10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Cleaning Lady (2022)

Description: 'The Sopranos' and 'The Cleaning Lady' both explore the intersection of family life and criminal activity. The protagonists in both shows struggle to balance their personal lives with their involvement in illegal enterprises, leading to intense drama and moral dilemmas.

Fact: James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, was initially considered for the role of Tony's lawyer. The show's creator, David Chase, originally envisioned it as a movie about a mobster in therapy. The famous opening sequence was shot in one take.

Description: 'The Shield' and 'The Cleaning Lady' both explore the moral ambiguities of characters who operate outside the law. Both shows feature protagonists who justify their illegal actions as necessary for survival or the greater good, leading to complex character development.

Fact: The show's pilot was directed by Clark Johnson, who also played Detective Meldrick Lewis on 'Homicide: Life on the Street'. Michael Chiklis, who played Vic Mackey, was the first actor to be cast. The show was one of the first to use handheld cameras extensively, giving it a documentary-like feel.

Description: 'The Wire' and 'The Cleaning Lady' both offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on individuals and communities. Both shows delve into the systemic issues that lead people into criminal activities, providing a nuanced perspective on the subject.

Fact: The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter. Many of the actors were non-professionals, including former drug dealers and police officers. The show was initially criticized for its slow pace but has since been hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Description: 'Weeds' shares with 'The Cleaning Lady' the theme of a woman navigating the criminal underworld to provide for her family. Both protagonists start with legitimate lives but are drawn into illegal activities out of necessity, showcasing the blurred lines between right and wrong in desperate situations.

Fact: Mary-Louise Parker, who played Nancy Botwin, was pregnant during the filming of the first season. The show's theme song, 'Little Boxes', was covered by various artists including Elvis Costello and The Shins. The character of Andy was originally supposed to die in the first season, but the writers decided to keep him due to his popularity.

Description: Like 'The Cleaning Lady', 'Breaking Bad' explores the transformation of an ordinary person into a criminal due to desperate circumstances. Both shows delve into the moral complexities and consequences of entering the criminal underworld. The protagonist's journey from a law-abiding citizen to a criminal mastermind is a central theme in both series.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, initially thought the role was a joke when his agent called him about it. The show was originally set in Riverside, California, but was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for tax incentives. The iconic 'Heisenberg' hat was actually Bryan Cranston's own hat that he brought to the set.

Description: Similar to 'The Cleaning Lady', 'Queen of the South' follows a woman who rises through the ranks of a criminal organization. Both shows feature strong female leads who must navigate dangerous situations and make difficult moral choices to survive and protect their loved ones.

Fact: The show is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga, who plays Teresa Mendoza, is a well-known actress in Brazil. The series was filmed in multiple locations including Dallas, Malta, and Colombia.

Description: 'Sons of Anarchy' and 'The Cleaning Lady' both feature protagonists who are deeply embedded in criminal organizations but struggle with the moral implications of their actions. Both shows blend action, drama, and family dynamics to create a compelling narrative.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, also played the character Otto Delaney. The character of Jax Teller was inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet. The show's motorcycle club, SAMCRO, stands for Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original.

Description: Like 'The Cleaning Lady', 'Better Call Saul' focuses on a character who is drawn into the criminal world out of necessity. Both shows explore the moral compromises and transformations that occur when ordinary people are pushed into extraordinary circumstances.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk, who plays Saul Goodman, initially thought the character was too similar to his previous comedic roles. The show's black-and-white flash-forwards were inspired by film noir. The character of Mike Ehrmantraut was originally supposed to appear in only a few episodes but became a series regular due to his popularity.

Description: Like 'The Cleaning Lady', 'Animal Kingdom' centers on a family deeply involved in criminal activities. Both shows explore the dynamics of loyalty, power, and survival within a family-run criminal enterprise.

Fact: The show is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. Ellen Barkin, who plays Smurf, was initially hesitant to take on the role. The show's title refers to the Darwinian nature of the criminal world.

Description: 'Snowfall' and 'The Cleaning Lady' both depict the rise of individuals in the criminal underworld, with a focus on the personal and societal consequences of their actions. Both shows blend personal drama with larger societal issues, creating a compelling narrative.

Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood'. The character of Franklin Saint is loosely based on real-life figures from the crack epidemic. The show's title refers to the nickname for cocaine in the 1980s.