Critically acclaimed parental comedy impresses 2 million

BBC Two comedy, Motherland starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready, has been commissioned for a full six-part series, following a consolidated audience of 2 million for its pilot episode.

Written by Graham Linehan (Count Arthur Strong) and Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe), Helen Linehan (Dea Boss) and Holly Walsh (Dead Boss), Motherland is all about navigating the trials and traumas of motherhood, looking at the competitive and unromantic sides of parenting – not the cute and acceptable public face of motherhood.

Graham Linehan says: “I’m delighted to be working with such a gifted team. This is a world that seems to be brimming with comic possibilities and yet somehow under-explored, and I can’t think of better people, behind the cameras and in front of them, to be doing it with.”

Sharon Horgan says: “I am thrilled and relieved to have finally found a good use for my 13 years of mothering. Apologies in advance to the brave women and men of the school run.”

Patrick Holland, Channel Editor, BBC Two says: “How wonderful that Motherland is coming to BBC Two as a series. The pilot found a unique, confident voice that made for truly memorable comedy. It is savagely accurate writing, brilliantly brought to life by Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready. I can’t wait!”

Motherland originally aired as a one-off episode as part of the Landmark Sitcom Season. The series is a co-production between Merman and Delightful Industries and directed by Graham Linehan.