BBC One Announces New Comedy Series Amandaland

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Following the success of the BAFTA award-winning series Motherland, BBC One and iPlayer are set to debut Amandaland in February. The spin-off focuses on Amanda, the perfectly polished yet perpetually frazzled character played by Lucy Punch. Created by Merman, the production company behind Motherland, the new series will offer a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of Amanda's next chapter as she navigates single motherhood and the chaos of modern parenting.

Lucy Punch reprises her role as Amanda, joined by Joanna Lumley as her delightfully meddling mother, Felicity, and Philippa Dunne as her ever-loyal friend Anne. The series also introduces a fresh roster of comedic talent, including Samuel Anderson (Gavin & Stacey) as Mal, Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls) as Della, Rochenda Sandall (Line of Duty) as Fi, Ekow Quartey (Trying) as JJ, and Peter Serafinowicz (The Gentlemen) as Johannes.

Tanya Qureshi, Head of Comedy at the BBC, expressed her excitement for the new 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."

Sharon Horgan, co-founder of Merman and co-creator of the series, reflected on the transition from Motherland to Amandaland. "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 pick up the further adventures of Amanda and Anne, not to mention Felicity. Lucy, Philippa, and Joanna are at the top of their game in these roles and are joined by an incredibly funny and talented new cast. I can't wait to showcase the next challenges of parenthood and the very particular kind of friendship the school gates bring."

Post-divorce, Amanda finds herself uprooted to South Harlesden—dubbed SoHa by optimistic estate agents—and adjusting to life in a far cry from her previous leafy neighbourhood. With her children Manus and Georgie now navigating secondary school, Amanda must contend with the perils of raising teenagers, including fake Instagram accounts, eco-anxiety, and the dreaded spectre of teenage drinking. Even Amanda, with her razor-sharp wit and unshakeable self-confidence, can't face these challenges alone.

Complicating matters is Amanda's mother, Felicity, whose frequent presence is fuelled by a denial of her own loneliness. Their dynamic is one of co-dependence, punctuated by sharp barbs and faux encouragement. Meanwhile, Anne, after a brief period of freedom, finds herself pulled back into Amanda's orbit, helping her to navigate the social hierarchy at her children's new school.

Amandaland is created by Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh (Motherland, The Other One), Helen Serafinowicz (Motherland, Nova Jones), and Barunka O'Shaughnessy (Breeders, Trying). The writing team includes Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, and Laurence Rickard (Ghosts, Yonderland).

The six-part, 30-minute series is a Merman production for BBC One and iPlayer, commissioned by Tanya Qureshi. Executive producers include Sharon Horgan, Clelia Mountford, Helen Serafinowicz, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, and Holly Walsh, with Lionsgate handling worldwide distribution.

Set to bring its unique blend of biting humour and relatable chaos, Amandaland promises to offer a fresh and laugh-out-loud take on parenting, friendship, and family life.