Not the Only Podcasters in the Building: Spilling the Tea on Season 5 and our visit to the "real" Arconia

A stop at Manhattan's Belnord, "the real Arconia" in Manhattan.

Just two weeks ago, Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building" wrapped up Season 4.  We at BTS, are big fans of the series as it includes some of our favorite things:  mysteries, fancy New York apartments, the oft amusing interaction between Boomers and Millennials and, without question, podcasters.

And, not all the podcasters at the building are fictional. . . 

For those unfamiliar with the OMITB story, it's a comedy/mystery drama set at the fictional Arconia - a tony apartment/condominium building in Manhattan's upper west side - and its eclectic and eccentric residents. Three Arconia inhabitants form a seemingly improbable bond over tragic circumstances and a passion for solving crimes. The trio of sleuths are portrayed by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez  - Charles, Oliver and Mabel, respectively, and together they combine their talents to produce a murder investigation podcast. With a mix of over-the-top comedy, self-deprecation and odd, but oh-so-likeable characters, enhanced with a generous supply of celebrity cameos, we've welcomed each new season featuring the podcast trio,"OliMabel" (as Oliver once noted, "the Charles is silent").

The true silent star of OMITB is not a person, however, but a century-old, 13-story, apartment building, the Belnord, aka, "the real Arconia".  And, while the Arconia houses the imagined OMITB podcasters, the real Barb's Tea Service podcasters (your humble blog writer and husband/co-host/arm candy, Chris) visited its inspiration, the Belnord, just two years ago.

The Belnord was built in 1908 by architectural firm Hiss and Weekes (for Gilded Age enthusiasts, before joining Hiss, Weekes worked for the renowned architects McKim, Mead and White). The Italian Renaissance-style building - taking on an entire city block between 86th and 87th Streets and Broadway and Amsterdam - has two impressive archways that lead to one of  NYC's largest private courtyards. 

Chris, podcast co-host, at on of two Belnord arches that lead to one of the biggest courtyards in NYC.

OMITB co-creator, John Hoffman, quoted in a recent House Beautiful article, said the show needed a home that could both carry "enough history and elegance to hold a world of mystery and intrigue" as well as "serve as a fitting backdrop worthy of our legendary cast." After his location team found Belnord, Hoffman said it exceeded expectations, adding it "basically wrote itself into our show as its own central compelling character".

When BTS Podcasters visited in August of 2022, we immediately recognized the archway gates leading to the courtyard. Since it is, indeed private - and we weren't readily recognizable - we couldn't go in. But, we could peer through the wrought-iron gate into the exclusive, enclosed garden space with its distinctive water fountain. The latter has held prominence in key OMITB scenes, both celebratory and shocking.

Belnord, built in 1908 occupies an entire city block.

While Arconia is home to OMITB podcasters, they're not the only podcasters in residence. Perhaps not as compelling, but surly charming, we're hoping to hear a bit of fellow Arconia inhabitant and cat-lover, Howard Morris' "Animal Jobs". 

Then, there are the visiting podcasters at the swanky apartment building, in particular, those of Barb's Tea Service, Barb and Chris (none of who are "silent").  But, we must emphasize "visiting" as Belnord's active listings come with $10 million price tags - slightly over budget.

Barb's Tea Service Podcasters with occasional discourse between Boomers and Millennial

For now, we're content with occasional walk-bys and viewing it via OMITB, a show that may be high rent but not high concept.  A comfortable, silly who-done-it show that entertains, but not overtaxes, its viewers (although, we would be in favor of a deep cut, Marie Kondo, approach to the clutter of red herrings and inconsequential celebrity drop ins. Some spark joy, but too many just add unsatisfying clutter, like a pile of Rudy Thurber's Christmas sweaters)

To date, our choice for best in series, goes to Season 3. With Meryl Streep and a musical titled, "Death Rattle", you can't go wrong.

So what's the "tea" on Season 5? ?  "Tea" Leoni's brief appearance in Seasons 4's finale and the body found in the fountain will surely be the focus of Season 5. 

On the Upper West Side, only visiting!

In the meantime, catch up on Barb's Tea Service's Podcast! Find us on YouTube!