'Only Murders In The Building' And 5 Other Funny Murder Mystery Shows
Murder mysteries are a renowned genre for countless reasons, but perhaps more importantly, because of how they're distinctly blanketed with comedy, allowing something dark and harrowing like death to feel a little less sad. Whether they're the numerous Agatha Christie adaptations that hold a vast legacy of their own, or iconic films like Clue (1985) that honor the beloved board game of the same game, the genre is chock-full of possibilities.
With the rise of true crime podcasts becoming a phenomenon today, more people are gravitating to the genre in ways that are resulting in a bigger rise in creativity and subsequent viewership. There's quite literally so much out there today that even the viewers who've been watching for ages can no longer keep up. With that in mind, a series as charming as Only Murders in the Building (2021) is also bringing in a whole new group of viewers, wanting a specific coziness and beats of levity to keep them entertained. Here are 6 must-watch murder mysteries for viewers who want something on the funnier end. You can watch them on platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix now.
Only Murders in the Building is an absolute unicorn when it comes to murder mysteries. How the show expertly blends a clever case that changes every season, intergenerational friendships, pop culture references, a variety of beloved guest stars, and a classic essence all around is no small feat. With leads like Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez, there's something for everyone in a way that's genuinely so admirable, it makes the series even more delightful. It's clever, cozy, and laugh-out-loud funny, but more importantly, it's a series that's brimming with unbeatable heart.
The friendship between the podcast hosting trio grows stronger by the season, and every joke hits even harder than the one before. There's a misconception among various viewers in any genre that modern-day references date a series, but when it's done right, that's where a large part of the charm lies. Years from now, when people rewatch the show or discover it for the first time, they'll be transported to a time that's carefully honored in the screenplay and performances. They'll feel the nostalgia, there's no doubt about it.
In more ways than one, Murder, She Wrote started it all when it comes to cozy murder mysteries. In some instances, the references might not work for every kind of viewer, but the series is so smart and so funny that it always sticks the landing. One of the most charming elements of a show like Only Murders in the Building is that we're getting a perspective that's rare on TV. I continue to bring up this notion of ageism because it's an unfortunate form of discrimination in Hollywood that's often deeply frustrating. Yet, watching shows like Murder, She Wrote or Only Murders continues to signal that every age perspective provides something wonderful and unique—something worthwhile and memorable.
Murder, She Wrote is a classic for a reason. It's funny in a way that's not only consistently endearing, but the late and legendary Angela Lansbury always delivered the type of incredible performance that made each episode an accomplishment on its own. From the writing to the well-established cases, Murder, She Wrote is a genre staple that should be considered essential viewing for any amateur sleuth.
Mike Schur is among the most gifted comedy writers of our time, and his ability to mix humor and immense, deeply relatable heart is an art in and of itself. It's a gift that makes each of his properties indescribably special and, most importantly, easy to rewatch no matter the subject matter. A Man on the Inside might not exactly be a murder mystery in the traditional vein, but there are crimes to be solved and unconventional detective work, which makes it a clever spectacle led by an even more clever leading character.
As a leading star, Ted Danson has a uniquely moving way of delivering beats of vulnerability into dry humor that makes whatever scene he's in thoroughly evocative. In order for murder mysteries to be memorable, sharp, and funny, the cast of characters must all be equally compelling. Everyone has a part to play, and without thoughtful characterizations, that charm is missing. In A Man on the Inside, every character provides this necessity and then some, making the show both surprisingly funny and achingly wholesome. It's especially perfect for those who love the friendships in Only Murders.
Pushing Daisies is an unconventional murder mystery and the kind of hidden gem that was cancelled far too soon. Lee Pace's Ned the Piemaker has a special gift where he can bring back the dead for only a minute, and he uses this skill to help Chi McBride's Emerson Cod solve crimes by essentially asking the deceased who killed them. (Only it's never that easy.) But that's not all, he also brings back his childhood girlfriend from the dead, and since he can't touch her again because she'll die, the two find clever ways to be together without physical touch, all while solving crimes. What's not to love?
There's a lovely dry humor sprinkled throughout Pushing Daisies that makes it a lighthearted and laugh-out-loud treasure. Its aesthetic brightness and vivid colors, along with its equally quirky characters, make it the kind of show that's perfect for cozy murder mystery fans, romance fans, and those who love their shows to be both spooky and whimsical. With the paranormal twist, it results in a combination that we don't often get, and the series blends it all so brilliantly in Pushing Daisies that it's a shame there aren't more than two seasons.
Similar to Pushing Daisies, iZombie combines the paranormal with the murder mystery genre to deliver something that's a unique jewel on all fronts. Starring Rose McIver, Rahul Kohli, Malcolm Goodwin, David Anders, and more, iZombie follows a newly-infected zombie named Liv (McIver) who only eats brains from the local morgue, and by taking on the deceased's memories, she helps solve their murders.
Developed by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero, iZombie is a charming, clever modern mystery that does a significantly admirable job of genre-blending. Magical realism of this sort, like with any good murder mystery, works best if the characters are well-rounded, and that's exactly why the show sings alongside the cases that come through the door. Perfect for viewers who generally aren't a fan of traditional depictions of zombies, this version is not only surprisingly wholesome but also so funny that it's a genuine shame we don't have more series like it.
While it was unfortunately cancelled after one season, Netflix's Emmy-nominated series, The Residence is among the greats that are gone too soon. Sharp, hilariously unique, and bursting with an excellent cast, it's the exact type of series that can appeal to fans who love a distinct marriage between whodunnits and humor. With an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes and favorable reviews, the show set inside the White House was off to a great start that's still worth watching despite its untimely end.
Uzo Aduba is a brilliant lead, hitting every mark with the kind of whip-sharp delivery that makes the character memorable and well-rounded. From the setting to the premise, every beat manages to convey something riveting, and even when it's slow at times, it's clear that the series simply needed some time to find its legs. Still, it's mostly an underrated and all-around good time, perfectly suited to deliver a worthy murder mystery for anyone who wants something funny and smart.
