Warning! Spoilers ahead for Only Murders in the Building season 4.

Only Murders in the Building season 5.

During a recent interview with TVLine, Hoffman explains that decision to send Loretta off to New Zealand and how it will affect Streep's involvement in Only Murders in the Building season 5. The showrunner its that the decision was made partly due to practical concerns, with Streep now having an out if scheduling doesn't allow her to return, but he explains that it also fits into some core themes and character arcs in the series. Check out Hoffman's explanation below:

It’s partly pragmatic in that way, sure. But really it’s about what the trio has built together, and what Oliver and Loretta have built together. That is a little wink to Hollywood at the moment when she’s saying how, suddenly, the budget [on her show] is requiring [they shoot in] New Zealand. That was one part of it. But then it feels to me like a beautifully adult decision that she comes to, saying, “We don’t have to do this in any way traditionally… we never have… we shouldn’t.”

There was a slightly longer speech there talking about “we can long for other, and pine for each other, and then when we’re together, it’s that much more magical. That’s all I want is to keep that.” So, we’ll see how it goes. Nothing would make me happier than more Meryl Streep in the show.

Only Murders in the Building was renewed for season 5 after just two episodes of season 4, speaking to the show's continued popularity. Season 4 currently boasts a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.

What Loretta Going To New Zealand Means For Only Murders In The Building Season 5

What Will Season 5 Of The Hulu Show Be About?

So far, no plot details have been revealed for season 5, but the Only Murders in the Building season 4 ending does feature one big clue about what is coming next. In what has become a show tradition, season 4 ends with a surprise death, and this time it's Lester (Teddy Coluca), the Arconia doorman. Season 5 will seemingly see Charles, Oliver, and Mabel investigating this murder back in New York City, and this would fit with Oliver's decision to not accompany Loretta to New Zealand.

Though Loretta going to New Zealand affirms that she may have a reduced presence in season 5, it doesn't mean she won't appear. As Hoffman's comment suggests, it's still early days for season 5, and nothing has seemingly been decided just yet regarding how much Streep will appear, as this will be schedule-dependent. As for what's next for Loretta and Charles' relationship, this kind of distance could be challenging to overcome, but they've evidently withstood quite a lot as a couple thus far, which is a promising sign.

Our Take On Meryl Streep's Involvement In Only Murders In The Building Season 5

Loretta Will Likely Return In Some Fashion

The Only Murders in the Building cast is one of the reasons why the show has been so successful, and Streep has cemented herself as an exciting addition. Having Loretta off in New Zealand could ultimately be a strong move from a storytelling perspective, as it means that the show can retain its focus on Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, while also keeping the door open for fun and unexpected guest appearances and cameos. Many questions remain about Only Murders in the Buildings' future, but it certainly seems like audiences haven't seen the last of Loretta just yet.

Source: TVLine