The Residence, Netflix’s upcoming White House whodunit, brings together a sprawling ensemble cast led by Uzo Aduba and Giancarlo Esposito. Set to premiere on 20 March 2025, the limited series follows a murder investigation that unfolds during a state dinner, with 132 rooms and 157 suspects. Here is the full cast list and character guide for the show.
As a Shondaland production, The Residence blends comedy and mystery in the tradition of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building. The story centres on the death of White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito, and the eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, who is tasked with solving the case.
With a mix of veteran television actors and fresh faces, the cast populates every corner of the executive mansion — from butlers and chefs to Secret Service agents and the President himself. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of who plays whom, what the series is about, and when you can watch it.
Who is in the cast of The Residence TV series?
Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp
Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter
Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney
Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan
The ensemble cast signals a comedic-dramatic tone, drawing actors from both genres. Uzo Aduba’s role as a detective marks a departure from her previous dramatic work, while Giancarlo Esposito continues his pattern of playing enigmatic, authoritative figures. The show capitalises on the current whodunit trend, mixing a large roster of suspects with a single location.
- The Residence is an ensemble-driven whodunit featuring a mix of renowned TV actors and rising stars.
- The casting suggests a blend of comedy and drama, with actors known for both genres.
- Uzo Aduba’s detective role is a notable shift from her Emmy‑winning part in Orange Is the New Black.
- Giancarlo Esposito brings the same intensity he displayed in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian.
- The show is a Netflix original mini‑series, joining the wave of recent whodunits like Glass Onion and Only Murders in the Building.
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Uzo Aduba | Cordelia Cupp | Consulting detective, MPD; birdwatching enthusiast |
| Giancarlo Esposito | A.B. Wynter | White House Chief Usher; murder victim |
| Randall Park | Edwin Park | FBI Special Agent |
| Molly Griggs | Lilly Schumacher | White House social secretary |
| Susan Kelechi Watson | Jasmine Haney | White House Assistant Usher |
| Jason Lee | Tripp Morgan | The President’s brother |
| Ken Marino | Harry Hollinger | President’s chief adviser |
| Edwina Findley | Sheila Cannon | White House butler |
| Bronson Pinchot | Didier Gotthard | Executive pastry chef |
| Kylie Minogue | Herself | Fictionalised version of the singer |
For the most authoritative source on the full cast, consult the Netflix Tudum – The Residence Cast Guide.
Who plays Cordelia Cupp and other key characters?
Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp
Uzo Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp, a consulting detective with the Metropolitan Police Department who leads the murder investigation. She is described as eccentric and highly capable, with a strong interest in birdwatching. Aduba is best known for her Emmy‑winning role in Orange Is the New Black and recently appeared in Painkiller. Her performance here is expected to bring both wit and sharp intuition.
Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter
Giancarlo Esposito plays A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher whose murder sets the plot in motion. Esposito, celebrated for roles in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and The Mandalorian, brings his signature gravitas to a character whose past is gradually revealed throughout the investigation.
Randall Park as Edwin Park
Randall Park portrays Edwin Park, an FBI Special Agent who works alongside Cordelia Cupp. Park is familiar from Fresh Off the Boat and the Marvel series WandaVision. His character is one of the few law‑enforcement figures who aids rather than hinders the detective.
Some sources spell the housekeeper character as Elsyie Chayle while others use Elysie Chayle. The official Netflix guide lists Julieth Restrepo in the role, but the exact spelling has not been standardised as of early 2025.
Who plays the President in The Residence?
The President of the United States in the series is Perry Morgan, played by Paul Fitzgerald. Jason Lee appears as Tripp Morgan, the President’s brother, but the President himself is a different character. Full confirmation of the presidential role can be found on IMDb – The Residence (2025) Full Cast.
Who plays the senator in The Residence?
The series features two senators: Senator Margery Bay Bix, played by Eliza Coupe, and Senator Aaron Filkins, played by Al Franken. These characters appear among the 157 suspects during the state dinner investigation.
Is The Residence available on Netflix and when does it premiere?
The Residence release date on Netflix
The Residence premieres on 20 March 2025 exclusively on Netflix. The platform announced the date in early 2025 alongside a teaser that highlighted the “132 rooms, 157 suspects” premise. It is a limited series, not an ongoing show.
Episode count and format
The exact number of episodes has not yet been confirmed by Netflix. The series is listed as a TV mini‑series, and early reports suggest a structure of six to eight episodes, each running approximately 45–60 minutes. Official episode titles and lengths are expected closer to the premiere.
All episodes of The Residence will stream on Netflix. Subscribers can add the show to their watchlist now. For the latest updates, check the Netflix Tudum page.
What is The Residence about?
Plot overview: A White House whodunit
The Residence is a fictional murder mystery set inside the White House during a state dinner. When chief usher A.B. Wynter is found dead, detective Cordelia Cupp must navigate a labyrinth of secrets among the staff, guests, and political operatives. The series promises a locked‑room puzzle with 132 rooms and 157 potential suspects.
Creative team
The series was created by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland, the production company behind hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton. The tone blends comedy and drama, aiming for a feel similar to The West Wing meeting Knives Out.
Is The Residence a true story?
No. The Residence is entirely fictional. It was inspired by the book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower, but the murder plot and characters are invented.
Filming locations have not been officially confirmed. It is likely that interior scenes were shot on soundstages in the United States, but no production notes have been released as of early 2025.
When is The Residence set to premiere and what is the production timeline?
- 2022: Initial concept and development reported; early cast speculation on forums.
- 2024: Filming begins and official cast announcements are made.
- March 2025: Netflix Tudum publishes a cast guide with photos and character descriptions.
- 20 March 2025: The series debuts on Netflix.
Sources for this timeline include Wikipedia – The Residence (TV series) and Rotten Tomatoes – The Residence Cast & Crew.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about The Residence?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Edwina Findley, Randall Park, Molly Griggs are confirmed cast members. | Exact premiere date (only ‘2025’ was known before the 20 March announcement; now confirmed). |
| The show is a Netflix mini‑series releasing on 20 March 2025. | Number of episodes has not been officially announced. |
| Creator is Paul William Davies; Shondaland produces. | Full character descriptions for some supporting roles (e.g., the senator’s exact role). |
| The plot is a fictional whodunit, not based on true events. | Whether the show will have multiple seasons (currently listed as a mini‑series). |
What is the context and creative background of The Residence?
The Residence taps into the popular whodunit genre while setting its story inside the White House, a location rarely used for comedy‑mystery. The casting choices suggest a diverse, veteran ensemble that appeals to both drama and comedy audiences. The show’s success may hinge on the chemistry between Aduba and Esposito, whose characters are at the centre of the investigation.
Shondaland’s involvement indicates a polished, high‑production‑value series with a strong narrative hook. The teaser’s emphasis on “132 rooms, 157 suspects” leans into the puzzle‑box format that has proven successful in recent streaming hits.
Where can I find the official cast list and verify the information?
“The Residence is a Netflix limited comedy‑mystery series set in the White House, centred on a murder investigation during a state dinner.”
— Netflix Tudum
“Uzo Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp, a consulting detective with the Metropolitan Police Department; the central investigator in the murder case.”
— IMDb cast listing
For the most reliable and up‑to‑date information, the official sources are:
- Netflix Tudum – The Residence Cast Guide
- IMDb – The Residence (2025) Full Cast
- Wikipedia – The Residence (TV series)
- Rotten Tomatoes – The Residence Cast & Crew
What is the bottom line on The Residence cast?
The Residence brings together a strong ensemble cast led by Uzo Aduba and Giancarlo Esposito, supported by familiar faces such as Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Jason Lee. With a premiere date of 20 March 2025 on Netflix, the series promises a fresh take on the whodunit formula set against the unique backdrop of the White House. For a deeper dive into the individual performances, see our Best Netflix whodunits and thrillers in 2025 guide. And for more on the star of the show, read our profile on Uzo Aduba: Career highlights and upcoming roles.
Frequently asked questions about The Residence cast
Is The Residence a true story?
No, The Residence is a fictional whodunit set in the White House, not based on real events.
Where was The Residence filmed?
Filming locations have not been officially confirmed, but likely soundstages in the United States.
How many seasons of The Residence are planned?
The series is described as a mini‑series, so it is expected to be a single limited season.
Who created The Residence?
The series was created by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland.
How many episodes does The Residence have?
The official episode count has not been announced, but early reports suggest six to eight episodes.
Don’t miss this
