William Banks is a recovering drug addict who lives in Los Angeles, California. When his daughter Lula was born, Banks "made a deal with God", pledging that if he is given a second chance, he will end his drug abuse and help others end their addictions to drugs and alcohol. Banks and his small team of recovering addicts begin to work to help others in recovering from their addictions. They will resort to unethical and illegal tactics in order to end their clients' addictions. His success at cleaning people's addictions has gained him the respect of the LAPD and other officials, who almost alwaysturn a blind eye to the vigilante's methods. In fact, the LAPD and other law officials will frequently refer clients to Banks. Banks appears to believe that his work is a calling and will therefore work pro bono if a client is too poor to afford his services. Banks has a busy life; besides his addiction fighting capers, he runs a shop that primarily sells surfing equipment. His shop is connected to a garage where his business repairs automobiles and surfboards. Besides that he also works at a drug rehabilitation center called Transitions. Each episode typically begins with Banks having a one-way conversation with God, usually asking for guidance and clarity on his mission, the meaning of life and human nature, among other things. Other times Banks will air his grievances to God, asking why He allows bad things to happen. William's one-way communications with God are somewhat of a theme during the series, implying that his faith plays an important role in his sobriety. However, whether all the scenes where Banks is shown praying out loud to God are real or whether they are simply illustrations of what is going on in his mind, are left ambiguous to the viewers. The show's intro states that Banks also helps people overcome addictions to sex and gambling, however, neither one was the focus of an episode.
Production
The Cleaner, whose protagonist, according to A&E, helps others defeat their habits "by any means necessary", is the first original drama for this cable network in over six years. The show is loosely based on the life of Warren Boyd who, as an addictions counselor, has helped such people as Mel Gibson, Courtney Love, and Whitney Houston. On October 27, 2008 A&E declared they would pick up a second season of The Cleaner. It went into production of thirteen all-new episodes, and premiered on June 23, 2009. A&E opted not to renew the series for a third season on September 25, 2009.
The first season of The Cleaner was released on DVD on June 9, 2009, and the second and final season was released on DVD on June 1, 2010.
Ratings
2008 first-run ratings for The Cleaner were 1.1 million in the 18-49 demographic. The series finale averaged 1.528 million viewers in live+7.
International airings
The series was broadcast in Latin America through the A&E Latinamerica channel. Series one premiered on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The second season premiered on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
The First season premiered in Bulgaria in 2009 on AXN and the Second will premiere in January 2010. In 2010 also the First season will start on PRO.BG with different dub.
The first season of the series premiered in Italy on Thursday September 10, 2009, on pay-TV channel Joi,.
The First season premiered in Ireland in January 2010, on RTÉ Two.
The First season premiered in Kenya in January 2011, on nation tv.
