How John Hoffman Found Success by Melding Humor, Mystery, and Personal Connection in 'Only Murders in the Building'

For aspiring screenwriters, few shows offer a masterclass in tonal balance and collaborative creativity like Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. In a recent conversation, showrunner John Hoffman pulled back the curtain on his creative process, from navigating Hollywood disappointments to crafting one of television’s most beloved series.

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Finding the Idea: When Opportunity Meets Preparation

Hoffman’s journey to Only Murders in the Building began with an email: an invitation to collaborate with Steve Martin on a murder-mystery comedy set in a New York apartment building. Hoffman’s journey with Only Murders in the Building began with a simple but life-changing email:

“Would you be interested in talking to Steve Martin about an idea he has for a murder mystery comedy set in a pre-war apartment building in New York City?”

For Hoffman, the pitch felt like destiny.

"My dream for 10 to 15 years had been to do a show in New York about New York," he said. Within moments of reading the email, Hoffman was jotting down ideas in his car, much to the frustration of nearby drivers who thought he was vacating his coveted Larchmont parking spot.

That serendipitous moment was built on years of preparation. Hoffman recalled spending decades writing pilots and screenplays that often came close to being made but just missed. “The disappointments sort of formed me,” he said. When this opportunity came, Hoffman realized his years of “failing” had given him the tools to succeed.

Read More: Ridley Scott Has a Simple Secret for Pitching to Hollywood

'Only Murders in the Building' (2021 - )

Personal Connection Fuels John Hoffman and His Storytelling

One of the defining aspects of Only Murders in the Building is its tonal balance—melding comedy, mystery, and heartfelt emotional depth. Hoffman attributes this to the chemistry of the show's trio: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.

This balance is deeply personal for Hoffman. He revealed how a tragic personal experience shaped the emotional core of the show. A year before starting the project, Hoffman spent months investigating the death of his childhood best friend, who had been found dead in mysterious circumstances.

The journey to uncover the truth and reconnect with his late friend’s family left a lasting impact.

“At its core, [the show is about] the acknowledgment of what's real and what's poignant… looking for connection, and sometimes you find it in the most unexpected places.”

This personal connection, Hoffman admitted, wasn’t something he initially planned to pitch. But when This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman encouraged him to share the story, it unlocked the show's emotional depth. For Hoffman, the takeaway was clear: storytelling becomes transformative when it’s rooted in something real and personal.

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How John Hoffman Writes Mysteries That Satisfy

Crafting a compelling murder mystery isn’t just about twists and reveals—it’s about keeping the audience engaged while staying true to the story’s core. Hoffman described the challenge of writing mysteries across multiple seasons, ensuring that each twist surprises without feeling contrived.

Interestingly, Hoffman and his team even pay attention to fan theories on Reddit, marveling at the depth of detail viewers uncover. While the writers maintain control over the narrative, fan engagement has become a fascinating layer of the process, sparking creative ideas and new approaches.

'Only Murders in the Building' (2021 - )

Collaboration with Actors: The Key to Harmony on Set

Hoffman emphasized the importance of open, honest communication with actors. From casting to performance, the collaborative process thrives on mutual respect and trust. Hoffman shared how actors like Melissa McCarthy bring their unique quirks to their roles, enriching the storytelling while staying true to the show’s vision.

“If we’re not having the best time of our lives on this show, we’re all assholes,” he said.

He also revealed that the Only Murders set is famously harmonious, adhering to what Steve Martin calls a “no prick zone.” The result? A creative environment where everyone, from the leads to guest stars, feels invested in the work.

Lessons for Writers: Trust Your Gut and Stay Personal

Hoffman’s approach to writing is deeply intuitive. Whether deciding if an idea works or shaping an episode’s theme, he relies on his gut instinct. He advises writers to focus on clarity—distilling each episode to its thematic “playground” and removing anything that doesn’t fit.

For Hoffman, personal connection remains the most critical ingredient in storytelling.

“Sometimes you can miss how you connect to something,” he explained. But once that connection is made, it transforms the work, imbuing it with authenticity and purpose.

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'Only Murders in the Building' (2021 - )

A Gratitude-Filled Journey for John Hoffman

Reflecting on the show’s success, Hoffman spoke of his deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a talented team. After years of setbacks, he sees Only Murders in the Building as a testament to persistence, collaboration, and the power of deeply personal storytelling.

For writers hoping to break through, Hoffman’s journey offers an inspiring reminder: embrace your setbacks, draw from your experiences, and trust that the right opportunity—when paired with preparation—can lead to something extraordinary.

Read More: 5 Pro Tips on How to Stay Motivated as a Screenwriter

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