Yes, Keegan-Michael Key Is Joining This Hit Hulu Mystery

Watching the careers of Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key play out after their popular sketch show has been a wild experience. Peele moved firmly behind the camera. After notoriously finding himself disillusioned thanks to being passed up for The Emoji Movie, Jordan Peele retired from acting. Luckily, it worked in his best interest, as he would pivot to writing and directing and earn an Oscar for his first original film out of the gate. He’s written and directed two other films since then and produced several projects. Keegan-Michael Key took a different approach.

Key has not only continued to act on camera but he’s also racked up an insane amount of credits since Key & Peele went off the air. He’s worked with such consistency that it almost feels weird if Key isn’t in a new film, animated or live-action. There’s good reason for him staying booked and blessed: he rules. He’s not just a gifted comedic actor, he can also reel it in for more serious projects. Also, despite hitting it big thanks to sketch comedy, he’s able to refrain from being too wacky when he’s trying for laughs (unless the project calls for it, then he can ham it up with the best of them).

All the aforementioned attributes Key possesses make it abundantly clear why he’s been cast in the newest season of Only Murders in the Building as reported by Deadline. The series is known for attracting huge stars for its (mostly) New York-based mysteries. This year will be no different, as Téa Leoni will return after a brief cameo last season, in addition to Key’s casting. It’s safe to assume that more stars will join the cast as the show continues production.

While we have an idea about what Leoni will be up to (she appeared at the end of last season to ask the main characters for help), details about Key’s character are being kept under wraps. Given his ability to play silly or serious, it’s anyone’s guess as to what he will be up to. Could he be a fellow podcaster/detective honing in on the team’s field? Will he play something more meta, like a famed comedic actor? Time will tell. But one guess I feel confident in is this: he probably won’t be the killer.

Shows can switch up their formula, especially as they get into later seasons. However, aside from season one, the killers in this show have been lesser-known actors in the cast. Celebrities cast on the show work like red herrings. While Key has the chops to pull the wool over our eyes until the big reveal, the show hasn’t worked that way so far. If they did decide to shake things up, you’ll find few better choices than Keegan-Michael Key to help do so, but I doubt that will happen (and I encourage everyone to clown on me if I’m wrong).