One off comedy Motherland was part of the BBC’s Sitcom Season and began as a pilot (broadcast 6 September 2016) for a potential series that emerged on Tuesday 7 November 2017 . It’s writers include Father Ted’s Graham Linehan and Catastrophe’s Sharon Horgan.
Motherland is all about navigating the trials and traumas of middle-class motherhood, looking at the competitive and unromantic sides of parenting – not the cute and acceptable public face of motherhood.
We meet the ‘Alpha Mums’ headed by Amanda who is very much the Queen Bee: everything in her life is organised, clean and sparkly – even the kitchen cork board is a statement of success.
At the other end of the spectrum we meet Liz who’s totally chaotic and feels the kids should enjoy free expression. Somewhere in the middle is Julia, who, when she forgets it’s the school holidays, realises her organisational skills are nowhere near the level of the ‘Alpha Mums’. Also in the mix is Kevin, he’s the stay-at-home dad, who rather than fighting against that, is embracing it with gusto – much to the irritation of the other mothers.
production details
UK / BBC Two – Merman – Delightful Industries / 1×30 minute episode / Broadcast Pilot: Tuesday 6 September 2016 at 10.00pm and series 7 November 2017.
Writer: Graham Linehan, Sharon Horgan, Helen Linehan, Holly Walsh / Producer: Richard Boden / Director: Graham Linehan
cast
Lucy Punch as Amanda
Diane Morgan as Liz
Anna Maxwell-Martin as Julia
Paul Ready as Kevin
