The Residence has been turning heads with its audacious concept: America’s president is openly gay, and the show wholeheartedly embraces this fresh twist.
Led by Paul Fitzgerald as President Perry Morgan, this fictional Commander In Chief faces more than just global crises.
He must navigate the aftermath of A.B. Wynter’s death, wrangle a meddlesome brother, and keep up with the demands of Washington’s social circuit, all while being happily married to his husband, Elliot Morgan.
Fans of Veep might remember Paul Fitzgerald from a recurring role on the hit political comedy.
He came out as bisexual in 2011, lending a wonderful layer of authenticity to his portrayal of the first-ever “GPOTUS.”
These days, many viewers are hailing his performance as equal parts presidential and delightfully sardonic, proving that a progressive White House can be just as entertaining as any epic fantasy realm.
Meanwhile, Barrett Foa, best known for twelve years on NCIS: Los Angeles, plays Elliot Morgan, the First Gentleman struggling to master D.C. soirées.
Having spent significant time in theater, including roles in Avenue Q and Mamma Mia!, Barrett Foa knows how to command a stage—and now, he’s learning how to captivate an audience as the President’s dashing partner.
Rounding out the eccentric household is Nan, played by Jane Curtin of SNL fame, who moves in to keep an eye on her son-in-law, convinced that her precious baby could do better.
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Adding to the chaos is Perry’s black sheep brother Tripp (Jason Lee, best known from My Name Is Earl), who has been crashing at the White House for a year and clashing with almost everyone.
Production on The Residence initially began back in 2018, facing multiple delays—including a 2023 actor’s strike that put many Hollywood projects on hold, and the tragic passing of actor Andre Braugher, who was originally cast as A.B. Wynter.
These challenges might explain why the show’s concept evolved into a world that feels refreshingly fantastical, where a gay president and his handsome spouse can steal the nation’s heart without diving too deeply into political turmoil.
The presence of pop icon Kylie Minogue in an earlier cameo rumor, along with mentions of her catchy track Padam Padam, has only heightened the buzz among LGBTQ+ fans.
In the end, The Residence invites audiences to temporarily forget the real-life White House and indulge in a comedic fantasy that brims with glamorous galas, familial drama, and a bold demonstration of queer representation.
The fact that Paul Fitzgerald and Barrett Foa are both openly queer actors playing the First Couple makes this Netflix series all the more groundbreaking.
For many viewers seeking an escape from the headlines, it’s a joyous relief to see two men in love occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
If you’ve ever wondered what a “GPOTUS” might look like, The Residence is your chance to witness a playful, inclusive vision of America’s most famous address.
At a time when real-world politics can feel endlessly fraught, this show offers a colorful break, complete with a star-studded cast and a storyline that promises to keep us giggling.
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