Shondaland is back with another banger! The Residence on Netflix is a wild locked-room mystery—but make it White House edition. With 132 rooms and over 157 suspects, this show takes classic whodunnit vibes and cranks them up to eleven. Created by Paul William Davies and starring the incredible Uzo Aduba as Detective Cordelia Cupp, it’s a mix of comedy, intrigue, and chaotic mystery-solving. The cast is stacked, and the storytelling is sharp, making it feel like an Agatha Christie novel injected with modern energy.
The story follows a murder at the White House, throwing Detective Cupp into a tangled web of suspects, lies, and secrets. Think Knives Out meets Only Murders in the Building, but with presidential drama. The best part? It doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has humor, drama, and so many twists that I was second-guessing my own theories every episode.
The Residence (Mini Series) Short Review
I binged all eight episodes in one day, and let me tell you—it was so worth it! 🥹💪🏾 From the first episode, I was hooked. The pacing is perfect, keeping you engaged without dragging out the mystery. Uzo Aduba absolutely carries the show with her charisma and wit. Her character, Cordelia Cupp, is sharp, hilarious, and unapologetically bold. I need her in more cases ASAP!
I was so relieved that they didn’t shove in unnecessary political drama. This show is pure mystery goodness, just how I like it. It’s like Agatha Christie on steroids. Every episode gave me a new suspect, and just when I thought I had it figured out—BAM! Another twist. By the finale, I was genuinely shocked at how it all came together. It’s been a while since a mystery series made me feel this way!
Also, the humor? So well done. The president’s brother had me crying with laughter. The characters were so well-written, and even the side plots were fun. I loved the dynamic between Detective Cupp and the other White House staff members. Their interactions felt real, and it added so much personality to the show.
I seriously didn’t expect to love The Residence this much. It reminded me of why I fell in love with detective stories in the first place. If you’re into Only Murders in the Building or Knives Out, this is your show. Netflix better renew this for a second season because I NEED MORE!
The Residence (Netflix) Quotes
“Magic is just science we don’t understand yet.” — Detective Cordelia Cupp
This line is pure Cordelia. She drops it casually while breaking down a key piece of the case, showing off her brilliant yet quirky thought process. It’s the kind of moment that makes you love her even more.
“You think the White House is just politics and history? It’s also secrets and murder.” — White House Staffer
Said during a chilling moment when Cordelia realizes just how deep this mystery goes. The show does a fantastic job of making the White House feel like a character itself—full of hidden truths.
“If you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras. Unless, of course, you’re in the White House.” — Cordelia Cupp
Classic detective wisdom—except Cordelia flips it on its head because, well, the White House isn’t normal. This was right before a major plot twist that completely threw me off!
“Nobody’s innocent here. The only question is who’s guilty of murder.” — President’s Chief of Staff
This was one of those oh snap moments when the stakes got real. At this point, I was side-eyeing every single suspect because everyone looked shady.
“You want a confession? Find someone with something to lose.” — Cordelia Cupp
Cordelia being an absolute genius, as usual. She drops this wisdom right before setting a perfect trap for the killer. I won’t spoil how it happens, but let’s just say—it’s chef’s kiss perfection.
“When power and politics collide, the truth is the first casualty.” – Cordelia Cupp
“Solving a murder here is like finding a needle in a stack of needles.” – Cordelia Cupp
“In the White House, every room has its secrets.” – Cordelia Cupp
Overall, The Residence is everything I wanted in a mystery series and more. It’s smart, funny, and completely binge-worthy. If you haven’t watched it yet, go do yourself a favor! Netflix and Shonda better give us a Season 2 because I NEED MORE CORDIAL CUPP.
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