American crime-drama series 'The Cleaning Lady' climbs to No. 1 on Netflix

The crime drama series "The Cleaning Lady" is currently the number one series on Netflix Philippines, drawing renewed attention for its strong Filipino representation and emotion-driven storytelling.

A notable aspect of the series is the characters portrayed by Filipino actors Martha Millan, Alain Uy, and Khalen Roman Sanchez. Their roles anchor much of the show’s emotional core and are closely tied to the central narrative involving survival, family loyalty, and the consequences of involvement in the criminal underworld.

Some Filipino viewers have also taken to social media, particularly TikTok, noting their interest in the show due to the presence of Filipinos in the cast.

Filipino actors have also appeared in supporting roles throughout the series. Princess Punzalan portrays Alma “Lola” De La Rosa, a character connected to the family’s storyline, while JB Tadena appears in a supporting role.

In 2024, Filipino singer and Broadway star Lea Salonga also made headlines with her guest appearance as Rose in the series, a one-episode villain role. She plays a wealthy Filipino-American woman who publicly showcases her philanthropy while carrying a condescending edge.

In an interview with HuffPost, Salonga shared, “I don’t get to play the villain very often,” adding, “To play somebody that is not likable is a lot of fun.” Her appearance was also seen as a meaningful moment of representation, aligning with the series’ broader themes of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a memorable episode in the first season, "La Bamba" actor and Filipino-American Lou Diamond Phillips plays a sleazy car salesman who backs out of donating his marrow to Thony's son. After a heated confrontation where Phillips character tries to sell his marrow for a hundred thousand dollars, Millan told him off by saying, "Duwag ka."

Based on the official series’ synopsis, the show centers on a Cambodian-Filipino doctor Thony, played by French actress Elodie Yung, who is forced into the criminal underworld as a “cleaner” to protect her family. It blends thriller/suspense, family drama, and social commentary. The series is inspired by the 2017 Argentine series "La Chica Que Limpia."

One subtle emotional moment shows Thony briefly speaking with Marco (played by Ivan Shaw) while she was with their son. Before ending the call, she says, “Paalam.” Marco replies, “Ingat.”