Watch Motherland

Motherland, a British sitcom that premiered in 2016, follows the lives of a group of mothers as they navigate the ups and downs of parenting in a competitive and judgmental environment. The show centers around Julia, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, a stressed-out working mother who struggles to balance her professional and personal life. Julia is constantly battling with other moms, including the self-proclaimed Queen Bee Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, who always seems to have it together and looks down on Julia's parenting choices.

Diane Morgan plays Liz, a single mother who frequently relies on Julia for help with her children. Paul Ready plays Kevin, Julia's stay-at-home husband who struggles to feel fulfilled in his role as a caregiver. Ellie Haddington plays Marion, a stay-at-home mom who is always trying to stay busy and take control of the group. Tanya Moodie and Oliver Chris play Meg and Jon, a couple who seem to have the perfect marriage and family but hide their own secrets and insecurities behind their facade. Jackie Clune plays the school's headmistress, who is always watching them and judging them.

The show humorously depicts the challenges of modern motherhood, from the pressures of school pick-up and drop-off to the struggle of organizing a birthday party without turning into a complete mess. The moms deal with everything from potty training and sleepless nights to infidelity and office politics. The comedy is sharply observed, with razor-sharp dialogue and hilarious situations that will make you laugh out loud one moment and cringe the next.

Motherland tackles issues such as working mother guilt, gender roles, and the dreaded school run, while also shining a light on the competitive and judgmental nature of modern parenting. The show is surprisingly relatable, with characters that are flawed and complex, and situations that will resonate with anyone who has struggled to juggle work and family life.

The show's cast is excellent, with Anna Maxwell Martin delivering a standout performance as Julia. Her portrayal of a frazzled, overwhelmed mother who is constantly questioning her choices is both realistic and endearing. Lucy Punch is also fantastic as Amanda, perfectly capturing the smugness and self-importance of her character. Diane Morgan, who is best known for her role as Philomena Cunk in Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, is hilarious as Liz, providing some of the show's funniest moments.

The show's writing is equally impressive, with Sharon Horgan, Graham Linehan, Helen Linehan, and Holly Walsh all contributing to the script. The show's creators have clearly done their research, and the show holds a mirror up to the absurdity of modern parenting culture.

In conclusion, Motherland is a hilarious and relatable sitcom about the joys and struggles of modern motherhood. The show's cast is excellent, and its writing is sharp and observant. The show is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt the pressures of parenting in the 21st century.

Motherland is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between May 10, 2018 and on Sundance Now