Shonda Rhimes’ highly anticipated drama series, The Residence, has made its debut on Netflix as of March 20, 2025, bringing a unique whodunit set within the storied walls of the White House. This eight-part murder-mystery comedy stars Uzo Aduba in the role of the eccentric Detective Cordelia Cupp, called upon to unravel the shocking murder of the President’s Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito.
Set against the backdrop of a glamorous state dinner featuring over 157 guests, The Residence offers viewers a thrilling blend of suspense and humor. The official synopsis teases: "132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous state dinner." With such an extensive guest list, the potential suspects are numerous, making it a race against time for Cupp to find the murderer before chaos ensues.
The excitement surrounding The Residence reached a fever pitch just before its release, as the cast graced the red carpet for the world premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on March 20. The event was filled with laughter and energy, with stars like Aduba, Esposito, Randall Park, and Susan Kelechi Watson interacting with fans and posing for photos.
Aduba, embodying Detective Cupp, remarked on her character's quirky nature, expressing, "You have to keep things light despite the serious situation we’re tackling. It’s a comedy wrapped in a mystery!" Chris Evans, another star of the show, humorously added, "If anyone is going to commit a crime, it’d be someone like Uzo - she’s too nice to be a killer, but if she snapped, watch out!" Esposito chimed in, declaring, "Uzo, because she just looks all sweet and nice. And she’s a wonderful human being, but if something snapped in her, I’d watch out!"
The series also features a star-studded ensemble cast, including the likes of Kylie Minogue, who appears as herself, alongside Jason Lee, Ken Marino, and Edwina Findley. Paul William Davies, the series creator, noted Minogue’s unexpected influence: "She started off as frankly a smaller part. When she agreed to do it, I figured it would be for the minimum amount, but she was totally game to do more, so I wrote more for her.” His praise didn’t stop there: “She really had a great experience, and we loved working with her. She’s funny, she’s got great timing and she was really a great presence on set.”
Interestingly, while multiple references to Hugh Jackman permeate the episodes, he doesn't appear on screen. Instead, Davies employed clever filmmaking techniques, using two different actors—Ben Bigler and Justin Ellis Johnson—to create the illusion that Jackman was present. Davies shared, "We did try [to cast him], and he responded in a way that was very sweet and apologetic. He has nothing to apologize for. He’s Hugh Jackman! He’s busy. It just didn’t work. But I thought, you know what, I’ll do this in a way that’s fun and kind of leans into it. It was a bit of a gamble, but I had fun with it, and I think we all kind of just embraced it.”
The Residence combines elements of suspense, humor, and the peculiarities of White House life, with Detective Cupp leading the charge into mystery and mischief. As the action unfolds throughout the state dinner, the characters must navigate their secrets and relationships while creating a captivating experience for those watching from home.
Fans have eagerly embraced the series, and as the buzz continues, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the ups and downs of the characters' lives against a backdrop of historical intrigue. With a delightful mix of twists and turns, The Residence promises to keep audiences glued to their screens as they attempt to solve the murder alongside Detective Cupp.
Ultimately, The Residence is not just about solving a murder; it serves as an exploration of human behavior and the lively dynamics within the halls of one of the most famous residences in the world. With its engaging premise and whimsical take on the murder mystery genre, it’s easy to see why this show has garnered such attention.
As viewers settle in for all eight episodes, the series leaves them with the question of whom they can trust in a world where everyone has secrets, and anyone could be the next victim—or the killer. The Residence is available for streaming now on Netflix and promises to keep fans entertained with its stellar cast and engaging storyline.
