The Residence, dropping on Netflix on March 20, 2025, is causing ripples in the streaming waters with its unique blend of comedy and murder mystery, wrapped in a political setting. Created by Paul William Davies and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, the show offers an absurd yet thrilling take on a classic whodunit, all set against the regal backdrop of the White House.
The premise opens on the night of a lavish state dinner meant to mend the U.S.'s fracturing relations with Australia. As President Perry Morgan, played by Paul Fitzgerald, hosts the evening, attendees include the Australian Prime Minister and the darling of pop herself, Kylie Minogue, who performs for the assembled guests. Amid the glamour and glitz of the event, the atmosphere takes a dark turn when Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, is found dead in the game room, creating an immediate sense of dread and urgency.
As chaos unfurls, viewers are introduced to the uniquely quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba. Cupp is called to the scene by Metropolitan Police Chief Larry Dokes, portrayed by Isiah Whitlock Jr. Known for her eccentric personality and unorthodox methods, Cupp brings a whimsical yet astute approach to her investigation, examining the dead man’s final moments and balancing the comedic chaos around her.
In a narrative structure that jumps back and forth in time, the story shifts from the murder scene to a subsequent Congressional committee hearing, where Jasmine Haney, the new chief usher played by Susan Kelechi Watson, recounts her version of events. The congressional hearing, headed by Senator Aaron Filkins, oddly portrayed by former senator Al Franken, serves as a framing device that adds layers of humor and political commentary to the unfolding mystery.
Who killed A.B. Wynter? Was it one of the star-studded guests, including the tempestuous chef or the scheming White House staff? The show assembles a cast of colorful suspects, each with their motives and mysteries, which leave viewers guessing. The quirky dynamics among characters—including the president’s advisor Harry Hollinger, played by Ken Marino, and an amusing array of other supporting characters—fuels the comedic undertone of the series while keeping the murder plot engaging.
Vividly inspired by classic mystery elements, notably echoing the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, The Residence embraces familiar tropes that fans of the genre will find delightful. With every episode titled after famous mystery works, including "Dial M for Murder" and "The Last of Sheila", the homage is both clever and affectionate. While the humor is occasionally absurd, the narrative's exploration of human relationships, ambition, and hidden desires interlaces with the comedic antics for an entertaining viewing experience.
The series consists of eight tightly packed episodes that offer a mix of intriguing storytelling, laugh-out-loud moments, and notable performances. Critics have varied in their responses—some praising the show’s charm and character creations while others have pointed to a lack of depth in the plot as characters whirl in chaos. Despite any critiques, the series showcases Aduba’s stellar portrayal of Cupp, whose comedic timing and disarming wit anchor the show amidst its occasionally sprawling narrative.
Kylie Minogue’s appearance as a celebrity guest brings a fun twist to her performance as well. Reflecting on her experience, she humorously remarked during the show, "I have sung Can’t Get You Out Of My Head seven times," showcasing her brilliant ability to engage viewers within the storyline while highlighting her comedic chops. Though she is just a guest at the dinner, Minogue's involvement deepens the world of The Residence, crafting an unforgettable ambiance around the extravagant state dinner.
As Cupp employs her eccentric birdwatching skills to piece together the details, each character's secrets are slowly peeled back. This weaving of intricate narratives may risk overwhelming viewers, given the show's extensive cast and multi-layered plotlines, yet provides ample opportunity for audience engagement as the investigation unfolds.
The Residence is undeniably a fun mix of comedy and mystery, tapping into the genre’s rich history while delivering a contemporary take infused with humor and character-driven narrative. Aduba's detective is a refreshing lead, bringing relatability to an unconventional character gazing into the complexities of a murder investigation that is as much about the people involved as it is about finding the truth.
With The Residence, Rhimes and her team have managed to blend a myriad of tones into the fabric of the series, creating a vibrant tapestry that entertains while simultaneously critiquing the absurdities of political life. As viewers settle in for this investigative romp, they can expect a show that knows how to keep them guessing while never taking itself too seriously. This interplay between humor and mystery makes The Residence a worthy entry in the realm of murder mysteries, ensuring that fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy.
