The Cleaning Lady (2022)
The Cleaning Lady is an American crime drama series that premiered on Fox on January 3, 2022. Developed by Miranda Kwok, the show is based on the Argentine series La chica que limpia (2017) and offers a compelling narrative that blends elements of crime, drama, and intense personal conflict. The show’s gripping storyline, strong performances, and exploration of themes such as survival, morality, and sacrifice have made it a standout in the genre, drawing in viewers and securing a renewal for a second season, which premiered on September 19, 2022.
The series centers around the character of Thony De La Rosa, played by Elodie Yung, a skilled and resourceful cleaning lady who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld. Thony is an immigrant from the Philippines who is working to secure a better life for her young son, who has a serious medical condition. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she accidentally witnesses a violent crime and becomes involved in cleaning up the aftermath. Her involvement with criminals escalates as she attempts to protect her son and navigate a world full of danger, moral dilemmas, and betrayal.
At its core, The Cleaning Lady is a story about survival and the lengths a mother will go to for the sake of her child. Thony’s transformation from a hardworking, law-abiding woman into a woman willing to make morally questionable decisions in order to protect her family is the heart of the series. Her character’s journey is complex, filled with internal and external conflict.
Thony must navigate the gray areas of morality, deciding how much she is willing to sacrifice and whether she can hold on to her principles while getting deeper into a criminal enterprise. This internal struggle is portrayed beautifully by Elodie Yung, who brings both vulnerability and strength to her character, making her highly relatable and sympathetic to the audience.