The BBC has announced a brand-new spin-off of the popular and BAFTA award-winning series Motherland, titled Amandaland. The show will focus on the beloved character of Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, as she navigates life post-divorce in a new setting.
“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 and to a different postcode,” said Tanya Qureshi, Head of Comedy at the BBC.
The upcoming six-part series will focus on Amanda’s new life in South Harlesden, or ‘SoHa’ as her estate agent enthusiastically dubs it. She faces the daunting task of single-handedly raising her children, Manus and Georgie, who are now teenagers. Alone, she must confront the challenges of modern parenting, including teenage drinking and the growing concern of eco-anxiety. Turning to her confidante and ‘sidekick’, Anne (played by Philippa Dunne), Amanda navigates the often-treacherous social scene of the other parents at her children’s new school.
Amandaland will also explore the complex relationship between Amanda and her mother, Felicity, played by the iconic Joanna Lumley. Their co-dependent dynamic, filled with backhanded compliments and subtle jabs, adds a layer of humour and depth to the show.
Sharon Horgan, Co-Founder of Merman, the production company behind the show, expressed her delight at the new series: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC and with this incredible cast… Motherland took off in a way that none of us were expecting and it’s just so exciting that we get to continue to make this next chapter of parenthood and friendship.”
Clelia Mountford, Co-Founder of Merman, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the excitement of heading deeper into Amanda’s complex character and the talented comedy actors involved.
Agapy Kapouranis, Lionsgate President of International Television & Digital Distribution, also commented on the announcement: “BBC is the perfect home for the return of these beloved characters, and we are pleased to re-team with Merman to bring Amandaland to both fans of the original series and new audiences.”
The writing team includes Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, and Barunka O’Shaughnessy.
