Netflix had its own version ofOnly Murders in the Building, and it’s one of the best shows of the year you haven’t heard about. There are plenty of mystery shows across the numerous streaming services, but it’s rare to come by something that has the whimsy and humor ofOnly Murders in the Building’sfour seasons.
Only Murders in the Buildingseason 5is a month away, and it’s worth exploring other shows in the meantime. Netflix’s TV library includes recent additions likeSirens,Wednesday, andDept. Q, which may appeal to fans of a good mystery, but the show that lines up most with its tone isThe Residence.
The Residence Is Netflix’s Fantastic Only Murders In The Building Replacement
Much likeOnly Murders in the Building’sThe Arconia, the Netflix original show,The Residence, the murder and subsequent investigation transpire almost entirely in one building: the White House. Yes, that’s the same White House that hosts the President of the United States. No, the series isn’t based on current US politics, or really politics at all.
This fictionalized version of the White House is utilized inThe Residenceto establish a vibrant, storied setting to pack with quirky characters. Most important of all is Cordelia Cupp, played by the delightful Uzo Aduba, a detective who’s also a birder, and who’s almost more interested in spotting birds on the White House grounds than finding the killer.
For those who really love mysteries,The Residencefeels like the closest thing to an Agatha Christie novel that’s been released in recent years. The show balances even more characters and potential suspects than a season ofOnly Murders in the Building, and matches it in its cultural references and broadly appealing humor.
The Residence Received Critical & Award Acclaim
Although it’s not the highest-scoring series of the year,The Residencedeserves credit for its 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series also received some appreciation from the Emmys, with Uzo Aduba earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.
The show wasn’t the Emmy juggernaut thatOnly Murders in the Buildinghas become, but the fact that Aduba was nominated in a stacked category is telling of how excellent her performance was. This puts her against heavyweights like Ayo Edebiri, Kristen Bell, Quinta Brunson, and Jean Smart.
The Residence’s Cancellation Doesn’t Ruin The Show
So, here’s the catch. The biggest downside ofThe Residenceis that it’s already been canceled. The bright side of the downside is thatThe Residencedoesn’t need any more seasons.
UnlikeOnly Murders in the Building, which carries stories and mysteries over between seasons,The Residence’sfirst and only season is a complete narrative in and of itself. It’s an incredibly satisfying mystery and a must-watch for a weekend mystery binge.
