Devastating News for Laverne Cox’s Clean Slate After Stellar Reviews!

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Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception that “Clean Slate” on Prime Video has received, with its impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores of 89% from critics and 82% from viewers, I’m deeply disappointed to learn that it won’t be returning for a second season. As a supporter, I was captivated by the compelling narrative led by Laverne Cox and George Wallace, and it was truly an honor to witness Norman Lear’s final completed project. The series skillfully blended social commentary with humor, following the story of estranged father Harry and his proud transgender daughter Desiree, played by the late Mr. Lear’s brilliant vision. It’s a shame that such a thought-provoking and entertaining show has been canceled after just one season.

By the deadline set, Amazon Prime Video has decided to terminate “Clean Slate” after just one season. In a moving statement that was published by the outlet, the co-creators – Cox, Wallace, and Dan Ewen – penned a heartfelt open letter, detailing their experiences. At the start of the letter, they expressed their sentiments saying, “A labor of seven years disappeared in an instant with a wisp of exhaust.” The letter concludes with them stating, “Writing this open letter was cheaper than therapy.” You can read the entire letter, as well as selected excerpts, by following the link provided by Deadline.

Cox talking to Lear about trans people:

Laverne, who’s graced both the cover of Time magazine and British Vogue, had spent the last hour and a half responding to numerous inquiries about being transgender from the always-inquisitive Norman. This discussion was engaging, and it’s safe to say that Norman heard the term “guuuurl” 17 times during this interaction, marking perhaps his first encounter where he was so addressed.

In the script for the pilot episode, Laverne’s response to some of Lear’s probing, overly personal or medical questions would be, “That information is private between me, my doctor, and my partner.” Norman’s inquiries, however, demonstrated a mind that had stayed receptive, even after many others have become closed off for years.

The official reasons for the cancellation remain hidden in the open letter, but Cox, Wallace, and Ewen acknowledged the disappointing pattern of shows being terminated and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported their venture. The letter started with their pitch to Lear and an open dialogue about transgender individuals, emphasizing the importance of more stories featuring transgender characters. In a deliberate repetition, they also highlighted potential sister projects that didn’t come to fruition and pointed out that “characters were erased from narratives due to fear.” You can read their full statement below:

I’m not going to act like we’re unique in facing cancellation, as four shows have been axed during the time you’ve read this. With heartfelt gratitude to Sony and Amazon for their unwavering support on our series, Clean Slate, it’s a profound privilege and source of pure joy to earn a living within the creative realm, especially while weaving a tale that resonates deeply. You played an instrumental role in making this dream a reality.

Certainly, we grieve over our baby, not just because it’s gone, but also for the employment opportunities lost with this development. We grieve the gradual decline of original works (for the record, we would have been thrilled to introduce a few dragons into Harry’s car wash, or transform Desiree into a secret agent). We grieve the absence of full seasons. We grieve Norman, his courage, and his occasionally colorful language. We grieve sister projects that are facing a similar end. We grieve the characters being erased from storytelling due to fear.

Discussions will persist regarding the potential future path for Desiree and Harry’s tale… We are determined to maintain the narrative, not just for its own sake, but for those characters who reflect the kind of individuals that are increasingly being marginalized in society, or omitted from historical accounts.

What This Means For Clean Slate

Its Creators Are Looking For A New Home For The Show

Although Clean Slate‘s RealTime (RT) ratings continue to be commendable, there were some criticisms about its tone and the manner it handled its weighty subjects. Its upbeat ambiance, though laudable, was perceived as overly “cautious” by certain viewers who desired the series to explore more complex societal concerns. Additionally, the apparent lack of extensive marketing for the show, coupled with the competitive nature of streaming platforms, may have contributed to its cancellation, despite the disappointment it brought.

Amazon’s Prime Video hasn’t disclosed the viewership figures for “Clean Slate” yet, but the high-quality reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, while encouraging, don’t suggest a large audience. Currently, there are merely 28 critic reviews and 13 user reviews, which might indicate low viewer interest in the series. However, it’s worth noting that the creators of “Clean Slate” are actively seeking a new platform for its cast, a streaming service more inclined to promote it and align it with mainstream audiences without sacrificing its unique appeal and vital narratives.

Our Take On Clean Slate’s Cancellation And Its Creators’ Response

An Important Story That Might Need To Be Told With More Ambition

Clean Slate‘s optimistic approach, though idealistic and somewhat ahead of its time, presents a vivid landscape that embraces LGBTQ+ individuals and transgender people. However, this vision might have been the show’s undoing, as it appears to take transgender rights and autonomy for granted in a world where such acceptance is still uncommon. I don’t see any issue with this concept, as it offers a counterbalance to the prevalence of stories focusing on trauma, which often serve more as shock tactics than providing genuine depth.

Although I believe the series “Clean Slate” effectively conveys a strong and touching message about transgender rights, I ponder if incorporating a touch of balance to its optimistic theme might have been beneficial. Incorporating the harsh reality of resistance towards equality and advancement would not only reflect the world more accurately but also enrich the narrative. Nevertheless, it seems that the creators of “Clean Slate” may have prioritized potential over realism in their storytelling, offering a glimpse into what could be instead of reiterating the struggles we’re currently facing.

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2025-04-20 05:02