Shondaland’s latest murder mystery series, “The Residence,” has drawn comparisons to Rian Johnson’s film “Knives Out.” Showrunner Paul William Davies revealed that “Knives Out” was a significant influence on the show, as it revitalized the genre by playing with the conventions of classic whodunits from the 1970s.
“The Residence,” now available for streaming on Netflix, features Uzo Aduba as the quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who must solve a murder that occurs during a White House state dinner. The show’s ensemble cast, including Susan Kelechi Watson, Randall Park, and Ken Marino, draws inspiration from classic murder mystery ensembles like “Death on the Nile” and “Murder on the Orient Express,” as well as comedies like “Clue” and “The Last of Sheila.” The show also incorporates elements of sitcoms like “Fawlty Towers” and plays like “Noises Off” for a touch of theatricality and farce.
One of the surprising appearances in “The Residence” is comedian and former senator Al Franken playing a fictional politician, along with pop icon Kylie Minogue portraying herself. Executive producer Betsy Beers shared the excitement of having Minogue on board, as she was a fan favorite among the team.
To secure Minogue’s involvement, Davies reached out to her directly, and she was immediately drawn to the project. Minogue even performed her hit song “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” in the show, much to Davies’ delight.
The premiere of “The Residence” was also a tribute to the late Andre Braugher, who originally played a role in the series but was replaced by Giancarlo Esposito after Braugher’s passing. Esposito honored Braugher’s memory by infusing his performance with Braugher’s spirit and legacy.
As the cast and crew celebrated the premiere, they paid homage to Braugher and celebrated the show’s success. With a star-studded lineup and a captivating murder mystery plot, “The Residence” promises to keep audiences entertained and guessing until the very end.
