Cleaning Up

In the gritty and gripping 2019 crime drama series Cleaning Up, we follow the turbulent life of Sam, played by the charismatic and relatable Sheridan Smith. A single mother struggling to make ends meet, Sam works a mundane job as a cleaner in a London office building, her aspirations for a better life constantly thwarted by financial pressures and personal struggles. However, everything changes when she inadvertently stumbles upon a group of traders engaged in insider trading. This discovery sparks a dangerous spiral as Sam navigates the murky waters of crime and deception, all while trying to secure a brighter future for her children.

The series deftly explores themes of desperation, morality, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her family. As Sam becomes increasingly entangled in the world of financial crime, viewers witness her transformation from a meek cleaner to a cunning player in this high-stakes game. The duality of her character—torn between her desire for wealth and the ethical implications of her choices—adds depth to the narrative. With its sharp writing and a blend of tension and dark humor, Cleaning Up not only keeps audiences on the edge of their seats but also provokes thought about the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of survival.