If you’re looking for a new murder mystery series, The Residence is certainly the place to turn. This TV miniseries is now available to binge in full on Netflix.
Of course, when it comes to a binge-watch, it means you either need plenty of child-free time, or you need to make sure it’s suitable for the kids to watch. What about this series? Is it something that you can put on with the kids in the background?
At face value, The Residence appears to be an Agatha Christie-inspired series. It’s a little darker and more adult than that, though. While we follow Cordelia Cupp on her murder investigation at the White House, we learn all about the interpersonal conflicts of the 157 people who reside there.
The Residence age rating: Explaining the TV-MA rating
This new series is officially rated TV-MA, and the language has a lot to do with it. This series does not hold back, showing what Shonda Rhimes’ other shows like Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away With Murder, and Scandal could have been like. There’s also a little bit of gore and some sex to make a note of, which could make the series a little too uncomfortable for younger children.
Sex & nudity: There is a flashback scene where we see a couple up against a tree having sex. They are fully clothed, so it leaves a lot to the imagination, but it’s not hard to tell what they are supposed to be doing.
There is a running theme of a detective consistently sharing that they weren’t watching “a porno.” This could lead to some discussions of what a porno is, although the movie itself that people keep referring to isn’t shown.
Violence & gore: There’s a scene where we see a man with his wrists slit. The camera doesn’t stay on it for too long, which does help to keep the idea that this is more Agatha Christie-inspired rather than Criminal Minds-inspired.
Language: This is where children may start to feel uncomfortable, and why you as a parent may not want your children watching the series. There is a lot of swearing throughout the series, with some F-bombs dropped. The F-bomb is the worst of the words used.
Alcohol & drugs: There is some drinking during the series. This is at the White House and the murder happened during a state dinner. Of course, there was some drinking involved at the time. It’s not shown in a gratuitous way, though.
Overall verdict: Is The Residence appropriate for children?
Overall, this is a series not made for children in mind. Teens may be all right watching it, depending on the level of profanity you’re willing to have them exposed to, but it’s not really a series that is made for them in mind. I wouldn’t have younger children exposed to the series, and they would probably get bored during the first 15 minutes or so, anyway.
Fans of Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder are likely to enjoy it. If your teens watch either of those two shows on streaming, you’ll probably want to sit with them and check it out. It is a little heavier in terms of nudity and profanity, but I swear, kids have heard a lot worse on the playground now!
The Residence is now available to stream on Netflix.