If you've been mourning the wait between seasons of Only Murders in the Building, Netflix has a delightful cure. Enter The Residence, an eight-episode mystery miniseries that swaps the Arconia for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It's a whip-smart blend of comedy and suspense that feels like Only Murders crashed a West Wing reunion—and the result is irresistible.
At the center of the chaos is Uzo Aduba, who leads a stellar cast as a detective tasked with solving a murder inside the White House. The series promises the same mix of quirky characters, twisty plotting, and laugh-out-loud moments that made Only Murders a phenomenon. But instead of podcast-obsessed true-crime fans, we get political staffers, Secret Service agents, and a residence full of secrets. It's a fresh setting that breathes new life into the whodunit formula.
Why The Residence Is the Perfect Only Murders Replacement
For starters, it understands that the best mysteries are powered by memorable characters. Aduba's detective is sharp, funny, and just flawed enough to be relatable. Surrounding her is an ensemble that includes plenty of familiar faces from both comedy and drama, ensuring every scene crackles. The show also nails the tonal balance that Only Murders perfected: it never takes itself too seriously, but it still delivers genuine tension and stakes.
Moreover, the eight-episode format is ideal for a binge. There's no filler here—each installment peels back another layer of the mystery while deepening our investment in the White House staff. It's the kind of tightly plotted storytelling that keeps you hitting "next episode" until suddenly it's 3 a.m. If you devoured Netflix's latest binge guide, you know the platform excels at these compact, addictive mysteries.
A Murder Mystery with a Political Twist
What sets The Residence apart from other cozy mysteries is its setting. The White House is a character in itself—a labyrinth of corridors, hidden rooms, and protocol. The murder isn't just a crime; it's a potential scandal that could rock the nation. That added layer of political intrigue gives the series a unique edge, reminiscent of classic thrillers but with a modern, comedic voice.
The show also cleverly satirizes Washington culture without becoming mean-spirited. The staffers are ambitious but hapless, the secrets are juicy, and the suspects are plentiful. It's a loving send-up of political dramas like The West Wing, but filtered through the lens of a comedic murder mystery. Think less Aaron Sorkin walk-and-talks and more "who hid the body in the Lincoln Bedroom?"
Uzo Aduba Leads a Standout Cast
Aduba is a revelation in the lead role. Known for her Emmy-winning work in Orange Is the New Black and Mrs. America, she brings warmth, wit, and a steely determination to the detective. She's the anchor that keeps the series grounded even as the plot spirals into delightful absurdity. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor getting moments to shine—and to look suspicious.
Fans of Only Murders will appreciate the show's affection for its characters. Even the potential killers are given depth and humor, making it hard to root against them. That's a hallmark of great mystery writing: you care about everyone, which makes the final reveal all the more satisfying.
Should You Watch The Residence?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of Only Murders in the Building, Knives Out, or any story that mixes laughs with lethal intrigue, this is a must-watch. The eight-episode miniseries is perfect for a weekend binge, and it's already generating buzz as one of Netflix's smartest original comedies this year. For more mystery recommendations, check out our list of top mystery movies since 2020.
With its sharp writing, stellar cast, and irresistible premise, The Residence proves that the murder-mystery genre is alive and well—and that Netflix is the perfect home for it. So cancel your plans, order in, and prepare to get hooked. The White House has never been this deadly or this funny.
