There are numerous mystery genre titles available inNetflix’s TV library, but it can still be challenging to come by one that fulfills the tone and aesthetic audiences are looking for.Sirensembraces a character-focused blend of comedy and drama, satisfying a vibe similar to HBO’sThe White Lotus, although it doesn’t employ the same whodunit formula, as its ending revealed that Michaela ultimately isn’t a murderer or cult leader.Sirensis ripe with plot twists of its own, butfor those looking for a satisfying mystery,The Residenceis the best new option.
The Residence Is Netflix’s Best Mystery Since Glass Onion
The Residence Is Knives Out In TV Form
Knives Outand its Netflix-released sequel,Glass Onion,are among the most popular titles in contemporary mystery media, offering audiencesthe perfect mix of a compelling whodunit, an ensemble cast of recognizable actors, and witty writing packed with pop culture references. Netflix’sThe Residencefollows this formula to a tee, involving all of these elements in a long-form narrative, allowing the viewer to truly invest in its characters and the ongoing mystery.
The Residenceis one of the most satisfying whodunits available on television right now, withfast-paced entertainment, a vibrant cast of characters, and humor for everyone to enjoy. The mystery is set in the White House, with a murder occurring during a state dinner hosted by a fictional US President and an Australian Prime Minister. After the killing happens and eccentric Detective Cordelia Cupp arrives on the scene, the entire dinner party, as well as numerous suspicious White House staff members, are held overnight for questioning.
The Residence’scast is led by outstanding actors like Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Randall Park (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Al Franken (Saturday Night Live), Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl), and more.The show premiered in March 2025 with an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes. As of now,The Residenceseason 2hasn’t been announced, but it’s certainly possible, although season 1 stands on its own as a completed story for audiences to enjoy right now.
The Residence Offers A More Satisfying Mystery Than Sirens
The Residence Is More Focused On Plot Than Themes
Sirensis a fun series with an unbelievable cast contributing enjoyable performances, but it sets up a mystery premise then pivots into a different direction. Of course, the show is described as dark comedy, not a mystery, but part of the early episodes' intrigue are the curiosities surrounding the characters and the strange island setting.
The Residenceoffers the promise of a classic whodunit, akin to an Agatha Christie novel or aKnives Outfilm, transforming the White House into a game of Clue with various suspects, red herrings, and plot twists to uncover.
By the end, it’s a much more thematic and character-oriented story. To some viewers, who might have been hoping for a more devious plot, the vague nature of its ending was more dissatisfying.The Residenceoffers the promise of a classic whodunit, akin to an Agatha Christie novel or aKnives Outfilm, transforming the White House into a game of Clue with various suspects, red herrings, and plot twists to uncover.
84%
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Between each episode,viewers can stop to consider all the factors, trying to play detective themselves to figure out who the killer is.Sirensmight be an outstanding prestige show, but for audiences looking for a quintessential mystery series to watch next, look no further thanThe Residence.
