Look, let’s be real. We’ve all spent the last two years squinting at our TV screens, trying to figure out if Oliver Putnam and Loretta Durkin were just a scripted fever dream or if something was actually happening behind the scenes. It’s the kind of Hollywood story that feels almost too good to be true. You have Meryl Streep, the literal GOAT of acting, and Martin Short, the guy who has been making us wheeze-laugh since the 80s.
It started as a "showmance" on Only Murders in the Building. Then it became a rumor. Now, in 2026, it’s basically the worst-kept secret in Malibu. Honestly, watching the Meryl Streep and Martin Short romance unfold has been like watching two teenagers discover they like each other, except they have a combined twenty-something Emmy and Oscar nominations.
Why We’re All Obsessed with Meryl and Marty
People love a comeback. Not a career comeback—they both have those in spades—but a romantic one.
For a long time, we thought Meryl was half of one of Hollywood’s "immortal" marriages. When the news broke in late 2023 that she and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, had actually been separated since 2017, it was a shocker. It turns out Meryl is a master of privacy. While we were all busy watching her in Big Little Lies, she was quietly navigating a massive life shift.
Then there’s Martin Short.
Martin’s story is a bit more heartbreaking. He lost his wife, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer back in 2010. They were married for 30 years. He’s been incredibly open about how "triumpant" their marriage was and how he still talks to her. He wasn't exactly a guy looking for a "rebound." He seemed content being the world’s favorite funny uncle, hanging out with Steve Martin and keeping the vibes high.
The "Only Murders" Spark
When Meryl joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building in 2023, she reportedly called Martin herself to ask for a part. She didn't even know she was going to be his love interest. Talk about a "meet-cute" that’s actually just a professional phone call.
By the time the 2024 Golden Globes rolled around, the internet was in a full-blown meltdown. They were sitting together, laughing, leaning in. It looked... different. A rep for Short quickly told People they were "just very good friends."
Sure. Okay.
But then came the hand-holding at the season four premiere in August 2024. Then there were the dinners at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. By March 2025, insiders were telling outlets like Page Six that they had been dating for "well over a year."
Breaking Down the Timeline
It’s easy to get lost in the "are they or aren't they" shuffle. Here is the actual progression of how this went from a table read to a rumored wedding on the horizon:
- Late 2022/Early 2023: Meryl joins the cast. Sources say they "bonded over the loss of their exes"—Meryl’s separation and Martin’s late wife both involved deep, long-term grief and change.
- January 2024: The Golden Globes "incident." This is where the public started paying attention. Martin denies it on Bill Maher's podcast, saying, "We’re not a couple."
- August 2024: The hand-holding heard 'round the world. You don’t hold hands like that with just a "work friend."
- March 2025: Multiple reports confirm they are a serious item. The word "love" starts getting tossed around by people close to them.
- January 2026: Current rumors suggest they might even be looking at a wedding, though some sources say they’re perfectly happy just being "boyfriend and girlfriend."
The Humor Factor: Why It Works
Why does this pairing make so much sense?
Basically, Martin Short is a "positive person" machine. According to people on set, he keeps Meryl laughing constantly. If you’ve ever seen an interview with Meryl Streep, you know she has this incredible, almost girlish laugh. She’s serious about the work, but she clearly loves to play.
Martin is the ultimate playmate.
There’s a specific kind of intellectual chemistry there, too. They’re both theater nerds at heart. They were spotted at a Tom Hanks play, The World of Tomorrow, in late 2025, looking very much like a pair. They don't do the "red carpet reveal" because they don't have to. When you're that famous, you don't need a PR stunt; you just need a quiet corner at a theater.
What the Critics (and Kids) Say
One of the coolest parts of this story is that their families seem to be totally into it. Meryl has four kids; Martin has three. Reports have surfaced that the kids "absolutely approve."
It’s rare. Usually, when legendary stars date, there’s a bit of friction or concern about the "legacy." But here? It feels like everyone is just glad these two found someone who "gets it."
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this was a PR move for the show.
That doesn't hold water. Meryl Streep doesn't need a "showmance" to get people to watch her work. She’s Meryl Streep. And Martin Short is so fiercely protective of his private life that faking a relationship for Hulu ratings would be completely out of character.
Another mistake? Thinking this is just a casual fling.
By now, they’ve been linked for nearly three years. That’s longer than most Hollywood marriages last these days. They’ve navigated multiple awards seasons, filming schedules, and the relentless scrutiny of the paparazzi. They aren't "trying it out." They’re in it.
The Future of the Streep-Short Connection
So, what happens next?
While some "insiders" are whispering about a wedding in 2026, it’s just as likely they’ll keep doing exactly what they’re doing. They’ve both "done" the big marriage thing. At 76 and 75, maybe they just want the companionship without the legal paperwork.
Honestly, the Meryl Streep and Martin Short romance is a reminder that life doesn't end at 70. You can still find someone who makes you laugh until you cry, even after you’ve lived a whole lifetime with someone else.
If you're looking for lessons to take away from this "power couple," it's probably these:
- Friendship first: They were friends long before they were anything else. That base is what makes the romance feel so sturdy.
- Privacy is a choice: You can be the most famous person on earth and still keep your business to yourself if you really want to.
- Humor is the ultimate aphrodisiac: Seriously, if you can make Meryl Streep laugh, you’ve basically won at life.
Check out the latest episodes of Only Murders in the Building to see that chemistry for yourself. Whether they’re acting or not, the spark is undeniable. You can also keep an eye on Broadway openings—that’s where they seem to be most comfortable "soft launching" their latest outings.