Source: Eric Drumm / Electric ArtistsOn Tuesday, July 15, at 10pm ET/PT, A&E Network will launch its first original scripted drama series in more than six years. THE CLEANER™ stars Benjamin Bratt (“Law and Order,” Miss Congeniality), Amy Price-Francis (“Californication”), Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”), Kevin Michael Richardson (“Knights of Prosperity,” “Like Family”), Esteban Powell (Dazed and Confused, Powder), Brett DelBuono (Balls of Fury, “Kidnapped”) and Liliana Mumy (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause).
Grace Park is Akani Cuesta, the exotic beauty on Benjamin Bratt’s team who is just as much one of the boys with her hardened street edge. A bit of a wild card, she enjoys her job and is good at it, but resents being monitored by William, with whom there is a hint of a past relationship. Akani doesn’t need anyone’s support, especially that of her wealthy estranged father, but sometimes it seems she longs for a more settled, domestic life.
“I am always looking for good material to work with and The Cleaner is one of the best scripts I’ve read in a long time,” said Benjamin Bratt. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to portray such a complex and multidimensional character. A&E is the perfect home for The Cleaner and I’m proud to be working with them on bringing this emotionally compelling drama to life.”
Inspired by the true story of a real life “extreme interventionist,” Bratt stars as William “The Cleaner” Banks who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions by any means necessary.
In the series opener, William tries to help Zach, a once-promising high school athlete who has fallen victim to meth addiction. William’s efforts reveal a family fractured in the wake of a father’s death, as well as an underground drug-fencing operation that he must crack. While he fights to save Zach, William finds himself helpless to do anything for his best friend, Mickey, a former addict whose own demons have become overwhelming.
THE CLEANER is produced by CBS Paramount Television in association with Once A Frog Productions for A&E Network. The series was created and is executive produced by Jonathan Prince (“Cane,” “American Dreams”) and Robert Munic. Jay Silverman and Warren Boyd are co-executive producers.
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