Netflix is set to bring intrigue and scandal to the White House with The Residence, a murder mystery set within the most famous home in the United States. Created by Scandal writer and producer Paul William Davies, the series follows an investigation into a shocking murder that takes place during a disastrous state dinner. With Uzo Aduba leading as the unconventional detective Cordelia Cupp, the show offers a mix of suspense, satire, and sharp humor.
The series is produced under Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland banner, bringing the same high-energy storytelling that made Scandal a success. Inspired by the real-life workings of the White House residence staff, the show blends political tension with a classic whodunit structure, making for a uniquely compelling watch. All eight episodes will be available on March 20, 2025.
A Mystery Wrapped in Power and Politics
The White House has seen its share of scandals, but The Residence turns up the tension with an entirely new kind of crisis. The premise centers on the murder of A.B. Wynter, the White House chief usher, found dead following a chaotic state dinner. With 132 rooms and 157 potential suspects, Cordelia Cupp is called in to unravel the mystery. Partnering with skeptical FBI agent Edwin Park, played by Randall Park, she must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies hidden within the walls of the presidential home.
Unlike typical political dramas, The Residence injects a sharp wit into its high-stakes storytelling. The investigation is layered with comedic moments and unpredictable characters, creating a tone that shifts between intense suspense and near-farcical chaos. With an eccentric detective at its core, the show thrives on unexpected twists and colorful personalities.
A Cast Packed with Powerhouse Performances
Uzo Aduba takes center stage as Cordelia Cupp, an expert detective with a razor-sharp eye for detail and a biting sense of humor. Her character stands apart from traditional investigators, relying on an instinctive understanding of human nature rather than conventional law enforcement methods.
The supporting cast is just as compelling. Giancarlo Esposito plays the ill-fated chief usher, while Randall Park’s FBI agent serves as Cupp’s reluctant but necessary partner in cracking the case. Other cast members include Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, and Jane Curtin, with appearances from high-profile guest stars, including pop icon Kylie Minogue. Each member of the ensemble brings their own intrigue, ensuring that no character is above suspicion.
Inside the Creative Vision
Paul William Davies crafted The Residence with a vision that goes beyond a standard murder mystery. While the show is set in the White House, it focuses less on the administration and more on the unseen figures who keep the residence running. The script draws inspiration from classic films like Charade, blending suspense with humor and romance.
Davies, an avid fan of detective fiction, infused the show with clever misdirection and hidden clues that invite viewers to solve the case alongside Cupp. The production team, including Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, emphasized a balance between entertainment and a fresh take on the detective genre, ensuring that the series feels both thrilling and fun.
What Sets The Residence Apart
Unlike many political thrillers that center on presidential affairs, The Residence shifts the focus to the White House staff and the unseen dynamics that govern life inside the mansion. The show offers a mix of power struggles, personal vendettas, and an investigation that threatens to upend the household hierarchy.
The interplay between Cupp and Park adds an engaging contrast – where she trusts intuition, he sticks to procedure. Their dynamic fuels the tension as they chase down suspects and uncover secrets that could alter the course of the case. With each twist, the audience is led deeper into the mystery, questioning motives and alliances.
The Residence premieres on Netflix on March 20, 2025.
