Amandaland; A Hilarious Spin-off from BBC's Motherland

2025-02-28

The BBC’s hit sitcom Motherland has spawned a spin-off, Amandaland, which shifts the spotlight to the hilariously self-absorbed Amanda, played by Lucy Punch. The series, created by the original Motherland team, sees Amanda navigating a new life in south Harlesden (or “SoHa,” as she insists on calling it) after her divorce forces her to leave the affluent comforts of Chiswick.

Amanda’s chaotic journey begins with her children, Georgie and Manus, starting at a new state school, which she optimistically claims will improve their chances of getting into Oxbridge. Her Tesla is replaced by a bicycle, and her social circle now includes a mix of new and familiar faces. Among them is Anne (Philippa Dunne), her long-suffering friend from Motherland, and her mother, Felicity, played with icy perfection by Joanna Lumley. The dynamic between Amanda and Felicity is both toxic and darkly comedic, with Lumley delivering cutting remarks about Amanda’s reduced circumstances, such as her new reliance on a Tesco Metro instead of Waitrose.

The show introduces a fresh ensemble of characters, including a lesbian power couple, Della (Siobhán McSweeney) and Fi (Rochenda Sandall), who run a trendy restaurant and embody a laid-back parenting style that clashes with Amanda’s more controlling tendencies. The writing is sharp, with absurd yet relatable scenarios—like a car boot sale and a disastrous parents’ evening—providing ample opportunities for Amanda to reveal her worst traits while still eliciting sympathy.

Punch’s performance is a standout, blending physical comedy with moments of vulnerability as Amanda grapples with her new reality. The series retains the satirical edge of Motherland, skewering middle-class pretensions and modern parenting, while also exploring deeper themes of loneliness and resilience. Despite the absence of Motherland favourites like Julia and Kevin, Amandaland proves to be a worthy successor, offering both laughs and a poignant look at the challenges of reinvention.

Amandaland review – a rare chance to laugh so hard you wee yourself

The worst Motherland mother of all gets her own spin-off – and the gag rate is so high it fizzes with the hysterical energy of perimenopause. It’s goo

www.theguardian.com

Long live Amandaland!

The Motherland spin-off’s star returns diminished but undimmed.

www.newstatesman.com

Amandaland, review: Lucy Punch and Joanna Lumley make a dream comic double act

Motherland fans needn’t have worried – BBC One’s new spin-off, focusing on Lucy Punch’s yummy mummy Amanda, is both hilarious and heartfelt

www.telegraph.co.uk

Amandaland review: Sharon Horgan comedy spin-off stands firmly on its own two feet

Television: Series sees Motherland’s obviously posh mum Amanda return as she juggles parenting with a career as an influencer

www.irishtimes.com

‘Amandaland’ review: It’s hard to love Motherland’s queen bee without her sting

Making a spin-off from a successful and beloved sitcom can be a fraught business.

www.independent.ie

Amandaland on BBC One: What time it is on, cast list and plot

Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumely, and Phillipa Dunne are all starring in the new BBC spin-off series, Amandaland.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Amandaland cast in full as Doc Martin and Harry Potter stars join sequel

BBC's Amandaland is the sequel to Motherland and sees Lucy Punch reprise her role as Amanda as she tries to navigate raising teenagers after moving to

www.walesonline.co.uk