Summary

• Meryl Streep is coming back as Loretta Durkin in Only Murders in the Building season 4.
• Streep had a major storyline in season 3, playing an aspiring actress who became romantically involved with Oliver (Martin Short).
• Only Murders in the Building season 4 is currently in pre-production at Hulu.

Meryl Streep is officially returning as Loretta Durkin in Only Murders in the Building season 4. The Hulu series follows three true crime fans who repeatedly find themselves mixed up in cases of their own after a murder occurs in their apartment building. Streep made her debut in the show's third season and enjoyed a significant story arc as a performer who caught Oliver's (Martin Short) eye. Her storyline had a relatively happy ending, but it's not over yet.

As reported by Deadline, Streep has officially signed on to reprise her role as Durkin in Only Murders in the Building season 4. Details about Loretta's future arc in season 4 are unknown as the season's plot is being kept under wraps. However, it has been confirmed that the season will begin with a trip to Los Angeles, California, before the crew returns to investigate their latest murder mystery.

What To Expect From Loretta’s Only Murders In The Building Season 4 Arc

Although few details have been released about season 4, there is some idea of what direction Loretta's story could go in based on Only Murders in the Building season 3. For much of the season, Loretta's backstory remained a mystery. It was believed she was merely a struggling performer who found her big break in Oliver's play. She and Oliver quickly struck up a romantic relationship, but her intentions were questioned when she became a prime suspect in Ben Glenroy's (Paul Rudd) death, especially given her closeness to Ben's brother, Dickie (Jeremy Shamos), who Ben mistreated.

Loretta does it to being the murderer of Only Murders in the Building season 3. However, it's a fake confession. It turns out she confessed to protect Dickie, the son she put up for adoption as a baby. Fortunately, Oliver, Mabel (Selena Gomez), and Charles (Steve Martin) are able to find the real murderer and clear Loretta's name. The season ends with Loretta telling Dickie she is his biological mother, and the pair continuing their personal and professional relationship. Oliver and Loretta's relationship also remains intact. However, her career is taking off so fast she must move to California.

Hence, season 4's opening setting suggests that it will kick off with the gang visiting Loretta and exploring her life in the industry. Meanwhile, if Oliver is already visiting Loretta in California, it bodes well for the continued growth of their relationship. Although season 3 does end with a murder, it's unclear if Loretta will be considered a suspect once more. Mainly, it seems Only Murders in the Building season 4 is building to give her an arc of growth as a successful actor improving her relationships with Oliver and Dickie.

Only Murders in the Building season 4 does not yet have a release date.

Source: Deadline