Shondaland’s latest Netflix offering, The Residence, is a murder mystery that takes place within the confines of America’s most famous house—the White House. The show, created by Paul William Davies, premiered on March 20, 2025, and quickly captured the attention of viewers with a blend of intrigue, humor, and drama.
The story revolves around the shocking murder of A.B. Wynter, the Chief Usher of the White House, depicted by Giancarlo Esposito. The fatal incident occurs during a lavish state dinner meant to celebrate the Australian delegation, instantly turning an evening of diplomacy into a twisted whodunit. As tensions rise and secrets spill over, the audience is drawn into a gripping narrative full of derived anxieties and unexpected encounters.
Detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), a quirky character with a penchant for birdwatching, leads the investigation into Wynter's death. The narrative, crafted through flashbacks and testimony, contrasts the events of that fateful night in the Yellow Oval Room with ongoing Congressional hearings several months later. Through these oscillating timelines, viewers unravel the clues alongside Cupp as she navigates the complicated relationships between the White House staff, guests, and the political implications of the murder.
In the series' eighth episode, titled “The Mystery of the Yellow Room,” everything comes to a head. Following a detailed examination of the many intertwined lives affected by A.B.’s murder, it becomes apparent that no one is innocent. Cupp uncovers the grisly truth about Wynter’s death: he was killed not just due to malice, but because of the tangled web of greed and historical disdain for the very institution he embodied.
Lilly Schumacher (Molly Griggs), the White House social secretary, is ultimately revealed as the murderer. Her motive? A.B. had begun documenting her unethical actions—misappropriated funds and various breaches of conduct. Through a clever ruse involving an impersonation of the First Gentleman, Lilly had ensured a private meeting with A.B. to confront him about his nefarious documentation. But that confrontation proved deadly; after a drink laced with poison failed to be lethal, she resorted to bashing A.B. with a clock from the room in a moment of rage.
Meanwhile, the chaotic aftermath of the murder sees multiple characters interacting with A.B.'s body, creating a mix of confusion and darkly comedic scenarios. Bruce Geller (Mel Rodriguez), an engineer, moved the body in an attempt to help his love, housekeeper Elsyie Chayle (Julieth Restrepo), who was initially accused of the crime. Tripp Morgan (Jason Lee), the president's brother, later contributed to the mayhem by slitting A.B.'s wrists to stage a suicide after assuming he was the one who had killed him.
The final moments of the show provide a reflective nod to the very nature of the American institution. As Cupp navigates through these political relationships, she often finds herself contemplating the larger implications of loyalty, deceit, and the intrinsic values that the White House has come to represent.
In a closing monologue, she reminds the audience of the humanity present in the impersonal halls of the White House: “He loved this house. I didn't know him, but I know that,” she tells the gathered crowd, highlighting the enduring spirit of A.B. Wynter and the building he served. “It wasn't us versus them; it was just us. One house. One family. One imperfect union.”
The Residence cleverly satirizes the absurdities of politics and prestige while showcasing emotional depth through character interactions and insightful critiques of power dynamics. As viewers present themselves with the question of what makes America, that reflection blends seamlessly into the narrative’s humor and drama.
Critics have noted the show’s rich character portrayals, as well as its ability to balance the delicacies of an intense investigation with comedic elements reminiscent of classics like Downton Abbey and Only Murders in the Building. With these striking layers, The Residence invites viewers to stay tuned as the detective’s journey could continue, should Netflix choose to renew this delightful dive into the lives and secrets within the American power structure.
As spectators continue to stream the series, the cultural implications and entertaining storytelling have already sparked discussions on the nature of power, ethics, and community within this storied residence. With Cordelia Cupp leading the charge, audiences are eagerly awaiting what comes next.