The White House has never been deadlier—or more intriguing. Netflix’s 2025 murder-mystery dramedy “The Residence” is packed with sneaky homages, shocking real-life inspirations, and clues so clever, even Sherlock Holmes would be impressed. Here’s what you overlooked in the show’s twisted game of whodunit.

1. Episode Titles Are a Murder Mystery Fan’s Dream

Each episode is a love letter to classic whodunits:

Episode 1: Named after Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher—fitting for Chief Usher AB Winter’s gruesome death.
Episode 3: Knives Out nod when a missing blade becomes key evidence.
Finale: References The Mystery of the Yellow Room—just like the crime scene’s eerie yellow oval room.

“I wanted fans to feel like they’re solving a puzzle,” says showrunner Paul William Davies.

2. A Presidential Cameo You Definitely Skipped

Alfred Hitchcock wasn’t the only director to sneak into his own work. Davies plays Calvin Coolidge in a blink-and-miss-it scene—while eating Bananas Foster, a dessert tied to the State Dinner’s doomed chef.

3. Real-Life White House Scandals = Plot Fuel

Jackie Kennedy’s rumored fake renovations? Used to dodge unwanted guests.
LBJ’s obsession with water pressure? Mirrored by President Morgan.
The Real Housewives of DC gatecrashing scandal? Recreated with socialites Valentina and Lorenzo Moda.

4. Detective Cordelia Cup’s Obsession (No, Not Murder—Birds!)

Her birdwatching quirk isn’t random: “Birds focus like detectives,” she says. Look closer: Bird motifs hide in wallpaper, clothing, and even murder clues.

5. The Oval Office Is Nowhere to Be Found

Unlike most White House dramas, the show avoids politics—and the Oval Office. “We wanted the staff’s secrets, not speeches,” Davies admits.

6. The Betty Ford Portrait Hints at Dark Secrets

When butler Sheila Cannon confesses to drinking, a portrait of Betty Ford—famous for her addiction advocacy—looms behind her. Coincidence? Absolutely not.

7. The Entire Show Is a Giant Clue Board

Secret passages? Check. Candlesticks as weapons? Check. Even the mansion’s layout mirrors the classic game’s nine rooms. “The White House is the ultimate murder mansion,” says Davies.

8. Agatha Christie & Sherlock Holmes Easter Eggs

A character reads The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
Murder on the Orient Express gets name-dropped.
“I don’t care if she’s Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes!” shouts a frantic suspect.

9. The Knives Out Connection You Didn’t Spot

That missing knife? A direct nod to Rian Johnson’s modern classic. Even the suspects’ over-the-top reactions feel ripped from Clue (1985).

10. The Biggest Clue Was Hidden in Plain Sight

Elsie fleeing with a candlestick? That’s your murder weapon—and a wink to Clue’s iconic arsenal.

“The Residence” isn’t just a show—it’s a scavenger hunt for crime fans. Miss these details? Time to rewatch!

Did you catch all 10? Drop your theories below—before the next victim falls. 🔍🩸