The BBC has announced the premiere date for the eagerly awaited Motherland spin-off, Amandaland, and fans won’t have to wait much longer.
The six-part series, featuring Lucy Punch and Joanna Lumley, is set to debut on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday, February 5.
Co-created by Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz, Amandaland will continue where the popular sitcom Motherland left off. The BBC comedy series concluded its three-season run in 2022.
After a chaotic divorce, Amanda (Punch) is forced to downsize and relocate to South Harlesden. With both her children now in secondary school, Amanda must adapt to managing unruly teenagers single-handedly, reports the Express.
Amanda’s mother Felicity (Lumley) is spending more time with her daughter, unable to confess that she is indeed lonely. Their unhealthy co-dependent relationship thrives on veiled insults and critical remarks about Amanda’s new abode.
Motherland favourite Anne (Philippa Dunne) also returns as Amanda’s sidekick, assisting her in navigating the social landscape with the other parents at the children’s new school. How will they manage?
The cast of Amandaland also includes Gavin and Stacey’s Samuel Anderson, Derry Girls’ Siobhan McSweeney, Line of Duty’s Rochenda Sandall, Trying’s Ekow Quartey and The Gentlemen’s Peter Serafinowicz.
Tanya Qureshi, BBC’s Head of Comedy, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series: “We can’t wait for audiences to see Amanda’s new chapter, brought to life by such a talented cast and a wonderfully sharp set of characters. It’s going to be a real treat.”
Meanwhile, co-creator Sharon Horgan shared her sentiments about moving on from Motherland, with an added excitement for the spin-off.
“I was genuinely sad having to say goodbye to Motherland. There’s such a fondness for that show and those characters. So, it was a real thrill to get to pick up the further adventures of Amanda and Anne, not to mention Felicity,” she said.
“Lucy, Phillipa and Joanna are top of their game in these roles and are joined by an incredibly funny and talented new cast. Can’t wait to showcase the next challenges of parenthood and the very particular kind of friendship the school gates bring.”
As anticipation builds for the debut of the sitcom next month, fans have been buzzing on X (previously known as Twitter) with their expectations. One social media user anticipates success, saying: “This is going to be such a hit.”
The reaction has been uniformly positive, with another chiming in: “Motherland was excellent, looking forward to this!” Additionally, there’s palpable excitement for the lead actress: “I cannot wait for Amandaland to start 5th Feb! Lucy Punch has deserved her own show for so long!!”
Amandaland will premiere on February 5 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer