REVIEW: ‘The Residence’ (2025) Is A Masterful Whodunnit Mystery

Mayhem and murder ensue in the one place you would least expect, during a State Dinner at the White House in this new Netflix Original.  The Residence (2025) takes the classic whodunnit formula and puts it into one, if not the most secure, house in the United States. Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s novel The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, the comedic murder mystery miniseries is created by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland, with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers serving as executive producers alongside Davies.

The Residence (2025) is packed to the brim with a star-studded cast led by Uzo Aduba as consulting detective Cordelia Cupp. The primary cast also features Isiah Whitlock as Larry Dokes, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, Randall Park as Edwin Park, and Edwina Findley as Shelia Cannon.

Set during a chaotic State Dinner with foreign leaders, the White House quickly morphs into a crime scene when a dead body is found in a room. Suddenly, the eccentric detective and birding enthusiast, Detective Cordelia Cupp, arrives to assess the scene and find the murderer. The more Detective Cupp’s investigation progresses, the more White House’s high-profile guests, staff, and dwellers become prime suspects.

The story holds the audience’s interest and attention by unfolding across multiple timelines, frequently shifting between the past and present. The plot unfolds at a congressional hearing to find the truth behind a huge murder investigation. The witness testimonies are used to retell the events that led to and what occurred on that unfaithful night. The Residence (2025)’s narrative structure serves as a vehicle to recount the murder mystery’s events while providing insight into Detective Cordelia Cupp’s unconventional ways and brilliant mind as she attempts to solve this high-stakes case.

Unlike some dark and brooding crime dramas, The Residence (2025) delivers a more lively, theatrical flair into classic murder mystery tropes. Although the series leans into sharp wit and playful absurdity, it does not carelessly disregard the emotional weight of death and murder. The tone is very similar to the Knives Out films in that the series expertly balances intrigue and humor, making it a quirky murder mystery that is exciting and charming.

Uzi Aduba makes absolutely every scene she is in better.

Uzo Aduba delivers a phenomenal performance as Detective Cordelia Cupp. She nails the character’s eccentric nature and sharp wit flawlessly. Aduba strikes the perfect balance between quirkiness and intelligence, making Cupp an endlessly watchable and unpredictable detective, which makes Cupp feel more like a natural extension of Aduba. Through her impeccable comedic timing and chemistry with her castmates, Randall Park and Isiah Whitlock, Uzo Aduba adds more depth to every scene.

The Residence (2025) not only delivers a gripping murder mystery, but the series also cleverly touches on the lengths some people in power will go to protect their self-serving interests, even in the face of finding justice for a murder victim. For example, certain characters in The Residence are swift to dismiss the crime as a suicide, eager to close the case to avoid a potential political scandal.

In contrast, others manipulate the tragedy to serve their agendas. Other characters attempt to make bipartisan deals to bury secrets and make justice for the dead a secondary concern in favor of reputation and power. The interwoven political stature fit flawlessly into the show’s mystery, giving The Residence (2025) an extra layer of intrigue.

The Residence (2025) has all the makings and execution of a great murder mystery. Each episode is beautifully layered with confusing clues, misdirection, and shocking revelations. The show masterfully juggles its ginormous cast of characters, ensuring none are wasted throughout the plot.

The Residence also expertly places red herrings throughout the eight-episode run while still dropping enough hints for the audience and Detective Cupp to piece the mystery together. The mystery grows more tangled with every episode, which results in the investigation twisting and turning in the most unexpected and entertaining ways.

Netflix’s The Residence (2025) sharply jabs at the hypocrisy and self-interest in politics. 

The Residence (2025) keeps a masterful pace, with each 50-minute episode balancing humor, wit, and suspense. The mystery takes many unexpected twists that lead to bigger questions the more Detective Cordelia Cupp tries to find the truth behind the murder. The show’s intricate plot pays off in the final episodes, with a surprising and satisfying ending.

However, while fans may be eager to know the killer’s identity and motives, the journey to the final reveal is worthwhile and delightful as audiences watch the mystery unravel and piece together every clue along the way. The Residence (2025) is a prime example of how a great whodunnit takes the audience along the journey of unraveling the mystery to keep them guessing until the end.

The Residence (2025) benefits from its packed cast and unique backdrop. The show’s mix of mystery, political satire, and quirky characters has all the makings of a binge-worthy series. With its sharp wit, unique lead detective, and endless unexpected twists, The Residence (2025) delivers a fresh take on the classic whodunnit mystery formula. Whether you are drawn to the series for its humor, mystery, or layered social commentary, The Residence (2025) is a murder mystery that keeps you guessing and entertained until the last episode.

The Residence (2025) is streaming now, exclusively on Netflix.