Washington, D.C. – Netflix has released a new high-energy comic whodunit series set at the White House called “The Residence.” The show follows the story of a head usher, A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is found dead during a state dinner honoring Australia. The show introduces viewers to the brilliant detective, Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, who is called in to investigate the mysterious death.
Cupp, with her verve and poise, begins to question witnesses and uncover the conflicts that Wynter had with various people at the White House. The suspects include the president’s top advisor, a loyal staffer set to succeed Wynter, the president’s brother, a temperamental pastry chef, a boozy butler, the president’s mother-in-law, the social secretary, and an engineer. The series promises to reveal the murderer in a fair and logical manner, without introducing a random character at the last minute.
In addition to the main storyline, the show includes scenes from congressional hearings about the investigation that unfold later in the series. Despite the slight overuse of framing devices, the show succeeds in keeping viewers engaged with its intriguing plot and witty characters. The final episode, nearly 90 minutes long, features the classic reveal of the killer by the detective, which adds a traditional touch to the modern whodunit series.
“The Residence” pays homage to classic murder mysteries with episode titles like “Knives Out” and “Dial M for Murder.” The show’s clever execution of a beloved genre formula, paired with strong performances by the cast, makes it a compelling watch for fans of detective dramas. With eight episodes filled with red herrings, misdirections, and a satisfying conclusion, “The Residence” promises to captivate audiences from start to finish.