The Residence S01
Director: Showrunner and writer Paul William Davies (executive produced alongside Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers); initial episodes directed by Liza Johnson (and Jaffar Mahmood
Cast: Uzo Aduba (Detective Cordelia Cupp) Giancarlo Esposito (A.B. Wynter, White House Chief Usher) Randall Park (FBI Agent Edwin Park) Susan Kelechi Watson (Jasmine Haney) Ken Marino, Jason Lee, Bronson Pinchot, Jane Curtin, Edwina Findley, Mary Wiseman, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kylie Minogue (as herself), Brett Tucker, Barrett Foa, Taran Killam, others
The Residence Season 1 (2025) is a stylish and ambitious murder-mystery limited series set entirely within the walls of a fictionalized White House. Written and showrun by Paul William Davies and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, the eight-episode arc unfolds during a disastrous state dinner, where the White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), is found dead—a shocking turn that triggers the investigation of the eccentric and bird-loving detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba). The Washington PostWikipediaThe Times of IndiaBut Why Tho?
Detective Cupp arrives with her dry wit and unconventional methods, partnering with FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) to interrogate an extensive roster of suspects—157 staff members, officials, and guests across 132 rooms of the White House. The show’s humor and wit owe much to classic whodunnit influences like Knives Out, Clue, and Agatha Christie, yet it maintains its own absurd and theatrical tone. That Love Podcast+1The Times of India+1
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances: Aduba anchors proceedings with precision as the unflappable sleuth; Esposito’s Wynter adds gravitas even in absentia; Randall Park’s Chandler provides comic foil; while supporting characters—played by Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Marino, Jason Lee, Bronson Pinchot, Jane Curtin, and Kylie Minogue—bring flair and intrigue to every interview. Marie Claireparade.comWikipedia
Visually, The Residence luxuriates in opulent set design—an extensive recreation of the presidential estate—alongside sharp costume and production design that enhance its status as both palace and crime scene. Davies’ script leans into political satire without overt partisanship, opting for timeless storytelling grounded in service staff perspectives and institutional secrecy. The Times of India+8Wikipedia+8The Washington Post+8
Critics responded with mixed tone: while the series achieved an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 66/100 on Metacritic, some reviews noted overlong pacing and predictability in the plot. Still, for many viewers the ensemble chemistry and eccentric murder-logic compensated handsomely. TheGrio
Ultimately, The Residence Season 1 is an ambitious, genre-blending whodunnit—equal parts suspense, satire, and screwball comedy. Though Netflix canceled it after one season, its self-contained structure means viewers get a complete story: eight hours of entertaining mystery, sharp dialogue, and an unforgettable detective in Cordelia Cupp.
The Residence Season 1 (2025) is a stylish and ambitious murder-mystery limited series set entirely within the walls of a fictionalized White House. Written and showrun by Paul William Davies and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, the eight-episode arc unfolds during a disastrous state dinner, where the White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), is found dead—a shocking turn that triggers the investigation of the eccentric and bird-loving detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba). The Washington PostWikipediaThe Times of IndiaBut Why Tho?
Detective Cupp arrives with her dry wit and unconventional methods, partnering with FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) to interrogate an extensive roster of suspects—157 staff members, officials, and guests across 132 rooms of the White House. The show’s humor and wit owe much to classic whodunnit influences like Knives Out, Clue, and Agatha Christie, yet it maintains its own absurd and theatrical tone. That Love Podcast+1The Times of India+1
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances: Aduba anchors proceedings with precision as the unflappable sleuth; Esposito’s Wynter adds gravitas even in absentia; Randall Park’s Chandler provides comic foil; while supporting characters—played by Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Marino, Jason Lee, Bronson Pinchot, Jane Curtin, and Kylie Minogue—bring flair and intrigue to every interview. Marie Claireparade.comWikipedia
Visually, The Residence luxuriates in opulent set design—an extensive recreation of the presidential estate—alongside sharp costume and production design that enhance its status as both palace and crime scene. Davies’ script leans into political satire without overt partisanship, opting for timeless storytelling grounded in service staff perspectives and institutional secrecy. The Times of India+8Wikipedia+8The Washington Post+8
Critics responded with mixed tone: while the series achieved an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 66/100 on Metacritic, some reviews noted overlong pacing and predictability in the plot. Still, for many viewers the ensemble chemistry and eccentric murder-logic compensated handsomely. TheGrio
Ultimately, The Residence Season 1 is an ambitious, genre-blending whodunnit—equal parts suspense, satire, and screwball comedy. Though Netflix canceled it after one season, its self-contained structure means viewers get a complete story: eight hours of entertaining mystery, sharp dialogue, and an unforgettable detective in Cordelia Cupp.