Motherland. To say I thought it would be funnier is an understatement.

[JMSA]

I've just started watching it today, and I'm on episode 5 of Season 1.

So far I've had one 'sort of' laugh out loud. But I don't think I can watch any more.

Kevin - irritating to the point of wanting to tear my hair out.

The Absent Husband - just why? And who would put up with that?

Julia - pretty good.

Liz - probably the least unfunny thing about it 👍

Is it just me who's not getting it?

I really enjoyed Catastrophe. Much better and much more likeable characters

But then where is the discussion? How bland the whole world would be if we could only talk about things we like on Mumsnet, or anywhere else?

Why are people so extremely oddly defensive??

I didn't mind it. It's got some funny moments and a very good cast of comedy actors, but it was nowhere near as brilliant/relatable/hilarious as it was hyped up on here to be.

I think the relatability part might be where it falls down. The writers can't seem to decide whether it's meant to be something that virtually every stressed mum of young children could relate to, or whether it's a farce about wealthy neurotics.

iplayer

It's not really a laugh out loud comedy, more of a well observed, beautifully written drama with funny bits and sad bits and gut punchy bits. Sharon Horgan and Co are at their best with this one. I think I recognise bits of myself in all the characters, and also recognise bits of women I know. The feeling that your husband is having the life of Riley at work while you are wrestling your toddlers, that the Queen Bee in the playground are talking about you, the dreads of hosting a birthday party. The subtle misogyny, the SAHD feeling lonely and out of place. The script is piercingly accurate.

The characters are all quite unlikeable sometimes, and all quite endearing and vulnerable sometimes too. Like real people.

I've had several attempts at watching Motherland but found it stressful/anxiety inducing rather than funny, so gave up. I was a SAHM for most of my DC's primary years which was absolutely never my intention so am probably a bit over-sensitive about school mum 'stereotypes'.

That said, I have friends who love it!

It’s on iPlayer now, shows after the last ep of season 3.

It was added to iplayer very recently, check again!

Because it's 30 minutes long it gets classed as comedy but to me it's much more an observational drama with some funny moments.

I agree that Julia is not a likeable character or a great example of a mother. It must have made it a great role to play. To carry a series whilst being so deeply unpleasant is quite a feat.

Absolutely love it! My husband will often suggest putting it on too , it's fab

@OriginalUsername2 @Bumcake

Thank you!!

There's a queue Phillip Scofield!! 😂

It was good but a bit of a weird end.

Be gone with you!

Motherland is hilarious

The thing is

They are awful characters . Of course we wouldn't be friends with Julia. She's a dickhead. So is Amanda and Meg and Liz

Kevin is a loser

They're cringey people

It's not a naturalistic drama. Its a sit com

The characters are all hugely flawed but we empathise with their situations sometimes

I found the revelation about Anne's previous life as head of development at SmithGlaxoKline kind of sad. I quite often find myself remembering my own life pre-children and feel like I was an entirely person then. I think I could almost be unrecognisable physically, mentally, emotionally and in self-confidence. Everything changed when I became a mum and the people I have met as a result of parenthood only see the overweight, weirdo with poor self esteem that I have become!

So, similar to Anne's situation: we often don't see beyond the parent role of others.

You realise that, like everything in life, humour is multifaceted and nuanced?

Motherland isn't supposed to appeal to those who laugh at people slipping on banana skins.

It's wry, dry, word humour.

The Christmas special where they go to Amanda’s house party and then repaint the nativity is worth a watch.
Loved Julia’s useless DH in the queue at TK Maxx on Christmas Eve, while she juggles her visitors and dinner prep-very well observed!

Nope. In all of my 50 years, the thought never occurred to me.

I quite enjoyed Motherland, especially the second series but can’t stand fleabag. I tried 2 episodes but found the talking to the camera malarkey, too annoying. Mrs Brown’s Boys is pure simplistic shite and I don’t understand why it’s so popular, to be honest.

My all time favourite comedy series is Still Game and nothing beats it in my view.

I agree with you OP. Wry, dry wit it is not. Phoenix Nights bears rewatching. Very funny.

Still Game is fab.

Are you a fellow Scot?

Still Game is WAY better than Motherland. I also like Phoenix Nights. Can't stand Mrs Brown's Boys. There are a few posters implying that people who don't like Motherland just aren't clever enough to appreciate it. No, we just like different things.

I’m watching it right now. He who hingeth about getteth hee haw.

Ok, so I persevered with Motherland and it definitely grew on me a bit. Not the best or most funny comedy out there, but it's worth an easy watch during the 'No Man's Land' period between Christmas and New Year!
Alas, I have watched Still Game to death

Yeah me too and most of them are Amanda’s .

Love LOVE Motherland.