Riot Women Review: Embracing Middle Age & Menopause
Sally Wainwright, the creator and writer of “Happy Valley” (policewoman story), “Gentleman Jack” (historical lesbian drama), “Last Tango in halifax” (septuagenarian romance) and last year’s “Renegade Nell” (period action fantasy) has created and written a new series,”Riot Women,” about some friends, new friends and not-quite friends – most “on the wrong side of 50” - who come together to form a band to play at a talent show. What begins as a lark turns serious and opens the door to a drama-infused comedy – or perhaps a comedy-flecked drama – whose busy first season resolves much but, in its final moments, opens the door to an already scheduled second.
Set in a West Yorkshire city that functions narratively as a small town, it folds some of Wainwright’s themes into a kitchen-sink feminist musical soap opera on the themes of friendship, family, maternity, misogyny and age. As a story of unlikely people coming together in an unlikely project, it recalls such films as “The Commitments,” “The Full Monty” and ”Calendar Girls,” tho it might also be seen as a middle-aged version of “We Are Lady parts,” minus the South Asian specificity. It’s aspirational, as all such stories must be to make them worth telling, but tense; one worries things might go seriously wrong, even as the implied promise of the series is that they might not.
This is true from the opening scene,in which Beth (Joanna Scanlan),whose husband left her a year before; whose married son,Tom (Jonny Green) ignores her calls and texts; and who,feeling invisible in the world,sets out to hang herself. She’s interrupted twice by phone calls.The first is from her brother, angry that Beth sold their mother’s house to pay for her round-the-clock care; he wants his future inheritance. The second is from Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), who runs a pub. She’s been fooling around on the drums and has had the idea to form a rock band to play at a local talent show, “for a laugh.” she wants Beth,who can play the piano,to join – suicide at least temporarily averted. (The rope – blue, so you can spot it – will stick around.)
Beth visits a music store to buy a digital keyboard. “I’m in a rock band,” she tells the clerk.”Punk-is
Riot Women: A Television Series Overview
Table of Contents
“Riot Women” is a television series centered around a band, with the narrative focusing on the personal challenges of its members and the dynamics between them, while frequently attributing dramatic complications to male characters. As of January 14,2026,there is no indication of a release date beyond the facts provided in the source text.
Thematic Elements and Narrative Focus
The series prioritizes character progress and intimate interactions, often showcasing the women in close-up, extended conversations. The narrative employs common backstage musical tropes and coincidences, but aims for realism through detailed character portrayals and the exploration of relationships. The review suggests that while men contribute to the drama, they are not central to the core story.
Band Dynamics and Performance
The band, named “Riot Women,” serves as a structural element for the individual storylines, rather than being the primary focus of the narrative. The excitement of the series stems from both the band’s formation and their onstage performances, but also from observing the actors’ performances and the nuances of their interactions. The review highlights the series’ ability to create a sense of intimacy through its focus on character details and the evolving relationships between the players.
Critical Reception (as of original review)
The original review characterizes the series as “real” not in its plot, which contains familiar tropes and coincidences, but in its attention to character details and the complexities of human connection. The reviewer concludes with a positive endorsement, stating “Rock on.”