TV mogul Shonda Rhimes recently released her newest series,The Residence, and it is already raking in incredible reviews from critics and audiences alike due to its fast pace, strong cast, and fun ambiance. In the 1990s,Rhimes got her start as a writer, working on projects likeCrossroadsandThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.However, she truly broke out in 2005, when she created thelong-running medical drama,Grey’s Anatomy.These days, Rhimes is busy with a vast network of TV shows, fromBridgertontoThe Residence.
Released on June 28, 2025,The Residenceis an eight-episode mystery series. The story begins when a murder occurs during a state dinner at the White House. With over 150 suspects at play,the case can only be solved by Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric detective played by Uzo Aduba. Thus far,The Residencehas earned an 85% critics scoreand a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. There are a few elements of the series, in particular, that have awed and inspired its viewers.
4The Residence Has A Fast Pace
Viewers Will Want To Binge The Residence
One of the first things audiences will notice when turning onThe Residenceis its fast pace. In typical Rhimes style,The Residencegets right into the action, building up a web of complex relationships and a compelling mystery, both of which slowly unravel over time. According toCBR’sreviewof the series, “Every single piece of The Residence appears to [have] been carefully choreographed, refined for momentum and triple-checked to strike a perfect balance.”
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Ultimately, it isThe Residence’squick camera movements and consistent pace that will make viewers want to binge this series in one or two sittings. It is not just the mystery that keeps audiences coming back, but the promise of unique relationships that will continue to grow and change over the course of eight episodes. To say the least,The Residencehas no interest in wasting audiences' time.
3Uzo Aduba Shines In The Residence
The Residence Has An Impressive Ensemble
Another bright spot ofThe Residenceis its lead actor, Uzo Aduba. In the role of Cordelia Cupp, Aduba is incredibly compelling, perfectly conveying the quirky detective stereotype.Many have compared her toKnives Out’sBenoit Blanc due to her distinctive personality, which includes a passion for bird watching.Collidersummarizes Aduba’s performance by saying, “Thanks to her quick wit, sharp comedic timing, outwardly tranquil demeanor, and occasional glimpses of vulnerability, the end result is a lead that might have run the risk of ending up gimmicky in different hands.”
Aduba is also joined by veteran actor, Giancarlo Esposito, in the role of murder victim, A.B. Wynter. Despite being dead at the start of the series,Esposito brings plenty of intrigue through flashback scenes, charming audiences just enough that solving his murder has a level of emotional necessity. Plus, his case becomes even more interesting asThe Reisdence’smassive castof suspects, all talented in their own right, come to light, from Kylie Minogue to Randall Park.
2The Residence Includes A Joyful, Fun Ambiance
The Residence Provides Much-Needed Levity To The Genre
One especially notable plus ofThe Residenceis its fun atmosphere. Although the series centers on a murder, which is inevitably dark, the show is able to include plenty of humor and levity.The Residenceincludes Rhimes' typical levels of camp and silliness. In fact,the show arguably hits the perfect balance between gripping mystery and addictively fun television.According toThe Guardian,“A spirit of uplifting generosity and joy infuses"The Residence,which isn’t always the case for crime or mystery television.
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The Residence’sdelightful world is part of what makes the series stand out from other shows of the genre. There is no shortage ofdark and disturbing murder mysteriesin the media landscape at the moment, butThe Residencecomes at it differently.Audiences are invited to get invested in the mystery, but are also given a wild rideof unique characters and light-hearted twists. It is exactly the kind of comedy drama that gives viewers something to think about while also allowing them to escape reality.
1The Residence Is A Well-Executed Whodunit
Fans Of Agatha Christie Will Enjoy This Series
At the end of the day,the thing that makesThe Residenceworth watching is its ability to construct a strong mystery.Whodunit stories are some of the oldest in the book, yetThe Residenceis able to feel fresh and satisfying. Although some twists and complications may feel extra to some, for others, these misdirections are exactly what they are looking for.NPRstates thatThe Residenceis “a properly executed whodunit, with all the pleasures that suggests.”
The Residencecan certainly find a place in the hearts of countless different viewers. Those who love Agatha Christie mysteries will definitely want to check this out.Audiences who are Rhimes fans may also find something to lovein this series. Overall,The Residenceis an addictive and well-made show that could be watched - and enjoyed - by just about anyone with a Netflix subscription.
