For aspiring screenwriters, few shows offer as good a masterclass in tonal balance and collaborative creativity as Hulu. Only murders in the building. In a recent conversation, showrunner John Hoffman pulled back the curtain on his creative process, from dealing with Hollywood’s disappointments to creating one of TV’s most beloved shows.
Finding Ideas: When Opportunity Meets Preparation
hoffman’s journey Only murders in the building It started with an email: an invitation to work with Steve Martin on a murder-mystery comedy set in a New York apartment complex. hoffman’s journey Only murders in the building Start with a simple but life-changing email:
“Would you be interested in talking to Steve Martin about his idea for a murder mystery comedy set in a pre-war New York City apartment complex?”
For Hoffman, the course felt like destiny.
“My dream for 10 to 15 years has been to do a show in New York about New York,” he said. After reading the email, Hoffman jotted down ideas in his car, much to the dismay of nearby drivers who thought he was freeing up coveted Larchmont parking spots.
This serendipitous moment was built on years of preparation. Hoffman recalled that he spent decades writing pilots and scripts, often coming close to making them but ultimately missing out. “Disappointment shaped me in a way,” he said. When the opportunity came, Hoffman realized that his years of “failure” had given him the tools to succeed.
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“Only Murders in the Building” (2021 – )
Personal connection drives John Hoffman and his storytelling
one of the decisive aspects of Only murders in the building It’s characterized by its tonal balance – a blend of comedy, mystery and honest 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 reveals how tragic personal experiences shaped the show’s emotional core. A year before starting the project, Hoffman spent months investigating the death of his childhood best friend, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
The journey to uncover the truth and reconnect with the family of a deceased friend leaves a lasting impact.
“The core of it is, [the show is about] Acknowledge what is true and what is poignant…look for connection and sometimes you will find it in the most unexpected places.
Hoffman admits that this personal connection was not what he originally planned to sell. But when this is us Creator Dan Fogelman encouraged him to share the story, which unlocked the show’s emotional depth. For Hoffman, the point is clear: storytelling becomes transformative when it’s rooted in something real and personal.
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How John Hoffman wrote satisfying suspense novels
Crafting a compelling murder mystery isn’t just about twists and reveals, it’s about keeping the audience engaged while staying true to the heart of the story. Hoffman described the challenge of writing a suspenseful story across multiple seasons, ensuring each twist was a surprise without feeling contrived.
Interestingly, Huffman and his team even paid attention to fan theories on Reddit and were surprised by the depth of details viewers discovered. While the writers maintain control of the narrative, fan involvement has become a fascinating layer of the process, inspiring creativity and new approaches.
“Only Murders in the Building” (2021 – )
Working with actors: The key to harmony on set
Hoffman stresses the importance of open, honest communication with actors. From casting to performance, the collaborative process thrives on mutual respect and trust. Hoffman shares how actors like Melissa McCarthy bring their unique quirks to their characters, enriching the storytelling while staying true to the show’s vision.
“If we don’t have the best time of our lives on this show, we’re all assholes,” he said.
He also revealed, only murder The set is very harmonious and follows what Steve Martin calls the “thorn-free zone”. The result? In a creative environment, everyone feels invested in their work, from the lead to the guest stars.
Lessons for writers: Trust your instincts and keep your style personal
Hoffman’s writing method is very intuitive. Whether he’s deciding whether an idea will work or shaping the theme of an episode, he relies on his instincts. He advised writers to focus on clarity – distilling each episode down to its theme of “playground” and removing anything inappropriate.
For Hoffman, personal connection remains the most crucial element in storytelling.
“Sometimes you can miss the connection with something,” he explains. 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 – )
John Hoffman’s Gratitude Journey
Discussing the show’s success, Hoffman is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team. After years of frustration, he saw Only murders in the building As a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and deeply personal storytelling.
For writers hoping to break through, Hoffman’s journey provides an inspiring reminder: Embrace your setbacks, learn from your experiences, and believe that the right combination of opportunity and preparation can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Read more: 5 Pro Tips on How to Stay Motivated as a Screenwriter
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