Top News

Amandaland has made its eagerly anticipated return for a second series, though some viewers had an issue as it got underway.

The comedy - a BBC spin-off of the beloved series Motherland, which sees Lucy Punch reprise her role as Amanda - proved a ratings triumph when it launched last year. Viewers have been taking to social media to declare it "great" to see it back for a second run.

However, a number of fans felt it failed to match up to Motherland, which starred Anna Maxwell Martin as the perpetually flustered mum Julia, reports the Mirror.

"S2 > S1, but still nowhere near Motherland," wrote one user on X, insisting that original characters Julia, Kevin (played by Paul Ready) and Liz (Diane Morgan) "had the magic".

"I mean it's good, but it's no Motherland," another viewer posted on the platform, formerly known as Twitter.

"I love this show - not quite Motherland but still fun," added a further viewer.

Meanwhile, a review in The Guardian suggested that the series was "not as delectably spiky as Motherland".

Despite this, numerous viewers declared it "hilarious", with one commenting: "So good to see this back, love it."

"Absolutely brilliant," enthused another, while one fan confessed: "Binged Amandaland season 2 in one go and now sad!! We need more."

Motherland ran for three series, concluding with a Christmas special in 2022.

Amandaland launched last year, following the titular character in the aftermath of her marriage breakdown as she relocated to a new neighbourhood, bringing up her children as a single mother with the support of a new circle of school-gate friends, while also rekindling her friendship with former sidekick Anne (Philippa Dunne).

The second series finds Amanda still in "SoHa" - her self-coined nickname for her new stomping ground of South Harlesden - as she attempts to balance raising teenagers with growing her online Senuous brand.

Motherland fans have been clamouring for a crossover episode, with one fan recently posting on X: "I know it's a long shot, but I'm still holding out for the Motherland gang making a cameo in one episode by gatecrashing Amandaland and cramping Amanda's style.

"The original cast prolly have other filming commitments, but I can still dream ;-)."

Amandaland is available on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.