I’m Still Bummed That Will Trent Killed Off Susan Kelechi Watson’s Character So Quickly, But Her ‘Over The Top’ New Show Sounds Fabulous

Susan Kelechi Watson played a significant role on “This Is Us” throughout its six-season run until it ended in 2022. Her next major TV appearance was as a bomb expert named Cricket on “Will Trent” in early 2024, but sadly, her character was killed off at the end of her debut episode. I was disappointed that “Will Trent” wouldn’t have Watson regularly. However, I’m thrilled about her upcoming Netflix show, which is scheduled for release in the 2025 TV lineup! Her recent comments to TopMob make me excited for an extraordinary cast on Shondaland’s new series, “The Residence“. I can’t wait to watch it!

In March among Netflix’s 2025 release schedule, “The Residence” will make its debut to viewers who subscribe to Netflix. This upcoming whodunnit series takes place within the White House, where the murder of one person has left a trail of 157 potential suspects. With 132 rooms and an unconventional detective portrayed by Uzo Aduba from “Orange is the New Black,” mystery enthusiasts might find themselves eagerly binging this series.

Notably, this show boasts an impressive lineup of both big and small screen actors, such as Uzo Aduba from “Orange is the New Black”, Jason Lee known for “My Name is Earl”, Giancarlo Esposito who shone in “Breaking Bad”, Randall Park from “Fresh Off the Boat”, as well as Susan Kelechi Watson. During SCAD TVfest in Atlanta, I had the chance to chat with Susan and couldn’t help but ask her about the rest of the talented cast.

She mentioned that there were some individuals who would likely attend the event when she secured her position as White House Assistant Usher Jasmine Haney, as Watson continued.

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm when I learned that Uzo Aduba would be playing the detective in this project. The moment the casting was announced, I thought, “What a brilliant choice!” Picturing the role on paper and then visualizing Uzo embodying it made me even more thrilled. The way they’ve been selecting talents for this production is simply outstanding. I adore Ken Marino; he’s hilarious. Bronson Pinchot, too – smart casting decisions indeed. Jason Lee and many others have also joined the cast. And let’s not forget about Molly Griggs, a fresh face who will surely impress you. You’ll find yourself saying, “Wow, they’re amazing!” Adding stars like Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito to the mix makes it all the more impressive. Being part of this project has been an absolute joy!

Initially, Andre Braugher was intended to portray White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter in the show “The Residence“, but unfortunately, he passed away at 61 due to lung cancer. Later, Giancarlo Esposito stepped into the role that was once held by the late acting legend. The series doesn’t premiere until March 20, so fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the ensemble cast in action beyond the trailer.

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but express my excitement ahead of the premiere! When asked about the shift from network TV shows like NBC’s “This Is Us” and ABC’s “Will Trent,” after six seasons and a brief stint respectively, Susan Kelechi Watson gracefully shared her thoughts:

“Shooting for a streaming show like ‘The Residence’ indeed feels unique compared to my past experiences with network TV. It offers a different pace and creative freedom that I’m truly enjoying.

It might seem like we produced two seasons due to their duration, but the truth is, it took us two years to complete them. The production was interrupted by a strike, followed by Andre’s transition which necessitated reshooting. With all the challenges this show has faced, it feels as though I’ve been away from television for quite some time, yet in reality, I only started working on it a few months after wrapping up “This Is Us.” [laughs] However, three years have passed since then, mainly due to these unforeseen circumstances.

Not just The Residence, but numerous other shows faced the impact of both the SAG-AFTRA actors strike and the WGA writers strike. Yet, Watson appears well-prepared for audiences to delve into a fresh perspective on a “whodunnit” mystery, boasting an array of notable stars. Here’s the trailer for your viewing pleasure:

(Note: I tried to maintain the original sentence structure but made it more conversational and easier to read.)

In “The Residence,” there’ll undoubtedly be a blend of comedy and drama, making it a contender for Shondaland’s next big success on Netflix. However, unlike the worlds of “Bridgerton” and “Queen Charlotte,” this series doesn’t inhabit those same universes. The mystery-filled show premieres on Netflix on Thursday, March 20th.

To catch more of Susan Kelechi Watson before the upcoming drama, you can stream all six seasons of “This Is Us” and her brief role in “Will Trent” with a Hulu subscription. Crossing fingers that her “Residence” character has a longer life span than Cricket!

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2025-02-19 05:38