Riot Women: BBC’s New Series on Menopause, Music & Motherhood

The British drama “Riot Women,” currently streaming on BritBox, isn’t a story about large-scale civil unrest. It’s a far more intimate rebellion, a midlife reckoning set to a punk rock soundtrack. Created by Sally Wainwright, the series, which debuted in the UK last October, arrives in the US offering a bracingly honest and often hilarious look at the realities facing women as they navigate menopause, aging, and a society that often deems them invisible.

Wainwright, known for her nuanced portrayals of women in series like “Happy Valley” and “Gentleman Jack,” once again centers her narrative around complex, flawed, and ultimately resilient female characters. “Riot Women” begins in a strikingly dark place: Beth (Joanna Scanlan), a teacher grappling with loneliness and depression, contemplates suicide. The attempt is interrupted not by a sudden epiphany, but by the mundane demands of everyday life – a phone call from her brother, another from a friend asking her to join a charity gig. This darkly comic opening sets the tone for a series that doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, but approaches them with a surprising amount of wit.

Beth’s decision to join the band, a group of women largely from the “sandwich generation” – caring for both aging parents and adult children – isn’t about chasing a youthful dream. It’s about finding an outlet for the frustrations and grievances that have accumulated over decades. As Beth herself puts it, “We sing songs about being middle-aged and menopausal and more or less invisible. And you thought the Clash were angry.” The formation of the band, comprised of a police officer, a pub landlady, a midwife, and a shoplifting “freeloader,” becomes a catalyst for each woman to confront her own personal struggles.

The series doesn’t shy away from the physical and emotional toll of menopause. It’s woven into the fabric of the narrative, not treated as a plot point, but as a lived experience. This is a significant departure from how midlife women are often portrayed on screen, and it’s one of the reasons “Riot Women” has resonated with audiences and critics alike. One review called for the show to be “prescribed on the NHS as a form of HRT,” praising its honest and humorous depiction of the subject.

Beyond menopause, the series tackles themes of family responsibility, societal expectations, and the challenges of aging. Holly (Tamsin Greig), a recently retired police officer, finds that managing her family is a more demanding job than law enforcement. Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), the pub landlady, juggles the needs of her grandchildren, and daughters. And Beth struggles with a strained relationship with her son, Tom, who seems to only reach out when it’s convenient for him. The show deftly portrays the complexities of these relationships, acknowledging the love and resentment that often coexist within families.

The dynamic between Beth and Kitty (Rosalie Craig), the band’s fiery singer, is particularly compelling. Kitty, reeling from a violent breakup and the unexpected contact from a child she gave up for adoption decades ago, brings a raw energy to the group. The revelation that the child is Beth’s son, Tom, introduces a soapy element, but Wainwright handles it with sensitivity, using it as a springboard for exploring themes of motherhood and forgiveness. The show doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does suggest that even in the midst of pain and regret, connection and healing are possible.

The music, written by the female rock duo ARXX, is integral to the show’s success. The songs are cathartic anthems, giving voice to the frustrations and experiences of midlife women. Lyrics like “Give me H.R.T.” and “You’re just like your mother” are both funny and poignant, capturing the absurdity and pain of navigating societal expectations. But the series also acknowledges that simply screaming about these issues doesn’t magically make them disappear. The problems remain, even after the music stops.

“Riot Women” isn’t a revolutionary series in terms of its structure or style. It’s a character-driven drama with a healthy dose of humor and heart. But it’s revolutionary in its subject matter and its willingness to portray midlife women with complexity and authenticity. In a television landscape often dominated by youth and glamour, Wainwright’s series offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective. It’s a reminder that women of a certain age have stories to tell, and that those stories deserve to be heard.

The show’s strength lies in its ability to balance darkness and light, grief and joy. It’s a series that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even feel a little braver about facing whatever challenges life throws your way. As one viewer described it on X, “Riot Women” is “feminist to its core,” showcasing the resilience of women who refuse to be silenced by age or expectation. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, and one that makes “Riot Women” a truly remarkable piece of television.