The White House is no stranger to scandal, but “The Residence” takes things a step further, turning America’s most famous home into the setting of a crime scene. Premiering March 20 on Netflix, the show is the latest from Shondaland, the production company behind “Scandal” and “Bridgerton.”
At the heart of it all is actress Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric detective tasked with solving a murder that unfolds during a state dinner. The case isn’t just about politics, it digs into the hidden world of those who keep the White House running, from the staff who’ve seen administrations come and go to the political figures who think they hold all the power.
The ensemble cast consists of Howard alumna Susan Kelechi Watson, Randall Park and Ken Marino.
The eight episode series, written by “Scandal” and “For The People” veteran Paul William Davies and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, is based on Kate Andersen Brower’s book, “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.” It takes a deep dive into the White House’s “upstairs, downstairs and backstairs,” where the real power isn’t always where you expect it to be.
The intrigue begins with one dead body, 132 rooms, and 157 suspects all trapped in a house built on secrets.
The protagonist, Cordelia Cupp, is the outsider dropped into this chaos, a brilliant yet unconventional detective whose sharp wit and relentless approach make her both revered and impossible to ignore. She’s reluctantly paired with Randall Park’s character, Edwin Park, a by-the-book FBI agent who quickly realizes that Cupp’s methods, however frustrating, might just crack the case.
For Watson, joining a Shondaland production means stepping into a space that has long championed Black talent both on and off screen. But it’s not just about representation on camera; Shondaland projects are known for sharp dialogue, layered drama and detailed worldbuilding.
“When you see something under the Shondaland banner, you trust that it’s quality entertainment. It’s warm, it’s rich, it’s vibrant, it feels like it’s coming at you jumping off the screen into your living room.” Watson said.
That attention to detail is woven into every part of the production, from set design to costuming to writing.
“Every department is top-tier. You feel that as an actor when you come on, so you want to rise to that level and give,” Ken Marino said. “For Shonda, the directors and Paul Davies, you want to give them everything they want because of that.”
In “The Residence,” that idea of who holds real power takes center stage. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, the staff are the ones who remain, adapting to new leadership while maintaining the traditions and routines that keep the White House functioning.
“The people in the residence are the constant through different administrations,” Susan Kelechi Watson said, drawing a real-life parallel.
Through every political shift and new administration, the staff remains a steady force, adapting to changing leadership while maintaining the daily operations that keep the White House running. Their contributions may be invisible to the public, but their influence is undeniable.
“It’s the working people that keep things afloat but don’t get the spotlight,” Randall Park said.
It’s a dynamic that applies not just to politics but also to Hollywood itself—the cast is front and center, but the production team, crew, and creatives behind the camera are the ones who warrant that the show actually happens.
“We get to be in front of the camera, but there are so many people behind the scenes doing the hard work, the physical work,” Park said.
While their work may often go unnoticed, these crew members are the backbone of any set, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
“But also, when you say they know the secrets, they really do. If you’re in the hair and makeup trailer, they know the secrets,” Park said. “If you’re in the hair and makeup trailer, they know all the gossip. Who has a crush on who? Who’s fighting? You hear the stories. It’s not much different from any other institution. Those dynamics.”
Cast members Watson, Park and Marino share a strong bond on and off set. On-screen, Marino’s character goes against the flow of the investigation. Off-screen, Watson and Park have a genuine bond that makes for great on-screen chemistry.
Watson and Park agree that Marino would not be a good detective, similar to his character, Secret Service Agent Harry Hollinger. Marino revealed that he, like the viewers, had no idea who the killer was until they had finished filming. He kept the suspense going by reading the script bit by bit.
“The truth is, I didn’t read who done it for as long as possible because I was curious, trying to figure it out. And I’m not saying I did or didn’t do it,” Marino said. “It was fun to try and piece it together.”
Viewers can join Marino in the investigation when “The Residence” premieres on March 20.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
