The highly anticipated spin-off from the hit BBC series Motherland, titled Amandaland, premiered on February 5, 2023, inviting audiences to explore the comical yet chaotic life of Amanda (played by Lucy Punch) after her divorce.
Set primarily in the unglamorous South Harlesden—rebranded by Amanda as "SoHa"—the six-episode series marks the return of the acerbic alpha-mum, who now faces the challenges of raising two teenagers, Manus and Georgie, as they transition to secondary school. Punch's portrayal captures the essence of Amanda as she juxtaposes her snobbish demeanor with moments of vulnerability, setting the tone for the series.”
Written by the creative team behind Motherland, including Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, and Barunka O’Shaughnessy, Amandaland explores the complex world of modern motherhood. "There was always something unresolved about Amanda’s story in Motherland – she was probably the character who evolved the most over the three series and we felt there was more we could explore," said Walsh, one of the writers.
The series kicks off with Amanda grappling with her new circumstances, having left behind her affluent lifestyle and now having to negotiate life with her unsympathetic mother, Felicity, portrayed by the legendary Joanna Lumley. Lumley’s character adds yet another layer of hilarity and drama, reflecting unintentional snippiness and wit. “She’s amusing and amusing, with a little bit of cattiness toward her daughter. They do adore each other even though they exasperate one another,” Lumley remarked about her role.
Throughout the series, Amanda faces real-world issues like teenage drinking, eco-anxiety, and the multitude of challenges inherent to parenting adolescents, showcasing not just humor but the genuine struggle many parents experience today. "Underage drinking and love bites... instead of party entertainers and nits, it’s the matured parenting issues we’re exploring now," explained Walsh during interviews promoting the show.
Returning alongside Punch and Lumley is Philippa Dunne as Anne, Amanda's long-suffering friend and sidekick who is often the sounding board for Amanda’s escapades and misadventures. Commenting on the dynamic, Punch stated, "Beneath everything, Amanda is probably terribly lonely. She’s been lonely her whole life... It’s lovely she has Anne; she’s probably the only person who has ever loved Amanda unconditionally."
The series shifts to portray how Amanda navigates her new dating life, offering both comedic relief and moments of cringe as she interacts with her neighbors and attempts to form new friendships with the local moms—most prominently with the chef Della (Siobhan McSweeney) and her partner Fi (Rochenda Sandall).
Despite the tenuous premise, critics have noted the show effortlessly captures the spirit of its predecessor. Punch exudes charm as Amanda, now living above someone and adjusting to the more humble living conditions—"She’s disintegrated somewhat but has galvanised herself," Punch describes Amanda’s transformation.
The series production has not been without its hiccups; filming primarily took place across north London, with some scenes packed full of relatable yet slapstick humor often seen at school events. Punch humorously reflected on filming one scene where inclement weather caused props to scatter. “We were doing a car boot sale and the weather turned, and the entire set just blew off... it felt like something straight out of our show!”
Viewers familiar with Motherland will catch allusions throughout the spin-off, enhancing its charm. Yet, first-timers need not worry, as Amandaland stands alone. Walsh notes, “I hope if you loved Motherland, you'll love Amandaland. We’ve jumped forward... So you won’t feel lost without having watched prior episodes."
For those eager to jump back—in anticipation of reliving every hilarious moment of social rivalry and parenting trials—Amandaland promises to be just what fans have been craving. The blend of familiar character dynamics and new comedic material provides something delightful for both old fans and newcomers alike.
With its weekly airings and availability for streaming on BBC iPlayer, Amandaland is all set to leave audiences entertained and reflective about their own parenting dilemmas. The juxtaposition of light-hearted comedy against the backdrop of real-life issues can potentially resonate broadly with viewers, as this new series carves its niche within the rich panorama of British sitcoms.