TLDR: Shonda Rhimes’ The Residence on Netflix blends mystery and drama. Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black) leads a star-studded cast in this fast-paced White House whodunit.
A new mystery is brewing in the White House — and Shonda Rhimes is behind it. The Residence, the latest series from Rhimes’ Shondaland, drops viewers into a chaotic state dinner where political tensions are high, and the unexpected discovery of a dead body sends shockwaves through the administration. The Netflix series is fast-paced, stylish, and packed with a standout cast, including Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, Edwina Findley, Juliette Jeffers, and more.
Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp, a quirky yet razor-sharp detective called in to solve the murder of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Esposito). Cordelia, known for her eccentricity and unmatched investigative skills, arrives at the scene with binoculars in hand — more suited for bird-watching than crime-solving — and immediately starts unraveling the mystery. According to People, “Cordelia Cupp is promptly called in as poor Mr. Wynter’s corpse is a-cooling. In a great theatrical flourish, she arrives with binoculars at the ready… dressed in a sporty tweed blazer with leather-patched shoulders.”
The drama unfolds with Shondaland’s signature quick-cut editing and sharp dialogue, reminiscent of Rhimes’ hit series Scandal. The series also cleverly sidesteps heavy political commentary, focusing instead on the intricate web of relationships and motives within the White House staff. The president’s husband (Barrett Foa) adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, while Jane Curtin’s portrayal of the president’s cantankerous mother-in-law steals several scenes.
Findley’s performance as Sheila Cannon, a White House butler with a taste for vodka and a sharp tongue, provides some of the show’s best comedic relief. As People notes, “Her boozy, blustering sarcasm should be entered into evidence as a blunt instrument.”
The Residence blends political drama with a classic whodunit, offering a fresh take on the murder mystery genre. With Aduba’s magnetic performance and Rhimes’ knack for storytelling, it’s shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most binge-worthy releases of the year.
