BBC Amandaland sparks fan debate as viewers make urgent plea over ‘disappointing’ Motherland spin-off debut
Amandaland made its debut on the BBC this week as a spin-off from popular comedy Motherland, which ran for three series from 2016 to 2022.
Starring Lucy Punch who reprised her role as snobby mother-of-two Amanda, the show focuses on her character’s move to South Harlesden following her divorce.
Amanda’s new life is explored after the events of Motherland as she tackles the demands of her now-teenage children and being a single mother.
Much to her displeasure, Amanda has had no choice but to switch from Waitrose to Tesco and downsize to a flat in order to accommodate her new financial situation.
While some viewers were pleased with the comedy, others pleaded for the original show to make a comeback instead, questioning the decision to replace it with a spin-off.
Taking to X, one wrote: “Nice to have some of the old crew back for #Amandaland and there were 2 or 3 really hilarious lines but slightly disappointing overall. Please. Bring back Motherland. #Motherland.”
“Enjoyable but I kinda wish they had just done another series of Motherland. #Amandaland #MotherLand,” another echoed.
“Bring back Motherland #Amandaland,” a third demanded, with one fuming: “This is rubbish, nowhere as good as Motherland #Amandaland.”
A fifth X user penned: “#Amandaland not ringing the bell at the moment, not sure the character is strong enough to carry a series – makes you realise what a good ensemble #Motherland was.”
“#AmandaLand it doesn’t quite have the edge of motherland but that’s more tricky with a single main character,” another agreed.
“#AmandaLand if it was a brand new series everyone would love it, it’s only because we are comparing it to motherland that it doesn’t quite match up,” someone else pointed out.
However, others applauded the show, which was evident from one post that read: “Thought it would be a struggle coming off the back of Motherland but I have to say so far it’s brilliant #Amandaland.” (sic)
Reflecting on picking up the character of Amanda and her new storyline, Punch recently detailed: “Amanda is now living in an upper-level flat, with someone below her which is a hard pill for her to swallow.
“She’s moved away from Chiswick and all its treats, like Gail’s.
“The kids are now in high school, and Amanda is starting over. She’s probably had a quiet breakdown or meltdown along the way.”
Speaking to the BBC, she continued by sharing her initial reaction to being asked to be part of the spin-off.
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“I was incredibly excited, surprised, and intrigued,” she admitted.
“Intrigued about where the writers thought the show and Amanda’s character could go, how it would look, and how it could maintain the tone and style of Motherland while doing something new.”
The Bad Teacher actress continued: “It was lovely and felt quite natural. It was all about figuring out who she is now and navigating her new relationships.”