Norman Lear is nothing less than a legend, having made his mark on the entertainment industry with television shows that tackle some of society’s most difficult topics. The name behind projects such as All in the Family, Maude, and The Jeffersons, Lear’s tragic passing at the age of 101 in December 2023 was a notable loss to the world of meaningful television. However, before his passing, the director embarked on a final television project, Clean Slate, which made its debut on February 6, 2025.
Having premiered on Amazon Prime Video, Clean Slate has found positive reception and success, similar to many of Lear’s previous works. Co-created by Lear, Laverne Cox, and George Wallace, with the latter duo also starring in the series, Clean Slate was first announced in 2020. Although the road to release has been long, now that it is finally here, the series has been praised for its heartfelt narrative, wit in dealing with sensitive topics, and dynamic cast. With an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, Clean Slate stands as a testament to Norman Lear’s enduring legacy.

What Is ‘Clean Slate’ About?

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Clean Slate is set in the quiet town of Mobile, Alabama, and centers around the relationship between a father and his daughter. Harry (George Wallace), the father in question, has lived all his life in Mobile and owns a car wash. Having lost his wife early on in life, Harry is also abandoned by his son, Desmond, whom he hasn’t seen for 23 years. However, life as he knows it is about to change for Harry when he learns that his son is finally returning home for a visit.
When Harry opens the door to welcome his child, he finds that his child is no longer Desmond but Desiree (Laverne Cox). Having lost all that she worked for, including her relationship and New York gallery, Desiree returns to her hometown looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to reconnect with her father. Although proudly embracing her identity as a trans woman, Desiree is skeptical of her father’s reaction. However, driven by his love for her, Harry does all he can to accept and connect with his daughter and is determined to fix their fractured relationship, albeit hitting a few bumps on the road.
Clean Slate weaves a narrative with topical themes, including family reconciliation, societal acceptance, complexities of identity, religious ideologies, and bullying. In exploring these themes, and having a dynamic cast able to suit the vulnerability and humor that the story demands, Clean Slate establishes itself as an endearingly heartfelt comedy, softly navigating societal schisms.
What Do Audiences and Critics Think of ‘Clean Slate’?

Clean Slate has been positively received by both viewers and critics, scoring 86% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, and being certified fresh with an 88% score by critics. The series has been credited for being uplifting and heartfelt, with a beautiful performance by the talented Laverne Cox. NPR’s David Bianculli, crediting the series and its creator, said:

“The very point of Clean Slate, which is to be open to other viewpoints and embrace diversity, couldn’t be more timely or more potentially controversial. Even from beyond the grave, Norman Lear is stirring up some good trouble and a pretty good TV sitcom.”

Many viewers share the same sentiments, with Gerry W commending the series on its charm and moments of inspiration, writing “…the cast is perfect, every role, and you can feel the classic, loving, Norman Lear spirit in every scene.” Audiences have also noted the dynamic chemistry between Cox and Wallace that contributes to the overall tone and feel of the series. The duo can effortlessly interject humor into their interactions while also respecting the gravity of the themes that the show centers on. This makes for a gripping watch, able to keep audiences hooked episode after episode.

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However, critics have also expressed that the show’s reliance on humor and the comedic element takes away from deepening the audience’s “understanding of the characters and their circumstances.” With its short, less-than-30-minute episodes, Clean Slate offers an almost breezy take, with most arcs fitting within a single episode. While this makes the series prime binging material, it also prevents a deep-dive into backstories and emotions.
‘Clean Slate’ Is a Reflection of Norman Lear’s Legacy

Norman Lear was an undoubted trailblazer in television, and the famed producer is known for tackling sensitive social issues head on, giving them enough humor and heart to make for meaningful conversation. Throughout his career, Lear helmed several groundbreaking works, and each of them challenged social norms, dealing with themes such as race, gender, and class with a boldness and wit that soon came to be characteristic of Lear.

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As Lear’s final TV show, Clean Slate carries on this tradition, becoming the perfect reflection of the producer’s legacy. The series blends comedy with heavier issues centering on identity, acceptance, and family, all the while embodying Lear’s signature storytelling style. With its focus on a trans and queer storyline, Clean Slate is a timely work, bringing a much-needed topic into conversation in a manner that is packed with heart. In doing so, the series highlights Lear’s continued commitment to diving headfirst into difficult topics that many prefer to shy away from.
Clean Slate is a fitting send-off to a creator such as Norman Lear, who unarguably revolutionized the television medium. It is also a reminder that comedy does not have to be limited purely to humor. Instead, it can still be thought-provoking and center on more serious issues, leaving audiences entertained but also with something to think about.

Clean Slate Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.