Fans of the BBC hit comedy Motherland have something new to look forward to with the premiere of the spin-off sitcom Amandaland. Created by Holly Walsh, who previously indicated Motherland would not be returning, Amandaland centers around Amanda, portrayed by Lucy Punch. This new series picks up with Amanda as she navigates the challenges of life following her divorce, with her teenage children recently changing schools and making the significant downsize to South Harlesden.
Aside from Amanda's struggles, the new show also explores her relationship with her mother, played by Joanna Lumley, who is ironically always present yet oblivious to her own loneliness. Amanda's closest companion, Anne, is once again drawn back to her life, helping her cope as they both face the unique social dynamics posed by their children’s new school.
The cast of Amandaland features both familiar faces and new talent. Alongside Lucy Punch and Joanna Lumley, returning actors include Philippa Dunne as Anne, with newcomers such as Siobhan McSweeney, known for her role as Sister Michael on Derry Girls, and Samuel Anderson from Doctor Who and Trollied. Rochenda Sandall, who starred in Line of Duty and Criminal: UK, also joins the cast.
Here’s the full cast list:
- Amanda: Lucy Punch
- Anne: Philippa Dunne
- Felicity: Joanna Lumley
- Mal: Samuel Anderson
- Della: Siobhan McSweeney
- Fi: Rochenda Sandall
- JJ: Ekow Quartey
- Manus: Alexander Shaw
- Georgie: Miley Locke
- Darius: Jack Veal
- Morten: Anya McKenna-Bruce
- Ned: Archie Smith
- Joy: Liz Sutherland-Lim
The anticipation for Amandaland has been building among fans, particularly since Motherland last aired with its Christmas special in 2022. This new spin-off aims to maintain the humor and relatable observations of Motherland, all the way embracing the imperfections of modern motherhood. According to Lucy Punch, "I was incredibly excited, surprised, and intrigued. Intrigued about where the writers thought the show and Amanda’s character could go, how it would look, and how it could maintain the tone and style of Motherland..."
Sessions of laughter and emotional moments await as Amanda contends with contemporary parenting issues such as teenage drinking and the stress of social media, highlighted by the trials of raising two children who are now teenagers.
Tanya Qureshi, head of comedy at the BBC, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the beloved series. She stated, "Motherland continues to be one of the most-loved comedies on the BBC, and we’re so pleased we are carrying on with the story, taking the characters in a new direction..." The new show signals not just continuity but also fresh storytelling possibilities.
The series will debut on BBC One on February 5, 2024, at 9 PM, with episodes airing weekly at the same time. All episodes will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, where fans can catch up with past episodes of Motherland.
With promises of sharp humor and relatable storytelling, Amandaland looks set to capture the hearts of audiences once more, thanks to the efforts of the creators and its talented cast, eager to bring this new chapter of the story to life.