Dive into The Residence—a chaotic White House whodunit with Uzo Aduba and Giancarlo Esposito. Now on Netflix!
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During a disastrous State dinner, who is investigating a White House murder?
The Residence on Netflix transports viewers to a tumultuous diplomatic event where Australia’s prime minister receives more than just the necessities—a corpse in the Lincoln Bedroom.
Similar to Knives Out’s Benoit Blanc, but with Scandal’s fast-paced style, “world’s greatest detective” Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) bursts in with binoculars and a tweed swagger as chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) lies dead.
Why does this mystery feel like a more intense version of Clue?
From Jane Curtin’s irritable mother-in-law, who would prefer to govern Rome over Washington, D.C., to the First Husband (Barrett Foa) snooping around secrets, suspicions are present everywhere.
After her last-minute performance, Kylie Minogue even interrupts the celebration by requesting the Lincoln Bedroom.
In the meantime, a feng shui “energy medium” and unreadable place cards intensify the ridiculousness.
How does Shonda Rhimes modify the whodunit formula?
The Residence veers through red herrings like a West Wing tour gone awry, trading political depth for bewildering twists.
Al Franken’s portrayal of a smug senator hosts a Senate hearing frame that suggests stakes, but the show’s true star is butler Sheila Cannon (Edwina Findley), who sips vodka and uses sarcasm expertly.
Does the ending stick the landing?
In a spectacular White House run, Cupp’s lengthy exposition—a filibuster of clues—untangles the murderer.
It’s campy, disorganized, and purposefully extravagant, and its resolution will make even astute investigators wonder.
(Spoiler alert: It’s likely that your guess will be incorrect.)
Where is this Beltway bonanza happening?
You can watch all eight episodes on Netflix.
This is pure popcorn intrigue, best paired with a side of Sheila’s vodka stash, so don’t expect House of Cards grit.
Quick Facts: The Residence
- Detective Vibes: Uzo Aduba channels Knives Out meets Only Murders.
- Star Power: Giancarlo Esposito, Jane Curtin, and Al Franken co-star.
- Shonda Speed: Scandal creator delivers breakneck twists.
- Comic Relief: Edwina Findley steals scenes as a vodka-swilling butler.
- Streaming: All episodes available on Netflix.