
Goodbye, 'Clean Slate': Amazon Axes the Heartfelt Comedy After Just One Season
2025-04-18
Author: Ken Lee
In a surprising move, Amazon has decided to cancel its comedy series "Clean Slate" after only one season, as confirmed by Variety. The show, which premiered on Prime Video back in February, has already left fans reeling.
Starring a talented cast that includes Laverne Cox and George Wallace, "Clean Slate" made waves as the final project produced by the iconic Norman Lear before his passing in 2023. With a poignant storyline, the show explored themes of identity and acceptance.
A Story of Transformation and Acceptance
The series centers around Harry Slate, an outspoken car wash owner from Alabama, whose life takes a turn when his estranged child, now a proud trans woman named Desiree, returns home. This powerful narrative highlights not only personal growth but also the complexities of family dynamics.
Co-created by Wallace, Cox, and Dan Ewen, the show also boasted a team of executive producers that included Lear himself. It was produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, underscoring its high-profile origins.
From Development Hell to Streaming Success
"Clean Slate" had a tumultuous journey to the screen, initially developing at Peacock in 2020 before making its way to Amazon’s Freevee platform in 2021. Ultimately, it found a home on Prime Video after Freevee's shutdown.
Critical Acclaim Can't Save the Series
Despite receiving an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised the show for its honest portrayal of the transgender experience. Aramide Tinubu from Variety remarked on its humanity, noting how Harry strives to understand Desiree, even when faced with his own biases.
While "Clean Slate" earned accolades, it sadly couldn’t secure a second season, marking yet another loss for fans of innovative storytelling. Deadline was first to break the news of its cancellation.