Will Arnett’s Netflix Show Murderville: How To Solve Murders With Improv

Murderville is based on the BAFTA award-winning BBC3 series Murder in Successville, which had a similar premise. The show is executive produced by and stars Arnett, who is no stranger to the Netflix universe. He has voiced the titular character in BoJack Horseman and played Gob Bluth in Arrested Development, among other roles. 

Arnett is known for his dry humor, sarcastic wit, and distinctive voice, which he brings to his portrayal of Terry Seattle. But most notably, the show showcases Will Arnett’s natural chops for improv, which he has employed in many of his TV and film roles, such as Gob Bluth in Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman in BoJack Horseman, and Batman in The Lego Movie franchise. He often ad-libs his lines and adds his own jokes to the scripts. 

On Will Arnett’s new show, the celebrity guest stars include Annie Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Ken Jeong, Kumail Nanjiani, Marshawn Lynch, and Sharon Stone. They play themselves as they join Terry on the crime scene and interrogate suspects. The catch is that they are never given a script, so they have to rely on their instincts and improv skills to figure out who the killer is. 

However, this approach could be hit-or-miss. The Decider sums up the sentiment on Will Arnett’s Netflix show pretty accurately: “The fact that Johnson has decided to let things play out, whether Arnett or someone else breaks character or not, makes the show that much more fun to watch, and it’s appreciated by someone who is a fan of improv comedy."

Will Arnett’s Netflix show, Murderville, is not your typical crime show. It does not take itself too seriously and pokes fun at the genre conventions. The cases are absurd, involving magic shows, high schools, casinos, and more. The suspects are played by comedians and actors who also improvise their characters and motives. The show also features a main title narrator (Steven Zirnkilton) who adds some dramatic flair to the proceedings.

The show has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the improvisational premise and the moments of spontaneous inspiration, while others criticized the stretches of dead air and the lack of direction. The Guardian was absolutely brutal in its direction: “Murderville review – almost every scene is torturous cringe” Ouch!

Six episodes aren't a lot to binge. Just in case you are done with the latest Will Arnett TV shows series, here are a few more for you to continue binge-watching.

1. BoJack Horseman: 

This is an animated comedy-drama series that follows the life of BoJack Horseman, a washed-up former sitcom star who is also a humanoid horse. The show explores his struggles with addiction, depression, fame, and relationships in a satirical world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist. Will Arnett voices the main character and also serves as an executive producer. The show ran for six seasons from 2014 to 2020 and received critical acclaim for its humor, writing, and social commentary. Will Arnett's Emmy nominations are also thanks to the success of this role.

2. Arrested Development: 

Arrested Development is a sitcom that revolves around the dysfunctional Bluth family, a wealthy clan that loses everything after their patriarch is arrested for fraud. Will Arnett plays Gob Bluth, the eldest son and a failed magician who often competes with his siblings for attention and money. The show is known for its witty dialogue, running gags, and meta-humor. It originally aired on Fox for three seasons from 2003 to 2006 and was revived by Netflix for two more seasons in 2013 and 2018. The show has won several awards and has a cult following.

3. Flaked:

Flaked a comedy-drama series that stars Will Arnett as Chip, a self-appointed “guru” who falls in love while he and many other members of the ensemble cast struggle with alcoholism and Alcoholics Anonymous. The show is set in Venice, California, and explores the themes of identity, friendship, and redemption. Will Arnett co-created the show with Mark Chappell and also serves as an executive producer. The show has two seasons that were released in 2016 and 2017. The show received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.

Will Arnett’s Netflix show, Murderville, is a show that showcases Will Arnett’s comedic talents and his chemistry with the guest stars. It is also a show that celebrates improv comedy and its unpredictability. If you are looking for a fun and fresh take on the crime genre, you might want to give Murderville a try. The show premiered on Netflix on Feb. 3 and has six episodes available to stream.

Murderville premiered on Netflix on Feb. 3 and has six episodes available to stream.