The highly anticipated Netflix series, The Residence, features a fresh blend of murder mystery and sharp comedy, headlined by Uzo Aduba as the eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp. The show, which is produced by the renowned Shondaland – known for hits like Bridgerton and Grey’s Anatomy – invites viewers into a fictional White House scenario where, during a seemingly routine state dinner, chaos ensues upon the shocking murder of the White House chief usher, A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic mansion’s 132 rooms, the plot thickens as Cordelia navigates through a unique cast of 157 suspects, ranging from politicians and dignitaries to White House staff, all of whom add an eccentric flair to her investigation. This new series promises to deliver clever twists, laughs, and a peek behind the curtains of American political intrigue.
Uzo, whose previous role in Orange Is the New Black catapulted her to fame, noted how her character differs from traditional sleuths, mentioning that, “This case is unsolvable to everyone except Cordelia Cupp.” The modern and quirky take on the traditional whodunit genre makes this series stand out among other shows available on streaming platforms today.
Joining Aduba is a talented ensemble cast, which includes the likes of Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, and even Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, who makes a cameo as herself while performing at the fateful state dinner. In a moment of humorous absurdity, Minogue’s character ends up on the suspect list, proving that in this what-if scenario, no one is exempt from being suspicious.
The presence of FBI special agent Edwin Park, portrayed by Randall Park, provides a second layer to the investigation; while he is intended to support Cordelia like Dr. Watson, he often finds himself doubting her, adding comedic tension to their dynamic. The underlying political themes and personal vendettas among the suspects lead to an engaging and tumultuous investigation.
Despite the light-hearted narrative, production faced challenges, especially after the death of actor Andre Braugher in December 2023. Braugher was initially cast as A.B. Wynter, and following his passing, Giancarlo Esposito stepped in, ensuring that the show continued to honor its late star. Esposito shared, “It was a difficult decision for me to step into the shoes of Andre,” acknowledging the emotional weight his recasting brought. “I looked at it as a way of honoring Andre and what he gave to us.” The final episode of The Residence features a heartfelt memorial to Braugher, crafted in homage to his significant contribution and lasting memory within the series.
Not only did the show pay tribute to Braugher, but it also embraced his spirit through the strong script by creator Paul William Davies. The writing has been praised for its wit and biting humor, with clever quips that resonate with the audience. Davies, upon learning of Braugher’s death, made deliberate decisions concerning the series’ conclusion. “We were lucky enough that Giancarlo, who also knew Andre, was close to him and had the deepest respect for him,” noted Davies regarding the difficult transition made by Esposito.
Throughout its eight episodes, The Residence has drawn comparisons to other popular series while forging its own narrative strength. Those eager for a light-hearted murder mystery with a satirical underpinning will find this series a worthwhile endeavor. As Aduba’s character cordially invites viewers into the lavish yet scandal-ridden world of the White House, she leaves them with the central question to ponder: “Who runs the house?”
With a blend of drama, comedy, and homage, The Residence captivates as it simultaneously provides laughs and poignant moments, making it much more than just a typical murder mystery. As the series is now available for streaming on Netflix, it has already generated substantial buzz and anticipation from fans eager to follow Cordelia Cupp’s journey through the halls of power and mystery.
