The killer has been caught. The Season 5 finale of Only Murders in the Building has left fans stunned as New York City Mayor Beau Tillman was revealed as the man behind the doorman’s murder. The shocking twist culminated with the death of Cinda Canning, the trio’s longtime podcasting rival and original inspiration. The finale aired on Hulu on October 28, 2025, closing a season centered on power, corruption, and redemption. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this episode not only resolved the central mystery but also laid the groundwork for a darker, more classic Season 6.
Who: Mayor Beau Tillman, Cinda Canning, and the Arconia trio — Charles, Oliver, and Mabel.
What: Tillman orchestrated a murder cover-up tied to a billionaire-backed casino scheme.
When: Revealed in the Only Murders in the Building Season 5 finale, aired October 28, 2025.
Where: Set in New York City’s Arconia building.
Why: The Mayor sought to secure campaign funding through illegal deals, which the doorman discovered.
Inside the Conspiracy
The finale exposed a web of political deceit. Mayor Tillman worked with a group of billionaires who aimed to secure New York’s first casino license in exchange for campaign funds. Billionaire Jay, portrayed by Logan Lerman, eventually confessed, unraveling the entire network. His confession redeemed the season’s dark undertones, concluding with a rare moment of justice for the Arconia trio.
Reactions and Creative Insight
Series creator John Hoffman explained that Cinda Canning’s death was a narrative pivot.
“We wanted to return to the roots of classic mystery storytelling — Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle — and merge that with the podcasting culture our characters built,” Hoffman told The Hollywood Reporter.
Critics have hailed the finale as a powerful blend of social commentary and traditional detective fiction, maintaining the show’s signature balance of humor and suspense.
Impact and Legacy
The finale reinforces the trio’s role as pioneers of the true-crime podcasting world. With Cinda Canning gone, their influence over the genre appears unchallenged. Thematically, the season underscored corruption within power structures, mirroring real-life New York political scandals. This narrative shift marks Only Murders in the Building’s evolution from quirky comedy to a grounded, socially resonant mystery drama.
What’s Next
Season 6 will reportedly explore the origins of detective storytelling, with episodes inspired by Golden Age mystery fiction. Production is expected to begin in early 2026. Hoffman confirmed that new guest stars will join the cast, with casting announcements anticipated by year-end.
Source List
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
Deadline
Collider Entertainment Desk
