The BBC has officially confirmed that its critically acclaimed drama, Riot Women, will be returning for a highly anticipated second series.
From Hebden Bridge to National Acclaim
Created by the multi-BAFTA award-winning writer Sally Wainwright, the show launched earlier this year and quickly became a hit. The series, set and filmed in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, follows the journey of five menopausal women – a teacher, a police officer, a pub landlady, a midwife, and a shoplifting freeloader – who decide to form a punk rock band and enter a local talent contest.
The first episode proved to be a massive success, drawing an impressive 5.4 million viewers within 28 days, winning over both audiences and critics alike with its heartfelt and riotous story.
What's Next for the Band?
The new series will pick up directly after the dramatic events of the first season's finale, exploring what comes next for the band members. The characters, played by a stellar cast including Joanna Scanlan as Beth and Rosalie Craig as Kitty, found more than just musical camaraderie. Beth and Kitty discovered a shocking, earth-shattering connection from their past that brought them closer.
The full cast also features Tamsin Greig as Holly, Lorraine Ashbourne as Jess, and Amelia Bullmore as Yvonne, with Taj Atwal, Chandeep Uppal, and Macy Seelochan as the band's riotous backing singers, Nisha, Kam, and Miranda.
Creative Team's Joyful Reaction
Sally Wainwright, who also served as lead director and executive producer, expressed her excitement about the renewal. "Oh, this is where the fun really starts!" she said. "We've all been so deeply moved by the huge, overwhelming, joyous, emotional response to series one, and now we're able to take the Riot Women extravaganza onto the next level! We hope you'll all join us on the series two rollercoaster!"
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added her praise, stating: "Riot Women has resonated with millions of BBC viewers so I'm over the moon that we get to go again. An enormous thank you goes to Sally, Roanna [Benn, executive producer], the team at Drama Republic and the dream cast and crew. Riot Women has made people laugh, cry, think and connect with others - what more could we ask for... Bring on the next chapter!"
With the foundation laid and the audience firmly on its side, the second series of Riot Women promises to deliver more of the powerful storytelling and punk spirit that made the first season a standout success for BBC One.
