The mystery series The Residence, available on Netflix, is a wonderfully eccentric “Agatha Christie-style” television phenomenon that breathes fresh, comedic life into the halls of the White House. Across eight episodes, this production trades political gravitas for a madcap, witty detective story that feels like a satirical, high-stakes “cousin” to the film Knives Out.
The plot kicks off with the discovery of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter’s body during a state dinner honoring the Australian Prime Minister. This is where Cordelia Cupp, played by the magnificent and unrivaled Uzo Aduba, enters the scene. Cupp is a brilliant, sarcastic, and hilarious detective who balances her genius deduction skills with a passion for birdwatching that borders on obsession. Aduba’s magnetic performance anchors a massive, idiosyncratic ensemble—ranging from a perpetually drunken butler to a disgruntled pastry chef—all while navigating the “upstairs-downstairs” tensions of the presidential mansion.
Technically, the show is a caper that utilizes a clever flashback structure. The investigation is framed by a chaotic congressional hearing, which helps dismantle the misinformation surrounding the case. The directing leans toward the absurd with “cartoonish” imagery and a brisk pace, ensuring the puzzle remains thrilling without becoming exhausting. Highlights include a delightful cameo from Kylie Minogue and the hilarious bickering between the domestic staff and the “dudes” of the Secret Service.
While the story explores the messy ways people use one another to hide their secrets, it never loses that infectious sense of joy. It is a captivating escape that manages to be completely “bonkers” without ever losing its heart, keeping you in suspense until the very last second.
The Verdict: Watch it! It is a gorgeous, eight-hour series that proves a murder in the White House can indeed be a very happy experience…
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