Shonda Rhimes has finally broken her silence following Netflix’s unexpected decision to cancel The Residence after just one season. Known for her powerhouse storytelling, the Shondaland creator expressed both pride and disappointment in a heartfelt Instagram post on July 8, 2025.
A Tribute to a ‘Brilliant’ Series
With genuine admiration, Rhimes called The Residence “a brilliant, smart, funny show,” and shared her sadness that it “won’t get the second season it deserves.” She praised the entire cast and crew, especially highlighting performances from Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, and Julian McMahon, whose role was one of his last.
Why Netflix Pulled the Plug
According to Deadline, The Residence premiered just one week after Netflix released its massive hit Adolescence. The timing was tough, and despite solid numbers including four weeks in Netflix’s global Top 10 and a peak of 8.8 million views, it wasn’t enough to offset the show’s high production costs.
The series had an ambitious White House replica set that covered seven stages, featured 200 functioning doors, and included 144,000 pounds of flooring. While the set was visually impressive, it significantly increased the show’s budget and may have contributed to the cancellation.
What’s Next for Shondaland
Even though The Residence has ended, Shonda Rhimes continues to move forward. Filming for Bridgerton season 4 wrapped in June and the new season is expected to premiere in 2026. Other hits like Scandal, Inventing Anna, and Queen Charlotte remain popular on Netflix.
Unbiased Perspective: What This All Means
From a creative standpoint, the cancellation of The Residence feels premature. It had strong viewership, critical attention, and a self-contained format that could have made it an ongoing success. However, Netflix faces constant pressure to balance production costs with audience engagement. The high expense of The Residence, paired with awkward release timing, may have made it a tough financial decision.
For fans of Shonda Rhimes, the news is disappointing. Still, her brand remains strong and versatile. This change might even open doors for new projects that are more strategically planned and budget-conscious.
Final Take
Shonda Rhimes’s response to the cancellation of The Residence captures a mix of pride and frustration. Although the decision may not sit well with fans, it is unlikely to slow down the momentum of Shondaland’s storytelling empire.
