Amandaland has returned for a second series on BBC One, but many fans have voiced the same complaint as the show got underway. The comedy, a spin-off of the hit series Motherland, sees Lucy Punch reprise her role as Amanda. It was a ratings winner when it first aired last year, and plenty of viewers took to social media to say it was "great" to see it back for season two.
Fans Compare Amandaland to Motherland
However, some fans felt that the new series does not measure up to Motherland, which starred Anna Maxwell Martin as the hapless mum Julia. "S2 > S1, but still nowhere near Motherland," said one person on X, adding that original characters Julia, Kevin (played by Paul Ready), and Liz (Diane Morgan) "had the magic." Another viewer wrote, "I mean it’s good, but it’s no Motherland." A third commented, "I love this show - not quite Motherland but still fun."
A review in The Guardian suggested that the series was "not as delectably spiky as Motherland." Despite the comparisons, many viewers thought it was "hilarious." One remarked, "So good to see this back, love it." Another said, "Absolutely brilliant," while a fan confessed, "Binged Amandaland season 2 in one go and now sad!! We need more."
What Happens in Series 2?
Motherland ran for three series, wrapping with a Christmas special in 2022. Amandaland started last year, following the character after she split from her husband and moved to a different area. She raises her children as a single mum with the help of a new set of school parent friends, while also reconnecting with old sidekick Anne (Philippa Dunne). Series two sees Amanda still in "SoHa" - the name she has given her new home of South Harlesden - as she juggles parenting teenagers with trying to boost her online Senuous brand.
Fans Hope for a Crossover
Fans of Motherland have hoped for a crossover episode. One recently commented 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.
