Amandaland viewers rage ‘this is rubbish’ as they slam Motherland’s new spin-off and make major demand to BBC
AMANDALAND viewers rage 'this is rubbish' as they slam Motherland's new spin-off show and make a major demand to BBC.
The BBC sitcom Motherland ended in 2022 after three seasons with the final episode being the Christmas special.
Its spin-off show Amandaland centres around the character of Amanda played by actress Lucy Punch.
Joining Lucy were the iconic Joanna Lumley as Felicity, as Anne and Samuel Anderson as Mal.
Post her divorce, Amanda has had to downsize and up sticks to South Harlesden, or as the Estate Agent calls it SoHa (definitely not the area around Wormwood Scrubs prison).
With both Manus and Georgie now at secondary school, Amanda has to try and get her head around raising teenagers, dealing with modern motherhood horrors like teenage drinking, fake Instagram accounts and eco anxiety.
motherland
Amanda’s mother Felicity is constantly around, and completely in denial that she is, in fact, lonely.
Theirs is a slightly unhealthy co-dependent relationship based on backhanded compliments and veiled snipes about her new home.
And it wasn't long before Amanda found herself struggling to adapt to her new surroundings.
However, the first episode received a mixed review from viewers with many feeling it wasn't as good as Motherland and wondering why the BBC couldn't have just renewed the original series.
Most read in News TV
"This is rubbish, nowhere as good as Motherland #Amandaland" stated one viewer.
Posting an image of Motherland's Julia, another fan stated: "Feel like pure shit, just want her back. #Motherland #Amandaland."
"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" declared another viewer.
While another said: "Enjoyable but I kinda wish they had just done another series of Motherland. #Amandaland #MotherLand."
However, not everyone agreed and some fans found the new episode hilarious and a good watch.
"Amandaland is so good, one of the funniest things I've watched in years! #Amandaland" said one enthusiastic fan.
Best BBC comedies
A BBC boss called on the industry to "save our sitcoms", but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows.
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) - Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) - The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters', in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 - 1989) - Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012) - Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay 'hip'. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 - 2006) - The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) - A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line 'Am I bovvered?'. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous 'Nan', Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
"Soooo funny and great comedy" raved another.
While another declared: "Thought it would be a struggle coming off the back of Motherland but I have to say so far it’s brilliant."
Talking about the new show, lead star Lucy recently said “Amanda is living in an upper-level flat, with someone below her, which is a hard pill for her to swallow.
"The writers have been very clever because while it still feels like the same world as Motherland, they’re totally different characters.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"I was incredibly excited, surprised and intrigued to be asked to do it.”
Amandaland airs on BBC and is available to stream on BBCIplayer.