughout the episodes, there is also a wide variety of songs played on the accordion that lift your spirits and contribute to the humor of the show.
I encourage you to take a break from studying, curl up in your softest blanket, and enjoy an episode of Only Murders in the Building.