Murder Mystery Unfolds in Netflix’s The Residence

Date: March 20, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA — Netflix’s new series, “The Residence,” premiered with a captivating murder mystery set in the iconic White House, drawing in viewers with its blend of humor and intrigue. The show follows detective Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, as she navigates through a cast of colorful characters while investigating the suspicious death of chief usher A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito.

At the series’ heart is the White House itself, presented in a way that showcases its grandeur and hidden secrets. According to production designer François Audouy, the aim was to create a version of the White House that audiences had never seen before, aligning with the show’s eccentric tone. “The Residence wasn’t just about re-creating the White House,” Audouy said in an interview. “It was about showing audiences a version of the White House that they’d never seen before.”

The meticulous detail in the set construction reflects a commitment to authenticity. Filming took place at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, where the team built the largest recreation of the White House ever attempted, according to Audouy. “We ended up building pretty much the entire executive mansion from the third floor all the way down to the basement,” he explained. The set included 132 rooms spanning seven soundstages, featuring authentic colors, furnishings, and decor elements.

“The first episode opens with a tour through various rooms in the White House, set against an atmospheric backdrop of thunder, pulling viewers into the story,” said series creator Paul William Davies. The production incorporates unique “dollhouse shots,” where the camera pulls out through walls, illustrating the mansion’s intricate layout and connecting the story’s many moving parts. This design choice enables viewers to understand the relations between rooms as the murder mystery unfolds.

Davies emphasized the importance of visual storytelling in helping audiences grasp the complex layout of the historic residence. “It was really important for this show to really understand the house,” he noted. Through its precise floor plans, viewers can track the characters’ movements and the progression of the investigation following A.B. Wynter’s untimely demise.

The series also features the domestic side of life in the White House, exploring the fictional Morgan administration and revealing the often-unseen personal life of the President, portrayed by Paul Fitzgerald. Audouy designed President Morgan’s quarters with a vibrant color palette, aiming to deviate from the muted tones typically associated with the actual residence. “I was so surprised by how boring the real third floor is,” he remarked, adding that his design choices inject new life into the otherwise beige reality of the White House.

As audiences dive deeper into the mystery, they encounter an abundant array of potential suspects, ranging from the ambitious social secretary to the eccentric chefs and family members entwined with the Morgans. Each character is laden with secrets, adding to the intrigue while Cordelia uses her skills as a detective to unscramble the truth.

Davies shared that the complex interactions among this ensemble cast create a compelling narrative. “The show is more fun if it feels specific that way,” he stated, underscoring that the layout of the White House is integral to the story itself.

Overall, “The Residence” promises an entertaining blend of character-driven humor and suspense, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of those who operate within the walls of one of the most famous residences in the world. As viewers settle into this new whodunit, they can expect a mix of mystery, drama, and the unique charm that comes with a Shondaland production.