Netflix is diving headfirst into the world of political intrigue and murder with “The Residence,” a gripping new series from Shondaland, the powerhouse production company behind Bridgerton and Scandal. Created by Paul William Davies, this fresh take on the classic whodunit unfolds in the most secure and secretive home in America—the White House. With 157 suspects, 132 rooms, and one determined detective, the series promises a thrilling blend of mystery, drama, and power dynamics.
The show comes out on March 20, 2025 and stars Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”) and a star studded ensemble cast that includes Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito and Al Franken.
A Murder Inside the White House
Set against the grandeur of a lavish State Dinner, the series follows an eccentric detective, Cordelia Cupp, played by the Emmy-winning Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black, Painkiller), as she attempts to crack a case that no one else can. While political thrillers often center on presidents and policymakers, The Residence flips the script by focusing on the White House staff, the unsung individuals who keep the executive mansion running. From butlers and maids to chefs and security personnel, every member of the household is a potential suspect, creating a web of deception and secrets.
Shonda Rhimes’ Signature Storytelling
Shondaland has long been known for its fast-paced, character-driven dramas that blend suspense, romance, and sharp social commentary. The Residence appears to follow in the footsteps of How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal, with a high-stakes mystery woven into the fabric of American political life.
Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s best-selling nonfiction book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, the show adds a thrilling fictional twist to the real-life inner workings of the nation’s most famous home. Brower’s book, based on interviews with former staff members, offers a rare glimpse into the private lives of U.S. presidents and their families. This makes The Residence even more fascinating, as it mixes historical inspiration with a modern murder mystery.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Uzo Aduba leads an impressive cast, joined by Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat), Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us), and Edwina Findley (If Loving You Is Wrong) among others. Given Shondaland’s history of assembling diverse, dynamic ensembles, audiences can expect deeply layered performances and complex character relationships.
Why This Show Stands Out
Unlike traditional crime dramas, The Residence is set within an ultra-exclusive world of politics, wealth, and secrecy—a setting where every action has consequences beyond just solving a murder. The White House itself becomes a character in the story, filled with hidden passageways, century-old traditions, and untold scandals.
Netflix has found massive success with mystery-driven series like The Night Agent and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. With The Residence, the streamer looks to capitalize on the rising popularity of political thrillers infused with murder, suspense, and power plays.
When Does The Residence Premiere?
Netflix has slated The Residence for a 2025 release, and with the teaser already sparking buzz, it’s poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about shows. If you love intricate mysteries, political intrigue, and Shondaland’s signature drama, mark your calendar—this is one you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways
- “The Residence” combines a murder mystery with the unique setting of the White House, featuring 157 suspects and an eccentric detective.
- The series stars Uzo Aduba as Cordelia, the detective tasked with solving a murder that occurs during a State Dinner.
- Created by Shondaland for Netflix, the show explores the lives of White House residence staff while unraveling a complex mystery.
Exploring the Premise of Netflix’s ‘The Residence’
Netflix’s new mystery series transforms the White House residence into a murder scene. The show combines political intrigue with classic whodunit elements in a fresh take on the murder mystery genre.
Plot Overview and Setting
“The Residence” centers around a shocking murder that takes place during a high-profile state dinner at the White House. This fictional scandal unfolds across the 132 rooms of the presidential residence, creating a closed-circle mystery with 157 potential suspects. The series is inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s non-fiction book “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House,” though it adds a criminal twist to the setting.
The story focuses on what’s described as “the most disastrous state dinner in history” when a body is discovered in the White House. This creates immediate chaos and suspicion among staff members, political figures, and guests who were present.
Key Characters and Roles
At the center of the investigation is Detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba. She’s described as wry and wildly eccentric, bringing a unique approach to solving the White House murder. Her unconventional methods likely create friction with the administration as she works to identify the killer.
The show also features Giancarlo Esposito in a prominent role, though specific details about his character aren’t fully revealed in the available information.
The series showcases the complex relationship between the White House staff and the First Family, highlighting how their lives intertwine within this historic residence. This dynamic adds layers to the mystery as personal relationships, political tensions, and White House protocols all factor into the investigation.
Behind the Scenes
Creating a murder mystery set in America’s most famous residence required careful attention to detail and a talented team. The production brings viewers into the secret world of White House staff while telling an intriguing whodunit story.
Creative Team and Direction
Shonda Rhimes’ production company Shondaland teamed up with Netflix to bring “The Residence” to life. The series was adapted from Kate Andersen Brower’s non-fiction book about White House staff, but with a fictional murder mystery overlay.
Paul William Davies serves as showrunner, bringing his experience from legal dramas to this political mystery. The creative vision blends historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling.
Director Stephen Daldry helped establish the show’s visual identity, balancing the grandeur of the White House setting with intimate character moments. The team focused on creating a tone that mixes suspense with moments of unexpected humor.
Uzo Aduba, who stars as Detective Cordelia, worked closely with the creative team to develop her character’s methodology.
Production and Filming Locations
While the real White House remains off-limits for television productions, the team created detailed replicas of the iconic rooms. Production designers meticulously researched the actual White House interior to ensure accuracy.
Filming took place across multiple locations including sound stages and existing government buildings that could double as White House settings. Special attention was paid to the staff areas rarely seen by the public.
The costume department faced the challenge of dressing characters in period-appropriate attire while ensuring the clothing felt authentic to each character’s role within the White House hierarchy.
The production team consulted with former White House staff members to capture realistic behind-the-scenes details.
Challenges and Achievements
One of the biggest challenges was balancing historical accuracy with the demands of an entertaining murder mystery. The team worked to ensure the portrayal of White House operations remained believable despite the fictional storyline.
COVID-19 protocols created additional hurdles during production, requiring creative solutions for filming scenes with large numbers of cast members. Despite these challenges, the team maintained their shooting schedule.
The production achieved a distinct visual style that sets it apart from other political dramas. Rather than focusing solely on the presidency, the show highlights the often-overlooked staff who keep the White House running.
Technical innovations allowed the camera to move seamlessly through the recreated White House, giving viewers the feeling of being inside this exclusive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Netflix’s “The Residence” series. The show brings murder and mystery to a fictional White House setting with a talented cast and unique premise.
Who stars in the cast of Netflix’s ‘The Residence’ series?
Uzo Aduba leads the cast as Cordelia, the character tasked with solving the murder mystery that unfolds in the White House. She appears to be the central investigator in this whodunit story.
The series features a variety of characters representing White House staff and officials. While complete cast details are still emerging, the show includes roles portraying a fictional U.S. President and his team.
The series comes from producer Shonda Rhimes, known for creating compelling ensemble casts in her previous successful shows.
What is the premise of ‘The Residence’ TV series on Netflix?
“The Residence” is described as a “screwball whodunit” murder mystery that takes place within the White House. The story unfolds during an important state dinner event.
A murderer is lurking in the halls of the White House, creating high stakes and tension. Cordelia, played by Uzo Aduba, appears to be the primary character tasked with solving the case.
The show explores the “upstairs, downstairs and backstairs” of the White House, suggesting viewers will see perspectives from various levels of staff and officials as the mystery unfolds.
Is ‘The Residence’ on Netflix based on real events or a book?
While “The Residence” takes place in the White House, it features a fictional U.S. President and staff rather than portraying real historical figures or events. The murder mystery plot is fictional.
The show comes from Shonda Rhimes’ production company, Shondaland, which often creates original content for Netflix. The comedic and dramatic elements appear to be creative inventions rather than based on actual White House incidents.
How can one watch ‘The Residence’ TV series?
“The Residence” will be available exclusively on Netflix. Viewers will need a Netflix subscription to stream the series.
The exact release date hasn’t been specified in the search results, but a trailer has been released, indicating the show is coming soon to the platform.
What are the main themes explored in ‘The Residence’ show?
The series appears to blend murder mystery with comedy, creating a “screwball whodunit” tone. This suggests a mix of tension and humor throughout the storytelling.
Power dynamics within the White House environment seem to be a central theme, with the show exploring different levels of the presidential residence from service staff to high-ranking officials.
The mystery element drives the plot, with characters working to uncover who committed murder in one of America’s most secure and symbolically important buildings.
Has a trailer been released for ‘The Residence’ on Netflix, and where can it be viewed?
Yes, Netflix has released a trailer for “The Residence.” The trailer reveals the show’s tone as a “fast-paced, comedic murder mystery” set in the White House.
The video introduces viewers to the central premise of a murderer in the White House and shows Cordelia as the character investigating the crime. The trailer is likely available on Netflix’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms.
