The Cleaning Lady (2022– ) User Reviews (131)

I had to change my rating and review

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 8/10 · 25 January 2022]

EDIT Nov 30/22: Had to up my rating again to a 9/10. Wow this second season is night and day compared to how this show started, especially from episode six and on. Whatever changes you guys have done with the writing, you finally got it right - near perfect episode after episode. Keep up the great work everyone.

EDIT Feb 28/22: My original review was after watching 3 episodes. Now after seeing episode 8, I have to say, I'm hooked. The plot thickens, and there's actual suspense and thrills. I still find the FBI agent's character phony and annoying - he's too aloof to be an FBI agent. I'm also getting bored of Elodie Yung's tough-girl demeanor and monotonic dialogue, and her accent is still unconvincing. But Adan Canto shines, and the main reason I want to keep watching. His performance for his character is spot-on. Also bringing Thony's husband performed by Ivan Shaw into the picture has added more conflict to the story, for the better, as his performance is also spot-on. I'm glad to see the writers have upped their game, as episode 8 imo was the best thus far, and was left at a shocking cliff-hanger. My new rating now jumps up to an 8/10.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Jan 24/22 Title: Meh, cliched, uninteresting and forgettable.

Elodie Yung steals the show, and Adan Canto tries his best with the flimsy writing, but the rest of the cast's characters are written in like a Telemundo daytime soap opera. The FBI agent's character is cringeworthy - bringing his baby to an operation lol? Then the whole divorce/child issues being so easily discussed with someone he's investigating or trying to get to co-operate is beyond laughable. Three episodes in and I'm already losing interest. It's a great concept, but the writers ruined it with the wishy-washy writing. Typical Fox flop fare. It's a generous 6/10 from me all going to Yung and Canto.

New twist on a crime drama

[trademarcdesigns · 6/10 · 5 January 2022]

I don't think I've ever seen this premise before - an illegal immigrant forced to become a crime scene cleaner for the mob. In this case, our cleaning lady is also a doctor, which is a lot more common for immigrants (legal or otherwise) than most people think. So I'm giving points for a premise that is both original and very plausible.

The first episode had plenty of action and a bit of suspense, and a little social commentary in providing a small taste of what it's like to be an immigrant worker in the service industry.

I did not care for the cinematography. Cutting off the actor's faces when they are speaking is not art; it's annoying. A shot showing half of a face (and this happened several times) in no way adds to the drama - it just looks like someone screwed up the shot.

The first episode held my attention, and I will definitely continue watching.

Update: 6 episodes in and I'm giving up on this one. It just hasn't lived up to its potential.

And I have to say I am horrified by the way they are portraying illegal aliens. I imagine we can all can sympathize with someone who ignores a border to give their kids a better life, but cleaning up murder scenes? And that's the least of what this show's illegals are doing - others are dealing drugs and selling their kids' organs on the black market. Who can sympathize with that?

Different

[drjgardner · 8/10 · 12 January 2022]

OK, there are few programs much less TV about cleaners, much less cleaners who are cleaners. This one works. Good acting and an interesting plot. Can they keep it up? Who knows? But a good start.

Different and pretty good

[charlesclines · 8/10 · 20 February 2022]

I am surprised at all the negative reviews. Granted some of the plot is somewhat questionable, such as the FBI's role. Also, I would suspect a criminal gang already would have a "cleaner." Anyway, my wife and I are enjoying it; haven't quite finished.

Gets more and more annoying

[nbqfcyk · 6/10 · 15 December 2023]

Watched to it all, the story works but the relationships are hard to swallow. It is difficult to accept how most characters can still talk to each other and worse, collaborate to each other, after so much egoism, lies, betrayal etc. It is so far from what real life would be that got me hating most characters by the end.

There are several scenes when two characters argue badly over something really serious (and hard to forgive) and after one lame excuse they keep going like nothing has ever happened.

Again, liked the overall storyline and the acting, but think such flawed connection to reality made it artificial and hard to swallow.

So far so good!

[charlesjosie · 9/10 · 5 January 2022]

I first seen this preview while trying to find something to watch on Hulu in my curiosity got the best of me first episode in and I'm hooked I really like the show can't wait to see more episodes.

Exciting but boring at the same time

[monepar · 6/10 · 5 February 2024]

As a hispanic immigrant all I kept thinking was that all the immigrants in this show just love to break the law in the USA and the white Americans try to uphold the law. It was very annoying and boring! And eye rolling on my end!

As a show, I thought it was different, showing another point of view of the American experience from professional skilled people that can't practice their skill in the USA (I know a few that has happened to them, at home doctors/lawyers in the USA Uber drivers). The main character, Thony, the actress is a horrible actress, and her character is bossy, annoying and entitled, she expects the men to fix her mistakes and trouble she gets into every single time and it got to a point where it killed the FBI's guy's character.

Overall, it's an ok show, watch it for the entertainment, and if you are Filipino might be worth watching.

Also, with the Mexican guy's death in real life, it will be interesting what the writers will do down the road if there is a season 4.

A culturally diverse setting that puts you in their shoes

[mikeacuna-17667 · 8/10 · 5 January 2022]

Of course I watched the 1st episode because of Elodie Yung's talent and resume. I was not disappointed. The storyline gets to you because it's about family and survival. The other characters held their own against Elodie's role and supported the plot. There was murder, drama, action, explosions, and unpredictability and a mother's love for her stricken son. I'm IN.

Good first episode

[yosvaniramos · 7/10 · 5 January 2022]

Really enjoyed the first episode. A mother would do anything for their kids. Also I'm liking the sexual energy between her and the hot latino criminal boss. I see something happening there in the future. This show has potential.

Lazy writing. Predictable and annoying

[mjg-491-234290 · 3/10 · 15 January 2023]

Season 1 was highly predictable but OK. However, around the first half of Season 2, the show got irritatingly lazy and boring with Thony (Elodie Yung) acting like a self-centred spoiled brat always thinking about her needs and wants.

If the show makes it to season 5, I will bet my head that Thony will be US president calling all the shots and controlling all world governments to suit her needs.

She's an illegal immigrant who enjoys the services of a gangster-on-demand (just like the genie of the lamp) who's always willing to please and the FBI who are always ready to bend over backwards to help her while conveniently looking the other way as long as it benefits spoiled brat Thony.

The writing is irritatingly lazy and the acting is below average at best.

So goood!

[TheReel14 · 8/10 · 27 February 2022]

Hope theres a season 2. Honestly just good writing not boring good acting from all. Tugs at your heartstrings but also about that gangster police life too. Loads of chemistry and entertaining and love that its inclusive and multicultural.

EDIT: after watching most of season 2 i can only hope there is a season 3,4 and 5. I wish this was on Netflix, HBO, because I think this would be such a hit and it could probably be a bit more spicer, grim, glamorous with a hint more of action although season 2 has not be afraid in some of its scenes. The writing and action has been stellar!

Novel premise, let's see if it holds up

[trademarcdesigns · 6/10 · 4 January 2022]

Interesting premise - cleaning lady forced to work for mobsters cleaning crimes scenes. Can't say I've seen that one before...

I've only seen the first episode, so it's hard to judge how credible the plots are, but so far, so good. The acting is solid, the characters are sympathetic, and if the first episode is anything to go by, there's plenty of action and suspense.

What I don't like is the cinematography. I can handle weird angles, slow-mo and the other nonsense cinematographers do to try to look artistic, but cutting off faces? An actor is talking and half their face is outside the shot? That's not artistic, it's stupid. But I'll admit that even though I find it incredibly annoying, it's a minor issue overall.

I like this show. It's at least as good as anything else on network television right now.

She is ANNOYING

[igbogirl · 1/10 · 6 March 2023]

I finished watching 2 seasons of this show and the main character is such an annoying leech who creates toxic environments for everyone around her. She cares for her son but destroys everyone around her in the process. I found her to be irritating by the time I finished the show. Waste of time.

The other issue is the writing. I think that the storyline was repetitive. Every few episodes, her son has some sort of problem. It's like they ran out of ideas and would just throw him in as a monkey-wrench when they couldn't think of anything else to plug in. I was over that storyline. Arman's storyline was actually more interesting even though they kept recycling the same story with different villains. Overall, I could've skipped this.

It's about time

[jojosdad · 9/10 · 2 February 2022]

Happy to see Cambodians and Filipinos finally being represented on TV.

We really enjoy this show although at times, like any TV show it's just a tad unrealistic. We love the characters being portrayed by the fine actors, especially the two female leads. A special shout out goes to the star of last nights episode, Lou Diamond Phillips. I always considered LDP what I'd call an OK actor, until last nights where he took it to the next level There were a couple of scenes that really touched me, while in the car talking about his wife and at the end when reunited with his daughter. This tough old Marine doesn't shed a tear very frequently over a film or TV but damned if I didn't last night.

Predictable but has potential.

[therecluse9 · 6/10 · 6 January 2022]

I get why they picked her to play Thony. She's pretty without makeup. But she can't act her way out of a paper bag. I felt the same way when I watched her in DareDevil. Other than that, show is predictable and is definitely a fox show. Reminds me of all the others..

BUT, I do like how they have age appropriate actors for the roles. It's not all 20 something's who have jobs that they'd NEVER have in real life.

Other stars are good. Looking forward to seeing Oliver Hudson, cause frankly, he's the most talented. I also like the sister in law's character and the son is friggin adorable.

I will probably keep watching, but I might get tired of it. The premier was too predictable, as I said, so if it keeps going the way I think it will, I'll stop. But if I'm surprised, I'll keep going.

Looks can only get you so far. We need more talent before looks on these shows now a days.

Thony and Arman

[kris_love_slavi · 8/10 · 2 March 2022]

Chremisty between Thony and Arman is so beautiful and hot...Arman is good man just working with wrong people. But he loves Thony and her son. Very good nice actors..I hope they more epic.

So much potential but...

[polinahartikainen · 6/10 · 19 January 2023]

Storyline is pretty good. Acting is pretty good. But during season 2 I just got more and more annoyed with every episode. I don't know if they had to rush the release but I'm telling you it was hard to miss all the production sloppyness like ridiculously bad and confused extras, badly chosen body double for Elodie Yung and choosing frames where you can clearly see that it's a body double, inaccurate representation of anything concerning hospital world etc. Etc. . And above all the Luca factor. I mean he is a vital part in this story but come on enough is enough. I don't think that I'll be able to see season three if it's also going to be about Lucas failing liver.

Season 2!

[Canada777 · 9/10 · 1 March 2022]

Renew the cleaning lady for season two with Elodie Young as Thony and Adan Canto as Arman still as the lead characters. Just amazing acting, Chemo Katy and good writing and directing all season long! Make them come out on top and legit and clean in the end.

Decent

[Headturner11 · 7/10 · 31 January 2022]

Ok people she is not Columbian and no she would not get immediate citizenship because she's a doctor! Yes the series is not extremely realistic but it's not a documentary. It's entertaining for a Fox show. I usually won't watch any cable series. I think it's decent and I've watched pretty much every new series released in the last few months. Only 3 episodes have aired but it kept my interest I wasn't loking at the clock or searching for something else. I'll continue and see how it goes...

Spiraled down till the end

[classicrun-44914 · 2/10 · 15 December 2022]

I liked the first season. I found the issues and struggles of undocumented persons and their children fascinating and outraging. I sympathized with Thony and her son's plight. It worked for the first season but they needed a different storyline for the second season. During the second season, it just became overused and unrealistic. The only likable characters are the children. All the adults, on both sides of the law, the medical profession, law-enforcement, the everyday person on the street, etc. Are completely unlikable. Thony became so manipulative to the point that I thought her dying would actually be helpful to her child. If there is a third season, I will not be watching. Season two finished this show for me. Update- upon learning of the lead actor's death, I gave it one more chance. Nope. Her arrogance hurts or kills everyone around her. So done. Some series just don't know when to end.

Race is a footnote and no victim card played

[donvyt · 9/10 · 11 January 2022]

As a Filipino, the plight of my countries primary export: domestic help, is all too familiar. But this time it's not exactly that, but the story is about a Cambodian doctor educated and who emigrated from the Philippines.

This story also takes me to a completely unfamiliar situation. Of course Vegas never disappoints as a backdrop for a story - but a cleaning lady playing the role of a strong, female character, as well as a mother, and a friend, without focusing attention to race or playing the victim card, is completely refreshing.

Surprisingly good

[leonidasstathopoulos · 7/10 · 28 February 2022]

A doctor seeks treatment for her child in a foreign country, pretending to be a cleaner, but this is her only non-dangerous occupation.

Look, where do you say it will be something boring , but it pleasantly surprises you.

Too bad about the soudtrack

[gdump · 4/10 · 5 January 2022]

The first episode was interesting and nothing too far-fetched happened, but the soundtrack is, for me, intolerable. Maybe they're trying for a Miami Vice vibe, but it is intrusive and obnoxious. I will watch a second episode, but I don't know if I'll make it through.

Update: episode 6 and while the soundtrack is still annoying, the plot has become the problem. This is turning out to be another in the long line of "people with good hearts doing bad things because {spurious reasons}" shows that Americans seem to love. Time to bail out.

Cleanup on Aisle 4 ...I repeat...Cleanup on Aisle 4...

[Ed-Shullivan · 8/10 · 27 January 2022]

Hi stakes crime involving two (2) undocumented Colombian mothers trying to make ends meet. The star of the show is a cleaning lady named Thony (Elodie Yung) who has a medical degree from her birth country Colombia. She has come to San Francisco for one main reason which is to seek treatment for her special needs son who suffers from a rare immune disease in which to survive he remains in a self contained chamber at home to avoid contaminants, and when he goes to his medical appointments with his mother Thony, he needs to wear a space suit.

Some other IMDB reviewers state the series is unrealistic, but there are literally thousands of parents across North America seeking treatment for their children's rare diseases and I am sure they would be prepared to do anything legally or illegally to ensure their child received the medical care they needed.

Thony's golden ticket lies with a drug and gun lord named Arman Morales (Adan Canto) who takes a liking to Thony as he can relate to her situation as both are foreigners to the USA trying to achieve a better life for their children. Arman tells Thony of the hard life his mother had trying to raise him and he decides to risk her being a witness to multiple crimes as their clean up lady for the dead bodies he is amassing of his enemies.

I have watched just the first two episodes of this crime series and I am impressed. I give the series a better than average 8 out of 10 IMDB rating.

Has potential but that writing needs work

[Luvstagrind · 6/10 · 26 January 2022]

I am enjoying it but the 3rd episode almost broke me from all the dumb character choices and poor writing. The female lead says "this isn't what she signed up for" when it is exactly what she signed up for and she shouldn't be so freaked out when she sees her "employer" drowning a guy in grease.

Also the organization she works for doesn't have someone watching her in case she meets with a certain agent to become a possible C. I.?

Look, I know we are supposed to suspend our disbelief but the way this writing goes might make me lose interest.