Norman Lear, the prolific creator of numerous classic sitcoms, including *All in the Family*, *Maude*, and *The Jeffersons*, remained actively involved in television production until his passing in 2023. In recent years, he collaborated with a new generation of television creators on updated versions of his work. This included a Netflix reboot of *One Day at a Time*, featuring a Cuban American single mother, and an animated revival of *Good Times*. In his final weeks, he was also involved in a new adaptation of *Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman*, starring Emily Hampshire.
Clean Slate, an Amazon comedy co-created by Dan Ewen, and George Wallace, with Lear as an executive producer, is an original series reflecting Lear’s characteristic sensibilities. This single-camera sitcom, reminiscent of classic heartwarming sitcoms, opens with a quote from Lear himself: “The laughter that I’ve enjoyed most is laughter that has brought numbers of us together.” Lear believed humor could help societies overcome their problems. Clean Slate, while charming, suffers from some predictable jokes and naivete, reflecting a contrast to the 1970s.
The show centers on Harry Slate (Wallace), a kind but somewhat stubborn older man, who runs a car wash in his Alabama hometown. His estranged daughter, Desiree (Cox), a trans woman, unexpectedly returns after a difficult breakup and financial struggles. Their reunion is initially strained, especially as Harry grapples with his daughter’s identity. The initial shock is evident when a neighbor remarks, “I thought you had a son,” and Harry replies, “So did I.”
Harry, despite his traditional views, is ultimately loving and lonely. He learns to be a supportive father with the help of his community. This includes Mack (Wilkison), an ex-con single father; Opal (Murphy), Mack’s ambitious daughter; Louis (Uzoukwu), a closeted choir director; and Ella (Hopkins), Louis’ mother, with whom Harry shares a playful dynamic.
The writing occasionally falters, with gentle humor that may elicit smiles rather than hearty laughter. Some jokes feel tired and predictable, such as: “One man’s bullsh-t is another man’s fertilizer.” “Where there’s a will, there’s a gay.” An episode set on Election Day avoids political specifics. However, a humorous scene involving a voter’s burning American-flag cape directly references current political division.
Clean Slate‘s strongest moments arise from character development and community interactions. Desiree’s emotional journey, including a poignant moment of self-reflection (“I don’t have anything left! I’m just a sad bitch!”), is particularly effective. The show also sensitively portrays the complexities of faith and family, as seen through the characters’ relationship with their church.
The show offers comfort and affirmation to the trans community. While at times overly sweet, Clean Slate reminds viewers that individuals are not defined by ideology, and that parental love can transcend differences. It implies that those who choose hate should, as Lear famously advocated, “turn the other cheek.” However, the show’s idealized setting feels unrealistic. The idyllic small town represents a world where progress prevails effortlessly, a place where problems are easily resolved and prejudice is easily overcome; a vision that, while pleasant, lacks the messy complexity of reality.
