Uzo Aduba and Randall Park star in “The Residence”
Cover Story
By Dana Simpson Shonda Rhimes
is back in the White House.
After the success of her hit political drama “Scandal” and her stately English period romance series “Bridgerton,” Shonda Rhimes and her prolific team are tackling a new project — and this one is taking some cues from famed mystery author Agatha Christie. “The Residence,” a new, eight-episode lockedroom murder mystery set in the White House, premieres Thursday, March 20, on Netflix. While the series falls neatly under the Shondaland banner, which also includes the two aforementioned series as well as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19,” “Inventing Anna” and more, “The Residence” is created and helmed by “Scandal” staff writer and “For the People” creator Paul William Davies. Excited for the release of his new series starring Uzo
Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”), Davies told Netflix’s news site, Tudum, that “’The Residence’ is honestly a lot of things. It’s funny, it’s suspenseful, it’s clever, it’s totally farcical in places, it’s genuinely romantic in others.” Regarding the series’ plot and overall vibe, “The Residence” channels the Christie-era murder mystery and its recent descendants, such as Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” (2019) and “Glass Onion” (2022) films, as well as the Hulu/Disney+ sensation “Only Murders in the Building.”
Insofar as the official logline is concerned, Shondaland and Netflix have offered the following description: “132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous state dinner. ‘The Residence’ is a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic
staff of the world’s most famous mansion.”
Aduba shines in the lead role as consulting detective Cordelia Cupp, who is as awkward as she is intelligent — which is to say, very. Referred to by Netflix as “the most sought-after investigator in the world,” Cupp is “known for her unexpected humor, relentless pursuit of truth and sharp eye for human behavior.” It bears noting that Cupp is also an avid birder, demonstrating unmatched patience to accompany her keen attention to detail.
Joining the “Mrs. America” actress on screen is, as Aduba puts it, “an amazing group of phenomenally talented, good, good, good human beings who are generous, thoughtful, fun, gifted, talented [and] just awesome.
“It was straight jams every day with our cast,” Aduba later added. “We loved coming to work every day.”
Det. Cordelia Cupp solves a White House murder in “The Residence,” premiering Thursday, March 20, on Netflix.
Hail to the chief inspector: Uzo Aduba stars in Shondaland White House mystery series
More specifically, Aduba shares her screen time with “Fresh Off the Boat” and “WandaVision’s” Randall Park, who plays skeptical FBI agent Edwin Park. Agent Park is assigned to work the state dinner alongside Cupp, but does not exactly jive with her methods. All told, however, the pair’s conflicting views work wonders to balance each other’s biases throughout the series. Additionally, potential viewers learned very early in the show’s marketing that Giancarlo Esposito’s (“Breaking Bad”) character, White House chief usher A.B. Wynter, is the reason for the plot. The victim whose death kickstarts the series, the role was originally tied to “Brooklyn NineNine” actor Andre Braugher, but was recast following the actor’s sudden death in December 2023 (the series has been in production since 2022 and was postponed due to the industry strike).
What’s Available NOW On
“Anora” (March 17)
Anora (Mikey Madison), a young woman from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch (Mark Eydelshteyn). Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan also star.
“Good American Family” (March 19)
Told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias and trauma, this compelling drama is inspired by the disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. As they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, mysteries surrounding her age and background begin to arise, leading the family to believe she may not be who she says she is. Mark Duplass and Ellen Pompeo star.
“Ol’
“O’Dessa” (March 20)
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows the titular O’Dessa (Sadie Sink), an ordinary farm girl. Embarking on an epic quest to recover a precious family heirloom, O’Dessa’s journey leads her to a dangerous city, where she must use the power of destiny and song to save her true love’s soul.
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures”Season 2, Part 2 (March 19)
Set during the High Republic era, this computer-animated Disney Junior series follows a group of Jedi younglings as they are sent by Master Yoda (Piotr Michael) to train at a Jedi temple on Tenoo, where they study the ways of the Force.
“Animals, They’re Just Like Us!”Season 1 (March 22) Peek inside the lives of penguins, giraffes, chimps, and other animals that behave a whole lot like humans. Touch down on all seven continents around the world to see why these wild creatures compete, co-operate, love, and grieve just like we do. From dolphins creating names to flamingos wearing makeup and monkeys that floss to sharks that visit the dentist, the animal kingdom is surprisingly similar to our own!
“Tyler Perry’s Duplicity” (March 20) In the newest presentation from creative powerhouse Tyler Perry, this crime drama film stars high-powered attorney Marley (Kat Graham), whose days are packed with unraveling other people’s complicated problems. Now, Marley takes on a case that is much closer to home as she investigates the shooting of her best friend Fela’s (Meagan Tandy) husband (Joshua Adeyeye).
“Life Below Zero”Season 23 (March 19)
As winter tightens its grip, remote Alaskans battle the Arctic’s brutal conditions. New faces and familiar ones must develop skills, confront inner demons, and endure until spring. These Alaskans carve out their legacies in unforgiving landscapes, proving that even in the harshest conditions, thriving is possible.
“Malawi Wildlife Rescue” - Season 2 (Available Now)
Dr. Amanda Salb and her talented team of veterinarians are back, with plenty more animals to save.
Focused on the only animal rescue center operating in Malawi
— a landlocked country in East Africa, home to the likes of elephants, buffaloes, bats, and big cats — this six episode season sees the center’s dedicated team take on a new slate of orphaned, abandoned and injured animals, each looking for the very specific care and rehabilitation offered by the center’s specialists.
“Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal” (Available Now) Comedian Iliza Shlesinger debuts on Prime Video with a no-holds-barred, explosive and relentlessly funny hour-long special. From shower sex, ugly wives and the ideal man to the truth about the one thing no woman wants, nothing in this special is off limits. The show was taped at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.
“The Wheel of Time”Season 3 (Available now) With new episodes airing weekly, the adventure continues as the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear (Natasha O’Keefe), whose relationship with Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), The Dragon Reborn, will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both.
“Inside”Season 2 (March 17) Content creators take on a series of challenges to win a huge cash prize in this reality series from viral British YouTubers, the Sidemen.
“Twister: Caught in the Storm” (March 19)
In May 2011, the town of Joplin, Missouri, was hit by a rare EF-5 monster tornado. As local high school seniors collect their diplomas at graduation and look towards their futures, it soon seems like the world could be ending instead as they find themselves right in the eye of the storm.
“Ghost World” (Available Now) The story of neo-cool Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) who, faced with graduation from high school, take a hard look at the world they wryly observe and decide what they really want. When Enid takes an interest in the offbeat Seymour (Steve Buscemi) and Rebecca focuses her attention on their mutual romantic fixation Josh (Brad Renfro), the girls’ friendship is forever changed.
guy around, and he’s recounting his blessings in this latest stand-up special.
King” (March 20) In this animated youth series, a young commoner comes of age and learns he’s the last of a long line of Werewolves — and heir to the throne — in an epic fantasy adventure.
“Side Quest” - Season 1 (Apple TV+ — March 26, Series Premiere)
An expansion of “Mythic Quest,” this spinoff explores the lives of employees, players and fans who are impacted by the game in an anthology format. The series stars Rob McElhenney, Anna Konkle, Derek Waters, William Stanford Davis, Bria Henderson, Rome Flynn, Leonard Robinson, Gary Kraus, Annamarie Kasper, Esai Morales and Shalita Grant.
“Bert Kreischer: Lucky” (March 18) Losing 45 pounds, getting parenting advice from Snoop Dogg… Bert Kreischer knows he’s the luckiest
“Wolf
Louis Landau, Nina Barker-Francis, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Paterson Joseph, Ceallach Spellman, Colin Ryan and Kim Adis voice star.
Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” (March 20) The definitive documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, this film explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him. It features access to his closest friends and family, including Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s wife Icelene Jones, his son Bar-Sun Jones, his parents, recording industry executives, and more.
Sports Zone
10:30
p.m. TBS 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live)
6 p.m. ESPN 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round.
1 p.m. FS1 IndyCar Racing The Thermal Club Indycar Grand Prix, Practice. (Live) GOLF PGA Tour Golf Valspar Championship, Third Round. (Live) SNY MLB Baseball Washington Nationals at New York Mets. (Live) WGRZ-2 WICU-12 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Sun Valley - Men’s and Women’s Downhill. (Live) WKBW-7 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live)
2 p.m. ESPN 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live) FS1 Horse Racing America’s Day at the Races. (Live) 2:30 p.m. WIVB-4 WSEE-35 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Second Round. (Live)
3 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 PGA Tour Golf Valspar Championship, Third Round. (Live) WKBW-7 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live) WNYW-5 WUTV-29 PBA Bowling World Series of Bowling XVI, World Championship. (Live) 3:30 p.m. ESPN2 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live)
4 p.m. ESPN 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First Round. (Live) WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Homestead-Miami. (Live)
5 p.m. FS1 IndyCar Racing The Thermal Club Indycar Grand Prix, Qualifying. (Live) GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf Hoag Classic, Second Round. (Live) WIVB-4 WSEE-35 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Second Round. (Live) 5:30 p.m.
“Bosch: Legacy” - Season 3 (Prime Video — March 27, Season Premiere)
The third and final season of this crime drama, based on the works of author Michael Connelly, stars Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch, Madison Lintz as Maddie Bosch and Mimi Rogers as Honey Chandler. This season — based on the novels “Desert Star” (2022) and “The Black Ice” (1993) — explores the murder investigation of Kurt Dockweiler, which brings dangerous secrets to light.
Screen Time - Week of March 16 - 22, 2025
Peace, tranquility and murder — who doesn’t love a good vacation? Season 3 of this hit anthology series continues, following the exploits of the guests and employees who work and stay at The White Lotus’ Thai resort over the span of a week. When gunshots ring out, however, everything changes. Starring Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola and more, “The White Lotus” continues with a brand-new episode this Sunday, March 16, on HBO. Find a trailer and more available at hbo. com/the-white-lotus
Expect to see the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar and more as this annual event returns for its 12th year, celebrating the musicians and songs most played on iHeartRadio platforms throughout 2024. From icons, to innovators, to world-changing tours, artists are recognized for their achievements during the 2025 “iHeartRadio Music Awards,” airing live from Los Angeles, this Monday, March 17, on Fox. A full list of nominations can be found online, at iheart.com/content/ 2025-01-21-2025-iheartradio-music-awards-see-the-full-list-ofnominees/
BY JAY BOBBIN
‘Say Anything ...’ still speaks loudly
Teen-themed movies surely were plentiful during the 1980s, but “Say Anything ...” had a lot on its mind beyond the traditional humor of the genre. Currently streaming on Hulu, the 1989 comedy-drama written and directed by Cameron Crowe (“Jerry Maguire”) sees unconventional new high-school graduate Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack, in a part that guaranteed him many more lovable-outsider roles) set out to win to heart of the valedictorian of his class, the brilliant but insecure Diane Court (a beguiling Ione Skye).
She’s uncertain she wants a new romance, not only because of Lloyd’s quirks, but also because she’s set on pursuing an educational fellowship that soon will take her overseas. Diane’s father (“Frasier’s” John Mahoney, just excellent here) doesn’t want anything getting in the way of her planned path, but that isn’t guaranteed as her relationship with the devoted Lloyd quickly progresses. A boom box and the Peter Gabriel song “In Your Eyes” are major parts of an iconic scene; the overall music score is by Heart’s Nancy Wilson, who was married to Crowe at the time.
“The Munsters” (Cozi TV, Mondays through Fridays): This comedy and “The Addams Family” were unofficial television rivals in the mid-1960s, both spoofing famous horror characters by depicting the humorous family lives of such figures. Here, towering Fred Gwynne satirizes Frankenstein’s monster as Herman Munster, whose wife Lily (Yvonne De Carlo) is a
erley Owen initially, then Pat Priest), the most “normal” member of the family.
John Cusack stars in “Say Anything...” classic
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BY STAFF WRITERS
Questions:
1) How many teams of two were featured at the start of the current (37th) season of “The Amazing Race”?
2) What CNN travel and food show won 12 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award?
3) Jules Vernes’ “Around the World in 80 Days” has inspired several TV series over the years. Who played Phileas Fogg in the 1989 miniseries?
4) Which series chronicles the adventures of Josh Gates as he investigates historical mysteries?
5) “Travels in Europe with Rick Steves” or “Rick Steves’ Europe” — which PBS travel series aired first?
6) Which series showed Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman running into some difficulty on Siberia’s Road of Bones?
7) Prime Video’s “007: Road to a Million” sends contestants on a global adventure filled with Bond-inspired challenges. Who is the host?
8) What show follows chef Gordon Ramsay as he travels the world to showcase different foods and cooking techniques?
9) Which travel news journalist is the host of “The Travel Detective”?
