The latest Shondaland series, The Residence, seems to be reminiscent of the classic mystery board game Clue—though with a fresh presidential twist. Imagine a sprawling White House set as the backdrop, embroiled in a murder mystery. Shondaland’s new Netflix offering promises a dose of intrigue mixed with humor, operating in an array of the mansion’s elegant spaces. The official series logline sets the scene: “132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous State Dinner.” It’s a screwball whodunnit with a cast as colorful as the infamous Colonel Mustard and crew.
In the midst of this web, we have Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Orange is the New Black‘s Uzo Aduba. Cupp is not your typical detective; she’s the crème de la crème of investigators, renowned for tackling the supposedly unsolvable. She also happens to be a bird-watching enthusiast, just to add a sprinkle of character quirks. “This case is unsolvable to everyone except Cordelia Cupp,” Aduba tantalizes about her eccentric role. Her partner-in-crime-solving, though somewhat begrudgingly, is FBI agent Edwin Park, played by Randall Park, who isn’t entirely on board with Cupp’s unusual tactics.
Alongside the dynamic duo, the series spotlights a broad range of characters played by a stellar cast. It includes Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher, albeit posthumously due to his untimely passing. Initially set to portray the White House’s chief usher, Giancarlo Esposito steps into Braugher’s shoes as A.B. Wynter. Esposito expressed his reverence for Braugher’s legacy, noting the honor of continuing the work he wasn’t able to complete due to previous production delays.
If you’re planning on spotting some familiar faces, The Residence doesn’t disappoint. The line-up includes Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, and a host of others ready to bring the sprawling ensemble cast to life. With all eight episodes ready to drop simultaneously, mark March 20 on your calendar for a binge-worthy whodunnit experience.
Closing Credits
The Residence is more than just another addition to Netflix’s catalog; it’s an homage to mystery storytelling in a glitzier, grander environment. The series embraces its Shondaland roots, blending intrigue and quirkiness through a vibrant cast of characters and a storyline that’s as enigmatic as it is entertaining. With a notable glaze of humor and mystery, March 20 promises a delightful escapade into the heart of the White House. Prepare for a series where every room holds a secret, and each character holds a clue. Sharpen your sleuthing skills and settle in for a presidential puzzle you won’t want to miss.
