BBC viewers have raved about a "chaotic" and "laugh-out-loud funny" spin-off to a beloved comedy series.
After the alpha mum quickly gained a fan base of her own in Motherland, Amanda (Lucy Punch) is the focus of her own show in Amandaland, which began on BBC One and streaming service iPlayer last night.
Freshly divorced and with her children now teenagers, Amanda finds herself in a flat in South Harlesden desperately trying to get her "very promising" Instagram start-up off the ground.
She finds herself reunited with former pal Anne (Philippa Dunne), learning from her who the cool parents are and how to climb the parental social ladder.
Related: Stephen Graham's hit BBC series has no plan to return despite perfect Rotten Tomatoes score
That's not the only familiar face in the show, as Amanda's mother Felicity (Joanna Lumley) returns, desperately trying to avoid her carer whenever she can.
What to Read Next
After its premiere, many fans binged the entire box set on BBC iPlayer, taking to X to rave about the show.
"Just finished watching every episode of Amandaland and I regret nothing," one user wrote. "It sits beautifully alongside Motherland. It's brilliantly written, laugh-out-loud funny and had just the right amount of cringe. A worthy spin-off."
Related: Keeley Hawes' new BBC drama isn't perfect, but it's got heart
Another praised Punch's return as the titular character, writing: "Lucy Punch is so brilliant as Amanda - she could be one dimensional but the writing and her performance makes it so layered and sympathetic - it’s a really clever piece of work."
A third posted: "Amandaland was everything I hoped it would be. Chaotic, hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable."
One viewer also said: "Amandaland was everything I expected and more! Lets hope for a series two commission with cameo appearances from Julia, Liz and Kevin."
Some said they were worried it wouldn't compare to Motherland, starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, and Paul Ready.
Related: Why Call the Midwife's cut-throat decision was the right move
One X user concluded, however: "I was worried that Amandaland wouldn't work, by focussing on arguably Motherland's least likeable character. However, showing us her own awful mother makes Amanda more sympathetic, and ANNE IS THERE and it's actually brilliant. Phew!!"
Ahead of Amandaland's first episode, co-creator Sharon Horgan shared how "genuinely sad" she was to say goodbye to Motherland and the "fondness" she felt for its characters.
"It was a real thrill to get to pick up the further adventures of Amanda and Anne, not to mention Felicity," she continued. "Lucy, Phillipa and Joanna are top of their game in these roles and are joined by an incredibly funny and talented new cast.
"Can't wait to showcase the next challenges of parenthood and the very particular kind of friendship the school gates bring."
Amandaland airs every Wednesday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm. The entire box set is available to stream now on iPlayer.
