Okay mystery fans get ready for your next binge-watch obsession because Netflix just dropped a seriously fun show called The Residence and it is a wild ride . Imagine "Clue" but set in the White House. Yep you heard that right. And at the heart of it all is a detective you are going to absolutely love: Cordelia Cupp .
White House Whodunit: Murder Mystery and Mayhem at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!
So here is the deal. During a fancy state dinner at the White House – like super fancy honoring Australia and everything – the Chief Usher A.B. Wynter ends up dead. Not a good look right? Especially when you have got 132 rooms and a whole bunch of people who could be suspects. Who you gonna call? Cordelia Cupp that's who!
Cordelia is not your average detective. She is quirky confident and has a knack for solving even the trickiest crimes. Think Sherlock Holmes meets Columbo with a dash of birdwatching enthusiasm thrown in for good measure. She is brought in to crack the case before things get too crazy and the news gets out. Imagine trying to solve a murder while navigating White House protocol staff drama and a looming international incident. Chaos? Oh yeah.
Meet Cordelia Cupp: Uzo Aduba Shines as Netflix's Unconventional Detective
Uzo Aduba is absolutely fantastic as Cordelia Cupp. She totally nails the role of this brilliant but unconventional detective. Cordelia is not intimidated by the White House glamour or the powerful people she encounters. She is focused laser-focused on finding the truth and she does it in her own unique way. She even uses her love of birds to help her understand people and predict their behavior. How cool is that?
Cordelia is not alone in this crazy investigation. She is joined by FBI agent Edwin Park played by Randall Park who brings some serious comedic timing to the show. Edwin is kind of the audience's stand-in reacting to Cordelia's methods and the general absurdity of the White House mystery with hilarious facial expressions and bewildered reactions. They make a great duo a brilliant detective and a slightly overwhelmed but game FBI agent.
Star-Studded Suspects: The Amazing Cast of 'The Residence'
Part of what makes The Residence so much fun is the incredible cast of characters and the actors who play them. Here are just a few of the folks Cordelia will be grilling as she tries to solve the case:
- A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito): The victim himself the Chief Usher. Esposito brings his signature gravitas to the role even in flashbacks.
- Jasmine Haney (Susan Kelechi Watson): The ambitious Assistant Usher who might have wanted Wynter's job.
- Harry Hollinger (Ken Marino): The President's close advisor and a bit of a chaotic presence.
- President (Paul Fitzgerald) and First Gentleman (Barrett Foa): The busy First Couple trying to host a state dinner while a murder investigation unfolds in their home.
- Kylie Minogue (Herself): Yes really Kylie Minogue is in it as herself a dinner guest who becomes part of the mystery.
- Senator (Al Franken): Keep an eye out for Al Franken as a senator involved in the hearings related to the murder.
And that is just scratching the surface. The show is packed with talented actors each bringing their A-game to this quirky whodunit.
'Knives Out' Meets 'Clue' in the White House: The Tone of 'The Residence' is Perfect for Binge-Watching
If you love a good blend of mystery and comedy The Residence is right up your alley. Think of it as "Knives Out" meets "Clue" with a sprinkle of "Columbo" style detective work for good measure. The show knows exactly what it is and leans into the comedic elements while still keeping the mystery engaging.
It is not trying to be a super serious prestige drama. It's meant to be fun witty and a bit farcical. The writing is sharp the pacing is quick and there are red herrings galore to keep you guessing until the very end. It is the perfect show to settle in with for a weekend binge when you want something entertaining smart and laugh-out-loud funny at times.
Beyond the Murder: Exploring the Secret World of the White House Staff
While the murder mystery is the main driver of the plot The Residence also gives you a fascinating look at the White House itself. It is not just about presidents and politicians this show puts the spotlight on the people who actually make the White House run. The ushers the butlers the chefs the housekeepers – the staff who know all the secrets and keep everything in order behind the scenes.
The show explores the "upstairs/downstairs" dynamic between the staff and the political figures highlighting their diverse lives and the unique pressures they face. Did you know there are two basements in the White House? Or a sinister-sounding Red Room? The White House itself becomes almost another character in the show full of hidden corners and untold stories.
Final Verdict: Is 'The Residence' Your Next Binge-Watch? Absolutely!
If you are looking for something new to watch that is smart funny and full of mystery The Residence is a definite yes. Uzo Aduba is brilliant as Cordelia Cupp the supporting cast is fantastic and the White House setting adds a unique layer of intrigue. It is a well-executed whodunit that knows how to have fun and keep you guessing until the big reveal. So grab your popcorn settle in and prepare to be entertained. Detective Cupp is on the case and you will not want to miss a minute of it.