Fox has renewed its crime drama series “The Cleaning Lady” for a fourth season, but the renewal comes with a significant behind-the-scenes shakeup. The network has confirmed a 12-episode order for the upcoming season, which will see a new showrunner take the reins following the departure of Miranda Kwok and Jeannine Renshaw, who served as showrunners and executive producers for Season 3.
The renewal process for “The Cleaning Lady” was complex, as the series faced significant challenges during its third season. Tragically, lead actor Adan Canto, who played Arman Morales, passed away from cancer in January, necessitating on-the-fly adjustments to the storyline. Additionally, the show had to navigate broader industry challenges, including the double strike that caused major disruptions in production.
Despite these obstacles, Fox recognized the value in renewing “The Cleaning Lady,” with the fourth season expected to see improvements in its financial performance. Sources indicate that the show is projected to generate no deficit and robust international revenue, enhancing its value as a business venture for the network.
However, the series finds itself at a critical juncture, requiring a creative overhaul in the wake of Canto’s passing. Kwok, who originally developed the series, and Renshaw, will not return as showrunners and executive producers for Season 4. The search is currently underway for a new showrunner to guide the series into its next chapter.
While Kwok will transition to a consulting producer role for “The Cleaning Lady,” she will concentrate her efforts on developing new projects with Warner Bros. Television, including a collaboration with Berlanti Productions.
The decision to renew “The Cleaning Lady” and bring in fresh creative leadership comes as the series aims to maintain its momentum and critical acclaim. Hailed as one of the most diverse shows on television, the series stars Élodie Yung as Thony De La Rosa, a Cambodian-Filipino former surgeon living and working in Las Vegas with an expired visa. The show explores Thony’s entanglement with a criminal organization after witnessing a murder, offering a unique and thrilling perspective on the crime genre.
As “The Cleaning Lady” prepares for its fourth season, fans and industry insiders alike will be eagerly anticipating the announcement of the new showrunner and the creative vision they will bring to the series. With a dedicated fanbase and a commitment to diversity and representation, the show has the potential to continue its successful run, provided the new creative team can navigate the challenges and deliver a compelling storyline that honors the show’s legacy while pushing it in exciting new directions.