Martin Short reveals approval process for 'Only Murders in the Building' guest stars

Before Only Murders in the Building returns for its fifth season, star and executive producer Martin Short is opening up about the show's longevity and success. 

"I think, certainly, a fifth season in streaming is very unusual these days, but I don’t think any of us thought that way. Steve and I are from the movies also, so we were thinking, 'Oh, maybe it’s just going to be one great season.' We were just hoping that it would be interesting. So you go from episode to episode, then suddenly there are 10 episodes, and you have a season. Then you’re renewed, so you do it again," he told Deadline. "Obviously, you don’t want a show to go up and down, but you’re so invested in where you are right now, it’s hard to get a perspective on it. But certainly, objectively, I can look at it and say, 'This is our fifth season — that’s amazing.' And not expected."

He continued to explain, "I think after looking at a few episodes. I’m an executive producer, so I’m seeing rough cuts and giving notes, but I’m also getting a sense of, 'Boy, actually, this is fun. I like these characters, and I like their interaction.' And then we’ve had brilliant guest stars, of course." 

As for how guest stars are decided, he shared, "That is definitely run past Steven, Selena and myself. If they suggested someone that I either personally hated or professionally hated, that vote would go a long way. It wouldn’t work."

This year, fans can expect to see Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Bobby Cannavale, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz, Téa Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest, Jermaine Fowler, and more.