Netflix and Shondaland have officially launched their new murder mystery series, "The Residence," which premiered on March 20, 2025, following its world premiere on March 19, 2025. Set against the backdrop of the iconic White House, this eight-episode series revolves around the eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, as she investigates a murder that occurs during a lavish state dinner.
In this gripping tale, Cordelia finds herself amidst a staggering 157 suspects, each with motives that could shift from innocent to deadly in the blink of an eye. The series weaves together humor, suspense, and a touch of romance, giving viewers a unique narrative experience that transcends the usual whodunit formula. "The Residence is honestly a lot of things. It's funny, it's suspenseful, it's clever, it's totally farcical in places, it's genuinely romantic in others," said showrunner Paul William Davies, highlighting the diverse tones of the show.
Aduba, known for her role in "Orange Is the New Black," anchors the show as Cordelia Cupp. Her character, who believes she must solve the mystery alone, learns the importance of collaboration, much like the real-life cast who share their own intertwined stories of love. In fact, Uzo Aduba herself is married to director Robert Sweeting, a union she described as transformative. "I had just accepted that that was my story. He made me feel safe," Aduba expressed in a past interview with PEOPLE, reflecting on how her relationship has grown with Sweeting since their marriage on September 12, 2020.
Randall Park, who plays the special FBI agent Edwin Park, also has a rich love story of his own. He married Jae Suh Park after their serendipitous meeting at a charity event in 2007. Despite initial challenges in connecting, including missing the chance to exchange contact information, fate intervened as they later met again during a commercial audition. Their love culminated in a wedding on August 29, 2009, followed by the birth of their first child, Ruby Louise, in 2012.
Within this ensemble cast, other notable relationships emerge. Susan Kelechi Watson, who portrays White House assistant usher Jasmine Haney, was engaged to Jaime Lincoln Smith before confirming her single status in November 2020. Meanwhile, comedian Ken Marino and his wife Erica Oyama met in 2003 and wed in 2005, embodying a strong partnership both on-screen and off, having collaborated on various projects over the years.
The show pays homage to its predecessor efforts in the murder mystery genre, drawing comparisons with Rian Johnson's "Knives Out." "It resuscitated the genre," articulated Davies, emphasizing how Johnson’s work inspired a modern revival of the classic whodunit. The team takes cues from beloved films like "Death on the Nile" and "Murder on the Orient Express," mixing in elements of theatricality prevalent in sitcoms, such as "Fawlty Towers" and plays like "Noises Off." Fans can even spot a whimsical appearance from Kylie Minogue, who performs her iconic hit "Can’t Get You Out of My Head" during the series, bringing further excitement to the star-studded lineup.
Reflecting on the journey of production, executive producer Shonda Rhimes shared her excitement during the premiere, stating, "We are so excited to be here tonight, and honestly, we're thrilled to finally bring this show to the world." The production faced challenges, notably with the passing of actor Andre Braugher, who initially portrayed the character of A.B. Wynter, the White House chief usher. Giancarlo Esposito stepped into the role, dedicating his performance to his late friend. "I honor him completely in my performance because I knew him," Esposito remarked, encapsulating the camaraderie of the series cast.
The Residence not only serves as a thrilling narrative about the chaos and mystery that ensues in the West Wing but also reflects on the real-life love stories shared by its talented ensemble. As the series streams on Netflix, it invites viewers into a world filled with intrigue, laughter, and heartfelt connections—a captivating exploration of love in a famously storied setting.
