132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. And a detective like no other. Netflix’s upcoming mystery dramedy The Residence is about to transform the White House into the setting of one of 2025’s most anticipated murder mysteries, and it looks like it’s going to be an absolute blast.
Premiering globally on March 20, 2025, the eight-episode limited series is poised to deliver a fresh twist on the classic whodunnit, blending sharp political satire with a screwball comedy flair—all while unraveling a murder that shakes up America’s most iconic residence.
Uzo Aduba Leads an All-Star Cast in a Murder Mystery Like No Other
Front and center is Emmy-winning powerhouse Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black, In Treatment), starring as the eccentric and whip-smart detective Cordelia Cupp. When a body turns up following a disastrous State Dinner at the White House, Cupp is called in to untangle a web of secrets, scandals, and suspicions among the eclectic staff working behind the scenes in the historic mansion.
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Joining Aduba is an absolutely stacked ensemble cast that reads like a dream lineup for fans of both drama and comedy. Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian) plays A.B. Wynter, while Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat, WandaVision), Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl), Edwina Findley (Treme), Molly Griggs (Dr. Death), Ken Marino (Party Down), and Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us) round out the chaotic world of White House staffers, politicians, and suspects.
Adding even more intrigue, the show will feature guest appearances from familiar faces like Jane Curtin, Al Franken, Kylie Minogue (yes, that Kylie), and CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper playing themselves—because what’s a political drama without a little real-world media flair?
From Shondaland to the White House
The Residence comes from the creative minds that brought us some of television’s most iconic dramas. Creator, showrunner, and executive producer Paul William Davies (Scandal, For the People) teams up with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers under their Shondaland banner. If you’ve ever been glued to your screen during the jaw-dropping twists of Scandal or How to Get Away with Murder, you already know you’re in for something special.
The series is inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s bestselling non-fiction book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. While the show is taking some creative liberties with its murder-mystery premise, the book’s exploration of the hidden lives of White House staff lays the foundation for what promises to be an addictively binge-worthy series.
What to Expect From The Residence
Imagine if Knives Out collided with The West Wing—with a splash of Veep for good measure. The Residence promises all the tension and intrigue of a high-stakes political thriller, but with the biting humor and quick-witted dialogue that Shondaland productions are famous for. Expect lavish State Dinners, behind-the-scenes power struggles, and plenty of “Did they really just say that?” moments.
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Cordelia Cupp’s investigation will take viewers from the grand ballrooms to the hidden corridors of the White House, peeling back the layers of privilege and dysfunction that thrive behind closed doors. With 157 suspects, no detail can be overlooked, and every staff member—from the butlers to the press secretary—could have something to hide.
The Beginning of the “Shondaland Mystery Era?”
While Shondaland has delivered pulse-pounding drama before, The Residence feels like a genre pivot with serious staying power. If this show hits the way early footage suggests, it could mark the beginning of a new wave of smart, stylish murder mysteries on Netflix. Given the success of films like Glass Onion and the enduring popularity of whodunnits, this series could easily become appointment viewing.
Plus, with the series structured as an eight-episode, self-contained event, there’s an undeniable appeal for viewers looking for a tightly crafted mystery they can devour in a weekend.
Get Ready for a White House Scandal Like No Other
Whether you’re a political drama junkie, a murder mystery aficionado, or just someone looking for a show that’ll have you guessing until the very last scene, The Residence is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. Be sure to tune in on March 20, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
About The Residence
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Episodes: 8 episodes x 1 hour
Creator/Showrunner/Writer/Executive Producer: Paul William Davies (Scandal, For the People)
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers
Inspired by the book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower
Starring: Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Randall Park, Dan Perrault , Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mary Wiseman
Will Cordelia Cupp crack the case before the White House’s dirty laundry is aired for all to see? Will this be the series that gives us our next great TV detective? And which of those 157 suspects is about to become our favorite new villain? Let us know what you think on social media!
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