Netflix's latest murder mystery, The Residence, is a star-studded affair featuring the likes of Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, and more. Set against the backdrop of the White House, the series dives deep into political intrigue and drama. Interestingly, one of its cast members didn't need much preparation for his role as a U.S. senator—he’s already walked the halls of Congress in real life.
Is Al Franken Really in ‘The Residence’?
Yes, he is! The former Minnesota senator and Saturday Night Live comedian, Al Franken, makes a notable comeback in The Residence. In this gripping series, Al plays Aaron Filkins, a fictional senator who takes the lead in a congressional hearing investigating the mysterious death of a White House employee. This dramatic event unfolds during the same evening the administration hosted a state dinner. It’s a role that blends his political acumen with his acting prowess, creating a character that’s both authentic and compelling.
Before joining The Residence, Al was a household name for his work on Saturday Night Live, where he honed his comedic skills. His acting career also includes memorable performances in The Manchurian Candidate and Clerks. Now, he’s bringing his unique blend of humor and political insight to Netflix, making for an engaging viewing experience.
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How Did Al Franken Land His Role in ‘The Residence’?
Here's a fun fact: Al didn’t have to audition for his role in The Residence. The opportunity came knocking directly, a testament to his impressive real-life political background and his established acting credentials. Speaking with People in an interview published on March 20, 2025, Al revealed, “I did not audition. It just came to me. They asked me to do it, and I thought, ‘I haven’t done this in a while. I hope I can still do it!’ I wasn’t entirely sure that I would excel, but I was eager to give it a shot.”
His experience as a senator proved invaluable on set. Al shared that he often advised his fellow actors on how real-life politicians might behave in certain scenarios. “There’s a distinct difference between acting in the Senate and acting in a series,” he explained. “You’re performing a different kind of art when you’re in the Senate, and I was able to bring that authenticity to the show.”
Why Did Al Franken Step Down as a Senator?
Al Franken’s political career began when he was elected to represent Minnesota in the Senate in 2008. He served until 2018, when allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women led to his resignation. An investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee ensued. Among the claims, one woman alleged that Al attempted to force a kiss on her after she appeared on his radio show in 2006. Another woman accused him of inappropriate touching during a USO tour in the same year.
Several notable Democratic senators called for his resignation, including Senator Patty Murray from Washington, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York, Senator Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin, Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri, Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii, and Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan. Addressing the nation during his resignation speech, Al stated, “Some of the allegations against me are simply not true. Others I remember very differently. This decision is not about me. It’s about the people of Minnesota. It has become clear that I can’t both pursue the Ethics Committee process and remain an effective senator for them. Let me be clear: I may be resigning my seat, but I am not giving up my voice.”
Fast forward to 2021, and Al revealed he was uncertain if his political career was truly over, telling The Hill he was “keeping his options open.” However, by March 2025, his stance had shifted. “I’m ruling it out, yeah,” he confirmed to the publication.
