Netflix has dropped yet another binge-worthy gem with The Residence, a quirky murder mystery that premiered on March 20, 2025. As I settled in to watch, I couldn’t help but get swept up in its playful chaos. This Shondaland production, spearheaded by creator Paul William Davies, blends sharp humor, a sprawling cast, and a White House setting that feels both grand and claustrophobic. In this ‘The Residence’ review, I’ll dive into what makes this series tick—its standout performances, clever twists, and a few missteps that keep it from perfection. If you’re a fan of Knives Out-style capers with a dash of political intrigue, this one’s worth a spot on your watchlist.
Table of Contents
What’s It All About?
Picture this: a lavish state dinner at the White House, Kylie Minogue crooning in the background, and then—bam—a dead body turns up. That’s the hook of The Residence on Netflix. The victim? A.B. Wynter, the meticulous Chief Usher played by Giancarlo Esposito. Enter Cordelia Cupp, a delightfully eccentric detective brought to life by Uzo Aduba. She’s tasked with cracking the case amidst 132 rooms and 157 suspects, ranging from pastry chefs to politicos. The show flashes between the investigation and a Senate hearing 10 months later, where the truth unravels in fits and starts. It’s a rollercoaster of secrets, scandals, and laugh-out-loud moments.
The pacing is brisk, sometimes frantic, as Cordelia pokes around the White House’s nooks and crannies. I found myself hooked by the sheer audacity of it all—how does one even begin to solve a murder with so many players? The series draws inspiration from Kate Andersen Brower’s book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, but it’s less about historical grit and more about whimsical fun. Think Agatha Christie meets a political farce, and you’re close.
‘The Residence’ Review: The Hits
Let’s start with what works—and there’s plenty. Uzo Aduba steals the show as Cordelia Cupp. She’s quirky without being a caricature, armed with a sketchbook and an obsession with birds that somehow makes her more endearing. Aduba brings a magnetic energy that anchors the chaos. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she stared down suspects, unraveling their lies with a mix of wit and relentless focus. Critics agree—she’s the beating heart of this series.
The ensemble cast is another win. With 157 suspects, you’d expect a mess, but the show juggles its players with finesse. Standouts include Randall Park as Edwin Park, the FBI agent who’s equal parts exasperated and charmed by Cordelia, and Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, the new Chief Usher testifying at the hearing. Then there’s Giancarlo Esposito, whose cool-headed A.B. Wynter leaves a lasting impression, even in death. The comedy shines through in moments like Bronson Pinchot’s high-strung pastry chef Didier Gotthard clashing with Mary Wiseman’s White House chef Marvella. It’s a riot.
The editing deserves a shoutout too. Snappy cuts, clever flashbacks, and clue-laden opening credits keep you guessing. Each episode feels like a puzzle piece clicking into place. I loved how every glance or offhand comment mattered by the end—nothing felt wasted. Plus, the White House itself becomes a character, with its secret staircases and dollhouse-like charm, thanks to slick production design.
‘The Residence’ Cast and Character Highlights
The cast is a treasure trove of talent, and the characters they play are unforgettable. Here’s a quick rundown of some key players:
| Character | Actor | Role | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordelia Cupp | Uzo Aduba | Eccentric Detective | Sharp, funny, and relentless |
| A.B. Wynter | Giancarlo Esposito | Chief Usher (Victim) | Stoic yet layered, a quiet powerhouse |
| Edwin Park | Randall Park | FBI Agent | Dry humor and perfect foil to Cordelia |
| Jasmine Haney | Susan Kelechi Watson | Assistant Usher, later Chief | Poised and pivotal in the hearing |
| Didier Gotthard | Bronson Pinchot | Pastry Chef | Hilariously over-the-top |
| Marvella | Mary Wiseman | White House Chef | Fierce and feisty |
Special mentions go to Jason Lee as the president’s slacker brother Tripp Morgan and Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, a smarmy advisor. Even Kylie Minogue pops in as herself, adding a surreal twist. Every actor brings their A-game, making even the smallest roles pop.
‘The Residence’ Review: The Misses
No show’s perfect, and The Residence has its flaws. The Senate hearing framing device, led by Al Franken as Senator Aaron Filkins, feels clunky. It slows the momentum, and I often wished they’d stuck to the White House action. Showing rather than telling would’ve tightened the narrative. Some critics call it “overstuffed,” and I get it—eight episodes sometimes feel stretched, with subplots that don’t always pay off.
The tone wobbles too. It’s billed as a screwball whodunit, but the humor can overshadow the mystery. I didn’t feel much emotional stakes around A.B.’s death, which made the big reveal less gripping than it could’ve been. And while the cast is stellar, a few characters—like Eliza Coupe’s brash Senator Margery Bay Bix—come off as one-note. Still, these are minor gripes in a show that’s clearly having a blast.
Why It Works on Netflix
The Residence feels tailor-made for Netflix. Its bingeable eight-episode arc keeps you hooked, and the platform’s knack for bold, genre-blending stories suits this oddball tale. Shondaland’s track record—think Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton—shines through in the character depth and glossy production. Streaming lets you savor the clues at your pace, rewinding to catch what you missed. It’s not a slow burn; it’s a firecracker, and Netflix is the perfect stage.
Final Thoughts
So, is The Residence worth your time? Absolutely. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a damn good ride. Aduba’s Cordelia is a detective I’d follow anywhere, and the cast keeps the energy high. The mystery unfolds with enough twists to satisfy, even if it doesn’t always dig deep. For fans of lighthearted whodunits with a modern twist, this is a treat. It’s got flaws—pacing hiccups and a slightly detached heart—but the fun factor outweighs them.
As of March 20, 2025, The Residence is trending for good reason. It’s a fresh take on a classic formula, wrapped in White House glitz and Shondaland flair. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and let Cordelia Cupp guide you through this wild, witty maze. You won’t regret it.