Hey there, mystery fans! If you’re hooked on Netflix’s latest hit, The Residence, you’re probably wondering where this White House whodunit came to life. I have the insider information for you, and I assure you, it’s as captivating as the show itself. Created by Paul William Davies and brought to us by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, this series mixes sharp humor with a juicy murder plot—all set against the backdrop of a chaotic state dinner. Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, this series takes viewers on a thrilling journey through power plays and hidden secrets. And guess what? My site, NetFilming, is here to spill all the filming details you need to know!
So, where did they shoot this gem? Spoiler alert: it’s not the real White House. Let’s dive into the locations that made The Residence a visual treat and uncover how the team pulled it off despite some major hiccups along the way.
Where was Netflix’s The Residence Filmed?
Netflix’s The Residence was filmed entirely in Los Angeles, California, not Washington, D.C. The production used Raleigh Studios for detailed White House sets and tapped iconic LA spots like the John Sowden House and Pacific Design Center to bring the mystery to life.
Los Angeles: The Real Star of the Show
You might think a show set in the White House would film in Washington, D.C., but nope! The Residence was entirely shot in Los Angeles, California. Why LA? It’s got the studios, the talent, and the flexibility to recreate any setting—perfect for a series needing that iconic White House vibe without stepping foot in the capital. The production leaned hard on LA’s resources, building detailed sets and tapping into famous landmarks to bring the story to life.
Filming began on April 14, 2023, but was halted due to labor disputes in Hollywood. At that point, they’d already finished four of the eight episodes. After a long wait, the crew got back to work in February 2024 and wrapped up the final scenes by May 16, 2024. Even with these delays, the team stayed true to their vision, delivering a show that feels authentic and gripping.
Fun fact: during its early days, the project went by the code name Falcon. Cool, right?
Raleigh Studios: Crafting the White House Magic
A huge chunk of The Residence was filmed at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles. This spot is a go-to for big productions, and for good reason. The team built stunning White House-inspired sets here, nailing every detail from grand hallways to cozy staff quarters. Working in a studio gave them total control—think perfect lighting, smooth camera moves, and no unexpected interruptions. It’s how they made sure every scene popped with that presidential flair the story demands.
But it wasn’t just about the sets. Raleigh Studios allowed them to make adjustments quickly, ensuring a tight and efficient production. If you’re into behind-the-scenes trivia, this is where the magic happened—turning a blank space into the heart of American power.
LA Landmarks That Stole the Scene
The production didn’t stop at studio walls—they sprinkled in some iconic Los Angeles spots too. Take the John Sowden House at 5121 Franklin Avenue. This place, with its bold Mayan Revival style, added a unique historic vibe to the show. Its quirky architecture influenced some interior designs, giving The Residence a fresh visual edge you won’t find in your typical political drama.
Then there’s the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. This modern complex, known for its sleek design and massive spaces, was perfect for recreating government-style interiors. The team adapted its layout for key scenes, blending on-location shots with studio work seamlessly. It’s this kind of versatility that makes LA such a powerhouse for filming.
A Nod to Atlanta’s High Museum of Art
Here’s a fun twist: while no filming happened outside LA, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia (1280 Peachtree Street Northeast), played a small role. Its standout architecture inspired some of the set designs back in California. The team didn’t shoot there, but they borrowed its vibe to amp up the White House recreations. It’s a smart move that shows how much thought went into making every frame feel real.
Why Los Angeles Works for Political Dramas
Los Angeles isn’t new to playing Washington, D.C. on screen. Shows like The West Wing and House of Cards, plus movies like Argo and All the President’s Men, have all used LA’s diverse locations and top-tier studios to mimic the capital. The city boasts a wealth of resources, including historic buildings, contemporary spaces, and soundstages capable of transforming into any desired setting. For The Residence, this meant blending real-world spots with custom sets to create a White House that’s both believable and packed with personality.
Netflix’s The Residence Plot Summary
The story kicks off during a chaotic state dinner when the Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter (played by the awesome Giancarlo Esposito), turns up dead. Enter Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), an eccentric detective with a thing for birds, who’s tasked with cracking the case in a mansion boasting 132 rooms and 157 suspects.
The plot unfolds through a blend of contemporary congressional hearings and captivating flashbacks, revealing layers of secrets within the White House staff and the president’s family. You’ve got power-hungry aides, a rebellious First Brother, Tripp Morgan (Jason Lee), and even a cameo from Kylie Minogue to spice things up. Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book, it’s packed with dark humor and classic mystery vibes—think Knives Out meets D.C. drama. Every episode, titled after famous mysteries like Dial M for Murder, keeps you guessing. It’s not just about who did it—it’s about the lies, ambition, and chaos behind those famous walls. Have you binged it yet? What’s your favorite twist?
What Makes The Residence Stand Out?
Beyond the locations, the show hooks you with its stellar cast—Uzo Aduba as the quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, Giancarlo Esposito as the doomed Chief Usher, and even a cameo from Kylie Minogue! It’s got dark humor, juicy drama, and a mystery that keeps you guessing across all eight episodes. The LA filming only adds to the charm, proving you don’t need the real White House to tell a killer story.
The Residence Official Trailer
So, next time you’re binging, you’ll know exactly where the action really went down. What do you think—ready to rewatch with this new perspective? Let me know!
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