Oliver Putnam

The ambitious Broadway director who launched the Only Murders podcast and became its heart.

Oliver Putnam is an ambitious but financially struggling Broadway director and one of the three main protagonists in Only Murders in the Building. Played by Martin Short, he spawns the idea for the trio's true crime podcast and serves as its director throughout their investigations in the Arconia. A resident of the upscale Manhattan apartment building on the Upper West Side, Oliver brings a theatrical flair to every mystery they solve. His journey begins with a shared interest in true crime alongside strangers Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, evolving into a deep friendship as they investigate suspicious murders within their community.

Quick Facts

Key relationship: Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin (love interest); Martin Short as Oliver Putnam

Lore & Background

Oliver's life is defined by his passion for theater and his complex relationship with money. As an ambitious but financially struggling director, he relies on sponsorship from Theodore 'Teddy' Dimas Sr., an old family friend who agrees to fund the podcast. His personal history includes a childhood spent under the shadow of his mother, Roberta Putnam. Young Oliver was portrayed by Samuel Farnsworth in season 2. In season 3, Howard Morris, a cat-loving resident, becomes Oliver's assistant for a play. By season 4, the narrative expands to include a film adaptation of their podcast, where Zach Galifianakis portrays a fictionalized version of himself as the actor playing Oliver.

Reader's Guide

Oliver Putnam is essential to the trio's success, acting as the director who conceptualizes their podcast and guides its production. He is played by Martin Short and has been a main cast member since the show's debut in August 2021. Fans should note his recurring role in directing stage productions within the series, such as the play featuring Ben Glenroy in season 3 and subsequent musical reinterpretations starring Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin.

His relationships are central to the plot: he becomes close with Howard Morris, who joins him as an assistant in season 3, and later dates Loretta Durkin, who eventually becomes his wife. In season 5, the narrative introduces new characters like Jane Lynch's Sazz Pataki, though Oliver's primary focus remains on the podcast and his Broadway endeavors. His character arc is marked by resilience, turning financial struggles into creative triumphs while solving crimes in the Arconia.

Did You Know?

Meryl Streep plays Loretta Durkin, who starts as Oliver's love interest and is not yet confirmed as his wife as of the end of season 4.
The character of Bunny Folger is portrayed by Jayne Houdyshell, who also voices Mrs. Gambolini, the pet parrot.