The Cleaner (2021)
A darkly comic BBC One series following a crime scene cleaner who mops up murder scenes — and somehow always ends up in the thick of things.
The Cleaner - Series Information
- Original Title: The Cleaner
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (29 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 10, 2021 (United States - TV-14), September 10, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), September 10, 2021 (Australia - M)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Зачистка (RU)
- Production Companies: Studio Hamburg
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Cleaner - Plot
After CSI have done their stuff, the cleaner mops up the grisly remains. For Wicky, a bloodbath and the pub is all in a day's work.
The Cleaner - Trailer
See what awaits in this BBC One dark comedy series:
Where to Watch The Cleaner
Looking for where to watch The Cleaner?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Cleaner - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Greg Davies
- Zita Sattar
- Jane Lewis
- Sam Ward
- Barry Castagnola
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Paul Chowdhry
- Shobu Kapoor
- David Mitchell
- Georgie Glen
Writers
- Greg Davies
Executive Producers
- Vivien Muller-Rommel
The Cleaner - FAQs
What is The Cleaner BBC series about?
The Cleaner follows Paul Wickstead — known as Wicky — a crime scene cleaner whose job begins where the police investigation ends. Each episode traps him in a darkly comic situation with the people connected to the scene he's scrubbing, blending workplace comedy with surprisingly sharp character studies.
Is The Cleaner based on a true story or another show?
The Cleaner is adapted from the German comedy series Der Tatortreiniger, which ran from 2011 to 2019. The original was created by Ingrid Lausund and became a cult hit in Germany. Greg Davies adapted the concept for British audiences, writing all the episodes himself and starring as the lead.
Who plays the main character in The Cleaner?
Greg Davies plays Paul Wickstead, the crime scene cleaner at the heart of the show. Davies also wrote every episode, making this a deeply personal project. The series features a rotating cast of guest stars — including Helena Bonham Carter and David Mitchell — who appear alongside him in each standalone story.
Where can you stream The Cleaner?
The Cleaner is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Amazon Channel, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel. All three seasons are available on the platform. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local BritBox subscription for the latest access details.
Did The Cleaner receive positive reviews from critics?
The Cleaner earned warm reviews for its quirky charm and Greg Davies's commanding comic performance. Critics praised its inventive two-hander format, where Wicky is essentially locked in conversation with a new character each episode. The show was widely described as an underrated gem in British comedy television.
Why does The Cleaner feature so many guest stars?
The show's format is built around guest appearances — each episode pairs Wicky with a different person connected to the crime scene he's cleaning. This structure allowed the series to attract high-profile talent like Helena Bonham Carter, David Mitchell, and Shobu Kapoor, giving each episode a fresh dynamic and comedic energy.
How many seasons and episodes does The Cleaner have?
The Cleaner ran for three series on BBC One, with six episodes per series and a special, totalling 18 episodes. The show premiered in September 2021 and concluded in 2024. Each episode runs around 29 minutes, making it an easy and rewarding binge for fans of British comedy.
What are good shows to watch after The Cleaner?
If you enjoyed The Cleaner, Bad Education and Brooklyn Nine-Nine offer similarly sharp workplace comedy with lovable oddballs. For something with a comparable British sensibility, Don't Forget the Driver is a strong pick. Loot and Claws bring a darker comedic edge that fans of Wicky's world will likely appreciate.
More About The Cleaner
Explore further details about The Cleaner on these authoritative sources.