Laverne Cox is opening up about the emotional impact of Clean Slate’s cancellation, calling the end of the series “gutting” and a “devastating” loss—not just for her as an actor, but for the fans who embraced the show.
In a candid moment with Gayety at the opening of The Tryst Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Cox reflected on how she first felt upon hearing the news that Clean Slate, the Freevee comedy starring Cox and George Wallace, would not be moving forward after its first season. Despite the heartbreak, the Emmy-nominated star made it clear that she’s choosing gratitude over regret.
“I was gutted and devastated,” the ‘Orange Is The New Black‘ alum admitted. “But moving forward is the fans—and how we’ve already, with that one season, touched people and made a difference. The love that we gave and put into it, I’ve gotten it back ten times, and I keefep getting it.”
‘Clean Slate’ Promised Representation, Then Vanished
Clean Slate premiered to buzz for its fresh premise: Henry, a conservative Alabama car wash owner, is forced to reconcile with his estranged child Desiree (played by Cox), who returns home as a proud trans woman. The series was praised for tackling themes of identity, family, and generational acceptance with humor and heart.
Laverne Cox for ‘Clean Slate.’
Cox’s casting was hailed as groundbreaking. For many trans viewers, seeing a Black trans woman co-lead a sitcom wasn’t just exciting—it was revolutionary. That’s part of why the cancellation hit so hard.
“Whether it’s one season, six seasons—that relationship between us and the fans is everything,” Cox said. “Thank you to the fans who watched and are continuing to watch and love our show.”
While Freevee and Amazon did not release detailed reasons behind the cancellation, industry insiders cited strategic shifts in programming and viewership data as contributing factors. Still, the sudden end left many questioning what space, if any, streaming platforms are truly making for stories led by and centered on trans characters.
Demi Lovato and Laverne Cox attend the Pool Party during the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 26, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)
Beyond the Red Carpet
The end of Clean Slate isn’t the only shift in Cox’s professional life. She also recently stepped away from her high-profile red carpet hosting duties at E!, where she served as a dynamic, stylish, and deeply thoughtful interviewer.
“Deep respect to anyone who works the red carpet,” Cox said. “It was so much work. And I always hold myself to a very high standard.”
Known for her sharp questions, affirming energy, and undeniable fashion presence, Cox made a mark on the carpets. But she also revealed how emotionally and mentally taxing the job could be.
“It was so much work, and it was stressful,” she said. “And I’m an artist. I needed to step away.”
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“The ratings were through the roof at E! when we were there,” Cox added. “I’m proud of that. I think we elevated the conversation, and we made the artists feel good and the audience feel good.”
What’s Next for Laverne Cox?
Even as she steps away from two major platforms, Cox is far from done. Known for blazing trails and setting new standards in both Hollywood and media, she’s made it clear that she’s ready for the next chapter—whatever it may be.
“I just always want to do my best,” she said, thanking Lalwani and fans for their support. “And now—onto the next thing.”
With Clean Slate behind her, the red carpet in the rearview, and a career that’s always evolving, Cox remains a defining voice in trans visibility, intersectional storytelling, and authentic representation in Hollywood.
For fans still mourning Clean Slate, Cox’s message is simple but powerful: the work mattered—and it still does.
