Netflix is set to premiere its highly anticipated murder-mystery series, The Residence, on March 20, 2025, and viewers are buzzing about the star-studded cast. At the heart of the series lies Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, who has been dubbed the world’s greatest detective. Cordelia is called to the White House to investigate a perplexing murder that occurs during a lavish state dinner with the Australian Government. With a sprawling 132 rooms to navigate and 157 potential suspects to interrogate, this case is one of her most daunting yet.
The series, which is the latest creation from Shondaland, has piqued the curiosity of subscribers eager to learn more about its plot and cast. Aduba, known for her Emmy-winning role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in Orange Is The New Black, steps into the role of the quirky bird-loving detective Cordelia Cupp. The show promises a blend of humor and tension, as Cordelia must unravel the mystery quickly under the scrutiny of the government.
Cordelia's passion for birdwatching plays a critical role in her detective work. In a recent interview, Aduba explained that Cordelia's birding skills allow her to view the world from an elevated perspective, which aids in her investigations. “She uses those birder skills that she acquired through her hobby; she sees the world from 3,000 feet up. That’s why she is able to put together all of these clues faster than everybody else,” Aduba shared.
One of the main characters, FBI Special Agent Edwin Park, portrayed by Randall Park, is brought in to assist Cordelia, but he soon finds that he is no match for her keen intellect. Park, known for roles in Fresh Off The Boat and Always Be My Maybe, describes his character as someone who recognizes Cordelia's exceptional abilities. “In my head, he actually did recognize that she is the greatest, and he knows this, but he feels like that doesn't mean that he doesn't have something to offer,” Park stated, illustrating the dynamic between the two as they work together to solve the case.
Giancarlo Esposito, famous for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, plays AB Wynter, the Chief Usher of the White House. Strikingly, Wynter is the murder victim around whom the whole mystery revolves. The role was originally meant for Andre Braugher, who sadly passed away from lung cancer in 2023, making Esposito's portrayal all the more significant.
As the investigation unfolds, Trouble brews within the corridors of power. Cordelia interviews a variety of characters, including Susan Kelechi Watson’s Jasmine Haney, who provides insights into the workings of the White House, all while being a potential suspect herself. Watson, acclaimed for her work in This Is Us, expressed excitement about joining the cast, stating, “Davies had me at hello, you know what I'm saying?” confirming the script's gripping nature.
Additionally, Jason Lee portrays Tripp Morgan, the President's troubled brother, whose heavy drinking raises questions about his involvement in the murder. Barrett Foa stars as Elliott Morgan, the President's husband, and Ken Marino plays Harry Hollinger, one of the President’s closest advisors. The ensemble cast also features Edwina Findley as Sheila Cannon, the butler, and Paul Fitzgerald as President Perry Morgan.
Then there's the unexpected guest: pop icon Kylie Minogue, who appears as herself at the state dinner, singing following dinner service, further heightening the high-profile environment that sets the stage for the murder.
Paul William Davies, the creator and writer, shared his inspiration for the series, which was partly fueled by a C-SPAN hearing that sparked the idea of creating a murder mystery set within the White House. “It’s like a Clue board!” Davies exclaimed, referring to the game of deduction as a driving force behind the show’s elaborate setup. His enthusiasm for mystery storytelling led him to craft a narrative that balances humor with dramatic tensions, reminiscent of classics like Charade, blending elements of comedy and suspense seamlessly.
While a captivating mystery intrigues audiences, the themes of teamwork and breaking gender norms run parallel as detective Cordelia navigates a male-dominated space, defying expectations of how a detective should behave. The dynamic between her and Edwin Park highlights her ability to outshine her counterparts while also opening herself up to vulnerability.
Davies has hinted at future storylines, suggesting potential for further exploration of Cordelia and Edwin's partnership. “I think I'd be curious to see what happens to Cordelia now that she has a teammate in Edwin,” Aduba remarked, teasing what lies ahead for the ambitious detective.
As Netflix prepares to unleash this eagerly awaited series, all eight episodes of The Residence will be available for streaming on March 20, 2025. Anticipation is high for viewers eager to dive into this intricate whodunnit unfolding within the iconic walls of the White House.
