Sally Wainwright can do no wrong — and this is shown once again in the hit drama Riot Women, which became a breakout success after launching on BBC iPlayer, drawing millions of viewers and widespread critical acclaim. Following its dramatic first-series finale, the BBC has confirmed that there is plenty more story to tell as the band’s journey continues.
The first series premiered in full on BBC iPlayer in October before concluding its weekly BBC One run on Sunday 16 November. The opening episode alone attracted 5.4 million viewers within 28 days across all platforms, showcasing its instant popularity with audiences.
Created and written by Sally Wainwright — who consistently gives kitchen-sink dramas such an authentic voice that you can’t help but fall in love with them — the series adds to her impressive catalogue, which includes Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax and Gentleman Jack. Produced by Drama Republic, Riot Women follows five menopausal women from very different backgrounds, including a teacher, a police officer, a pub landlady, a midwife and a shoplifting freeloader, who form a punk band to enter a local talent contest.
What begins as a rebellious creative outlet soon becomes something far more powerful, as the women discover they have a lot more to shout about than they ever imagined. As the group grows closer, Beth and Kitty uncover a shocking connection from their shared past. And, having been in bands in my youth, there’s something deeply authentic about the experience portrayed here — a notoriously difficult tightrope to walk in shows like this.
Set and filmed in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, the series stars Joanna Scanlan as Beth, Rosalie Craig as Kitty, Tamsin Greig as Holly, Lorraine Ashbourne as Jess and Amelia Bullmore as Yvonne. The cast also includes Taj Atwal, Chandeep Uppal and Macy Seelochan as the band’s riotous backing singers, Nisha, Kam and Miranda.
Series two will pick up after the explosive events of the first-series finale, with the BBC teasing that the band’s story is only just getting started. Further details about the new episodes will be announced in due course.
Sally Wainwright said: “Oh, this is where the fun really starts! We’ve all been so deeply moved by the overwhelming and emotional response to series one, and now we’re able to take the Riot Women extravaganza to the next level. We hope you’ll all join us on the series two rollercoaster.”
Roanna Benn, executive producer for Drama Republic, added: “We’re bowled over by how audiences have connected with Sally’s brilliant characters and stories, and by the phenomenal performances from the cast. There are so many stories left to tell, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Riot Women has resonated with millions of viewers, making people laugh, cry and connect with one another. I’m thrilled we get to continue this journey — bring on the next chapter.”
Viewers can catch up on series one now on BBC iPlayer, with series two officially on the way.
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Feature Image Credit: BBC
