Prime Video’s upcoming comedy Clean Slate pairs legendary comedian George Wallace with four-time Emmy nominee Laverne Cox in a heartfelt and hilarious new series debuting February 6, 2025, the streaming platform announced. This multi-generational comedy balances sharp humor with an honest look at family, identity, and growth, centering on a father and daughter navigating the complexities of their relationship.
Wallace stars as Harry Slate, an old-school Alabama car wash owner whose world shifts when his estranged child, Desiree (played by Cox), returns home after 17 years—not as the son Harry remembers, but as a confident, unapologetic trans woman. The series captures their journey toward understanding and reconciliation, emphasized by love, humor, and a willingness to confront their differences.
A Comedy Icon Brings Heart to Harry Slate
George Wallace’s decades-long career as a stand-up comedian and actor has made him one of the most revered figures in comedy. Known as “The New Mr. Vegas,” Wallace’s charm and observational humor have captivated audiences for years, from his iconic Las Vegas residencies to his appearances in films such as Batman Forever and The Ladykillers. In Clean Slate, Wallace channels his comedic timing and warmth to portray Harry as a stubborn yet deeply loving father forced to confront his own biases and beliefs.
A Trailblazing Star Shines as Desiree
Laverne Cox is no stranger to breaking barriers. She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her unforgettable role as Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black. As an actress, producer, and advocate, Cox has consistently used her platform to elevate conversations around gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. In Clean Slate, she delivers a heartfelt performance as Desiree, a woman reclaiming her space in her family and her Southern hometown.
Desiree’s return to Mobile, Alabama, is also about finding herself in a community grappling with change. As she navigates family tensions, budding romances, and old friendships, Desiree sparks growth not only in herself but in everyone around her.
A Comedy Rooted in Black Family Dynamics
Clean Slate offers a deeply relatable story for Black families, who often navigate generational gaps and cultural shifts. The show examines themes of love, acceptance, and authenticity with humor and tenderness. Desiree’s presence challenges Harry’s traditional worldview, while her unapologetic authenticity encourages others to live their truth.
Supporting characters bring additional layers to the series. Mack (Jay Wilkison), Harry’s right-hand man, develops a connection with Desiree that evolves with each episode. Meanwhile, Telma Hopkins as Louis’s mother, Ella, brings her own wisdom and humor to the table, and Opal (Norah Murphy), Mack’s ambitious daughter, serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the older generation’s perspectives.
At its core, Clean Slate is about the power of second chances. In Harry and Desiree working through years of estrangement, or Louis (D.K. Uzoukwu) finding the courage to live authentically, the series offers a timely exploration of identity and family.
The show’s humor is smart, but it’s the heart that will likely resonate most with audiences. Clean Slate adds to the growing representation of diverse stories in media, offering visibility and sparking meaningful conversations within Black communities and beyond.
Set your reminders for February 6, 2025, when Clean Slate premieres on Prime Video. In the meantime, check out the hilarious trailer below!
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Cover photo: Desiree (Laverne Cox), Henry (George Wallace) in CLEAN SLATE / Photo Credit: Courtesy of Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC
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