New comedy TV show ‘Clean Slate’ is one of Norman Lear’s final productions
New comedy TV show ‘Clean Slate’ is one of Norman Lear’s final productions
Laverne Cox and George Wallace star in this heartfelt, hilarious father-daughter story.
I really love it when streamers tell stories that aren’t carbon copies of what’s come before. That’s why I’m excited for Prime Video’s new comedy series, “Clean Slate” dropping Thursday, Feb. 6. The show follows Desiree (Laverne Cox) as she comes back to her small Alabama hometown to reconnect with her old-school dad, Harry (George Wallace). The catch? He doesn’t know that she transitioned. There’s bound to be a lot of heart and laughs (and a little bit of chaos) as these two unpack the unexpected reunion and all the baggage that comes with it. Here’s everything you need to know about “Clean Slate.”
Everything you need to know about ‘Clean Slate’:
What is ‘Clean Slate’ about?
First, watch the trailer because it’s legit laugh-out-loud funny. My favorite scene is when Desiree falls off her dad’s broken chair (“That’s broke. I gotta fix it”). You’ll get the gist of the show pretty quickly. But basically, “Clean Slate” follows Desiree (Laverne Cox), a confident trans woman who returns to her small Alabama hometown after years of building a life in New York. She’s ready to reconnect with her father, Harry (George Wallace), a stubborn but well-meaning man who still sees the world through an old-school lens. The catch? Harry doesn’t know Desiree transitioned – and they haven’t spoken to each other in 23 years. Their reunion is full of awkward moments, deeper conversations (and a pronoun jar that fills up quickly), as they try to bridge the gap between who they were and who they are now.
Thematically, “Clean Slate” is about how family relationships evolve over time - and how people can change, even when they think they never will. Harry, a proud car wash owner set in his ways, suddenly has to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his child. Meanwhile, Desiree isn’t just looking for acceptance - she wants to rebuild a real relationship with the father she left behind. Based on the trailer, “Clean Slate” finds its sweet spot in everyday moments - small-town gossip, workplace banter, and family dinners that start out tense but end with laughter.
“Clean Slate” also marks one of the final projects developed under the influence of the legendary Norman Lear. Known for TV hits like “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” Lear spent his career tackling social issues through comedy, and “Clean Slate” is a clear continuation of his legacy. Though he passed away in December 2023, his fingerprints are all over the show’s mix of humor and heart. The series feels like a natural extension of his work that challenges audiences to think, feel, and accept, while keeping them laughing along the way.
Clean Slate
Harry is an old-school car wash owner in Alabama who has a lot of soul searching to do when the child he once called “son” returns after 17 years as a proud trans woman named Desiree. Her homecoming brings together a hilarious cast of friends, coworkers, and love interests as Desiree and Harry try to get it right the second time around.
What time will episodes of ‘Clean Slate’ come on Prime Video?
“Clean Slate” is set to premiere on Prime Video on Thursday, Feb. 6 with all eight episodes. It’s not totally clear what time Prime Video will drop eps of the series, but 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 6 is a good guess. And you don’t have to worry about waiting weekly for more eps – binge away!
Prime Video
Prime Video is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 10,000+ movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and more. Subscribers can also add third-party services like Max, Showtime, STARZ, and dozens more with Prime Video Channels. Prime Video also offers exclusive live access to NFL Thursday Night Football.
Who are the main characters of ‘Clean Slate’?
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Desiree Slate: Played by Laverne Cox, Desiree is a proud trans woman who returns to her hometown in Mobile, Alabama, after her New York City art gallery closes. She’s hoping to reconnect with her estranged father and find some meaning in her small-town roots.
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Harry Slate: Played by George Wallace, Harry is an old-school and outspoken car wash owner in Alabama. He faces some serious soul-searching when his estranged child returns home as a proud trans woman.
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Louis: Played by D.K. Uzoukwu, Louis is Desiree’s closeted best friend and the local church choir director.
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Ella: Telma Hopkins plays Ella - Louis’ mother and a potential love interest for Harry.
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Mack: Jay Wilkison takes on the role of Mack - a single father who works at Harry’s car wash. In the trailer, there are definitely some sparks with Desiree, so expect this to be the romantic subplot of the series.
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Opal: Norah Murphy plays Opal, Harry’s granddaughter and a spirited dreamer inspired by Desiree’s big-city achievements.
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Miguel: Played by Phillip Garcia, Miguel is Harry’s neighbor.
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Fern Stuckey: Played by Pat Yeary, Fern is a resident of the town.
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Tameeka: Played by Zoe Vatekeh, Tameeka is another member of the community.
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Pastor Hughes: Played by Keith Arthur Bolden, Pastor Hughes is the local church leader, helping both Louis and Desiree navigate their (new) lives.
Who are the creators behind ‘Clean Slate’?
“Clean Slate” is created by Laverne Cox, Dan Ewen, and George Wallace. Cox, best known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” is not only a celebrated actress but also a vocal advocate for trans rights. Wallace, a legendary stand-up comedian and actor, infuses the series with his signature wit and perspective on family dynamics. Ewen, a writer and producer with credits like “Playing with Fire” and “Dear Santa” adds his experience in crafting feel-good, character-driven stories. Developed over seven years, “Clean Slate” is the result of their tenacity and combined talents to get this on the screen.