I watched The Residence series, which was released on Netflix this month, i.e., on March 20, 2025. Produced by Shonda Rhimes and created by Paul William Davis, this murder mystery comedy drama has 8 episodes with a story revolving around a murder that takes place in the White House. Based on the book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Anderson Brouwer, this series has a strong cast including Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, Jane Curtin, and Kylie Minogue. With a whodunit style like Knives Out, it has an 82% rating and a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But, how did the Telugu audience feel about this series? Let me tell you my feelings, what was good, and what was not good in this review!
What's the story?
On the night of a grand state dinner for Australian dignitaries at the White House, the body of Chief Usher A.B. Winter (Giancarlo Esposito) is found dead in a room. Super detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is called in to solve the case, which involves 132 rooms and 157 suspects. Using her unique techniques, she interviews White House staff, guests, and administration officials with the help of FBI agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) to gather clues. The story unfolds in three timelines—the night of the murder, the days leading up to it, and the congressional hearings months later. The political intrigue, secrets, and conflicts between staff behind the murder are revealed. How did Cordelia solve the case? Who is the murderer? The series will reveal.
My feelings: Fun first, then drag!
When the series started, I saw the state dinner scenes at the White House, Kylie Minogue's guest appearance, and Cordelia's entry, and I thought, "Oh, this is going to be a fun mystery like Confessions of an Assassin!" The first three episodes were super fast, with comedic dialogues, and Uzo Aduba's weird detective acting. When I saw the visuals like the White House setting, secret rooms, and dollhouse, I thought, "Wow, these production values are super!" The congressional hearing scenes and flashbacks gave the story a new touch. I thought, "This is definitely going to be the best Vudu!"
However, from the fourth episode, the story slowed down a bit and felt draggy. With 8 episodes, each episode being about an hour long, some subplots and repeated dialogues got boring. The climax seemed okay, but I thought, “Oh, if it had been written tightly with such a good setup, it would have been a super hit!” Uzo Aduba’s acting, a cast like Jane Curtin, Ken Marino, Randall Park, and comedic timing saved the series. Telugu audiences, especially those who like Shonda Rhimes series like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton, might like this series decently. But, those expecting a serious crime thriller will be a bit disappointed.
Technical aspects, acting
The White House set design is a big plus for this series! Francois Adouy’s production design, secret passages, and visuals like a dollhouse, made me think, “This is Hollywood range!” The cinematography and direction (Liza Johnson, Zafar Mahmood) made the White House look like a mystery game board. The music was okay, but a bit loud in some scenes. The editing was sharp in the first three episodes, but slowed down in the middle. Shondaland Productions, with $13.95 million in tax credits, made the series look grand on screen. Although the writing was a good mix of comedy and mystery, the three timelines felt a bit convoluted and unnecessary scenes felt stretched.
In terms of acting, Uzo Aduba alone carried the series! In a tweed jacket, talking about birds, and with deadpan dialogues, her role as Cordelia Cupp was like “Oh, she’s great!”. Her expressions and comedic timing in the interview scenes were top notch. Giancarlo Esposito was intense in the flashback scenes, but his role was disappointingly small. Randall Park was funny and cool as the FBI agent. Jane Curtin (the President's mother-in-law) shines in the senior role, while Ken Marino (Harry) shines in the comedy. Susan Kelechi Watson (Jasmine) also does well. Kylie Minogue makes a small cameo sound like she's laughing "seven f***ing times." Some of the roles (Branson Pinchot, Molly Griggs) feel a little underused.
What's good, what's not?
Good:
Uzo Aduba's acting: Her comedy, drama, and weird vibe as Cordelia are a super hit!
White House set: Secret rooms, dollhouse visuals, and production design are amazing.
Comedy touch: Funny dialogues, Kylie Minogue's cameo, and Randall Park's timing are hilarious.
Cast: Jane Curtin, Ken Marino, Susan Kelechi Watson—all together make the series lively.
First three episodes: Fast pace, interview scenes, and congressional flashbacks are very impressive.
Bad:
Length: 8 episodes long, slow in the middle, and unnecessary scenes are boring.
Confusion: Three timelines and repeated dialogues make the story a bit confusing.
Lack of emotional depth: The murder case lacks emotional connection, and the characters' backstories are not strong.
Minor roles: Giancarlo Esposito and Molly Griggs are not used properly.
Overdone quirks: Cordelia talking about birds was fun at first, but then felt forced.
Who should watch it?
Those who like lighthearted mysteries like Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building, or Shonda Rhimes' style (Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton) will love The Residence. Fans of Uzo Aduba and Giancarlo Esposito will love this series. It has a TV-MA rating for some vulgar dialogue (“fk,” “st”), sex jokes, alcohol, and dead body scenes, so it's suitable for youth and adults. You can binge on Netflix for a mystery with a White House vibe and comedy. But, those expecting a high-stakes drama like Succession or a serious crime thriller should lower their expectations. Although there is no Telugu audio, there are English, Spanish, and French audio and subtitles.
Rating: 3/5
The Residence is very impressive with Uzo Aduba's amazing acting, White House grand setting, funny comedy mix, and Shonda Rhimes style. Kylie Minogue's cameo, the pace of the first three episodes, and the cast chemistry are big pluses. But, the stretched story, intricate timelines, lack of emotional connection, and some small roles miss the impact of Connie's Out. For mystery and comedy lovers, it's best for a weekend binge on Netflix, but don't expect a super thriller!
Release Date: March 20, 2025 (Netflix)
Streaming: Netflix
Creator: Paul William Davis
Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
Cast: Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, Jane Curtin, Ken Marino, Kylie Minogue