Shondaland is back with a fresh twist on its signature storytelling, trading the scandalous drama of political backrooms for a comedic murder mystery set in the White House. Premiering March 20, The Residence is an eight-episode miniseries that blends the intrigue of a whodunit with the charm of a screwball comedy. Created by Paul William Davies and starring Uzo Aduba as the sharp and eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp, this new series is poised to captivate audiences with its unique take on White House life.
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Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s 2015 nonfiction book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, the series reimagines the lives of the White House staff through a fictionalized narrative. The plot centers around a catastrophic state dinner that leaves one person dead, with 157 suspects within the 132-room mansion. At the heart of the investigation is Cordelia Cupp, a consulting detective for the Metropolitan Police Department, portrayed by Uzo Aduba. Known for her unexpected humor and relentless pursuit of truth, Cupp navigates the complex dynamics of the White House staff to uncover the culprit.
The ensemble cast features:
- Randall Park as FBI Special Agent Edwin Park, assigned to work alongside Detective Cupp.
- Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher.
- Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, a rising White House Assistant Usher.
- Jane Curtin as Nan Cox, the First Mother-in-Law.
- Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan, the President’s younger brother.
- Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, the President’s closest advisor.
- Al Mitchell as Rollie Bridgewater, Head Butler/Maître d’.
- Edwina Findley as Sheila Cannon, a White House Butler.
- Kylie Minogue appearing as herself.
- Juliette Jeffers as Angie Huggins, White House Painter
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes, Chief of Police, Metropolitan Police Department
Additional cast members include Julian McMahon, Molly Griggs, Bronson Pinchot, Mary Wiseman, Andrew Friedman, Al Franken, Spencer Garrett, Dan Perrault, Sumalee Montano, Paul Fitzgerald, Nathan Lovejoy, Rebecca Field, Eliza Coupe, Brett Tucker, Chris Grace, Mel Rodriguez, James Babson, Izzy Diaz, Taran Killam, Julieth Restrepo, and Ros Gentle.
Paul William Davies, known for his work on Scandal and For the People, serves as the creator and showrunner. Drawing inspiration from classic films like Charade, Davies aims to balance theatricality with a beloved genre, offering a playful yet intricate story that delves into the backstage workings of one of the world’s most iconic buildings.
Costume designer Lyn Paolo collaborated with Davies to craft Cordelia Cupp’s distinctive look, blending elements of classic detective style with a modern edge.
With Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as executive producers, The Residence marks another ambitious addition to Shondaland’s portfolio. The show’s mix of suspense, comedy, and rich character development is poised to resonate with audiences seeking something fresh yet familiar.
Prepare to uncover the secrets of the White House when all episodes of The Residence debut on March 20, 2025. Shondaland’s latest venture invites viewers into a world where every room holds a clue and every character has a motive. Let the investigation begin.