Netflix and Shondaland have teamed up again, this time delivering a murder mystery as extravagant as its setting. The Residence is now streaming, bringing intrigue, political drama, and a touch of quirky humour to the classic whodunit formula. Created by Paul William Davies and produced by powerhouse Shonda Rhimes, this 18+ 8-episode series offers a fresh take on the genre—though not without its flaws.
The Premise: Murder in the White House
A state dinner at the White House. A night of diplomacy, fine wine, and well-rehearsed smiles as the President hosts the Australians. But before the night is over, the event becomes more than just a formal affair when the Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, is found dead.
The initial verdict? Suicide. A quick, almost dismissive ruling based on preliminary evidence. But Detective Cordelia Cupp, brought in by Chief of Police Larry Dokes, isn’t buying it. Cordelia, known for her unorthodox methods and a mind that thrives on birds and mackerel sardines, is convinced that what looks like a suicide is, in fact, a murder.
The residence, now a crime scene, is thrown into chaos. Among those present at the scene are Harry Holinger, a close friend and adviser to the President, FBI Director Wally Glick and the Head of the National Park Police. As the men argue, Cordelia ignores them and begins her investigation, determined to uncover the truth regardless of their opinions. And with a house full of powerful guests, staff, and even members of the First Family, everyone is a suspect.
In an unprecedented move, the President orders that no one can leave until they’ve been questioned. Cordelia, alongside the unhelpful but eventually invaluable Special Agent Edwin Park, begins the painstaking process of unraveling alibis, dissecting motives, and uncovering a series of strange and suspicious behaviours. Each interview reveals suspects, each clue deepens the mystery, and every episode unveils truths that only make things murkier.
The investigation is anything but straightforward. This unfolds through witness testimonies at a congressional hearing ten months later, seeking to uncover the truth. Cordelia’s instincts tell her that something is missing from the picture. Pushed into a corner, Cordelia is forced to walk away that night, unwilling to risk Chief Dokes’ career. The congressional hearing into the incident also reaches a dead end, but an important piece of the puzzle surfaces, and Cordelia is called back to solve the case once and for all.
Who killed A.B. Wynter? Everyone had secrets, and everyone had something to lose. But the answer doesn’t come until the very last ten minutes of the very last episode— where Cordelia takes all of them on a tour of the crime scenes because, until the final revelation, every single suspect looks guilty.
Cast and Performances: A Powerhouse Ensemble
Uzo Aduba commands the screen as Cordelia Cupp, the sharp-witted and delightfully eccentric detective at the heart of The Residence. With a seamless blend of humor and intensity, she transforms Cupp into a character unlike any other, keeping audiences captivated with every twist and turn of the investigation.
Giancarlo Esposito, though only briefly present as Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, leaves an indelible mark. His meticulous and secretive demeanor sets the stage for the mystery that unravels after his untimely death, making his absence just as powerful as his presence.
Randall Park delivers a grounded and compelling performance as Special Agent Edwin Park, the by-the-book FBI agent reluctantly paired with Cupp. His measured approach contrasts perfectly with her unconventional methods, creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and essential to the unfolding mystery.
The supporting cast is equally engaging, with each actor bringing depth and intrigue to their roles. Ken Marino embodies a shady presidential advisor with just the right amount of ambiguity, while Edwina Findley steals every scene as Sheila Cannon, the delightfully boozy butler. Jason Lee delivers a layered performance as the President’s brother, while Brett Foa brings charm and complexity to the role of the First Gentleman.
Molly Griggs portrays the poised yet enigmatic White House Social Secretary, adding another layer of mystery to the unfolding drama. Susan Kelechi Watson shines as the Assistant Chief Usher, a role steeped in both loyalty and hidden tensions. Meanwhile, Mary Wiseman and Bronson Pinchot create a compelling duo as the White House chefs, each carrying their own secrets. Julieth Restrepo’s maid and Mel Rodriguez’s plumber further round out the ensemble, proving that no one in the White House is above suspicion.
With a talented, intriguing cast, each suspect is distinct and compelling, keeping viewers on edge and guessing until the very end.
What Works
Imagine the intrigue of Scandal colliding with the opulence of Bridgerton, all wrapped in a high-stakes murder mystery set within the White House. The show’s visuals captivate—chandeliers, grand rooms, and crisp uniforms make the setting as alive as its characters. The production design enhances the grandeur and mystery, making every shadowy corner feel like a secret waiting to be uncovered.
At the heart of it all is Uzo Aduba, a force of nature. As Cordelia Cupp, she owns every scene with a magnetic mix of wit, intelligence, and sheer presence. Aduba’s sharp banter and intrigue make Cupp more than a detective—she’s a captivating character you can’t ignore.
And speaking of sharpness, the dialogue crackles with the kind of fast-paced wit that fans of Scandal and Shondaland dramas know and love. Every conversation is a dance—sometimes flirtatious, sometimes combative, always engaging. The twists come fast, the humor is effortless, and just when you think you have it all figured out, another layer peels back.
This isn’t just a mystery—it’s an experience. It’s a wild, stylish, binge-worthy ride that keeps you hooked not because it’s reinventing the genre but because it’s having so much fun playing in it.
What Doesn’t Quite Click
While The Residence dazzles with its style and intrigue, it doesn’t always make for the smoothest ride. The storytelling feels maze-like, weaving timelines, hearings, and flashbacks that sometimes tangle instead of unraveling the mystery. It’s the kind of show where you might find yourself rewinding just to keep up.
And while a White House full of suspects sounds thrilling in theory, in practice, it can be overwhelming. With 150 potential culprits, the web of secrets and subplots gets dense, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. Not every storyline lands, and some characters feel more like red herrings than fully realized players in the mystery.
By the time the final reveal arrives, the payoff doesn’t hit as hard as it should. The twists keep coming, but instead of that satisfying, jaw-dropping moment, you’re left with ‘oh is that it?’
Final Thoughts
The Residence delivers a stylish and entertaining mystery, led by a phenomenal Uzo Aduba. While it doesn’t fully live up to its ambitious premise, it’s still an enjoyable watch—especially if you love Shonda Rhimes’ signature mix of drama and humour. If you’re after a meticulously crafted whodunit, this might not be the best pick. But if you’re looking for a clever, engaging, and visually stunning escapade? It’s worth pressing play.
How Would I Rate This?
I would rate this 4 out of 5 stars.
Have you watched other Whodunit movies? Who would you pick as your best detective, Cordelia Cupp, Benoit Blanc or Enola Holmes? Watch The Residence and let us know what you think in the comments.
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