Why Is Everyone Binge-Watching The New Yorkshire Drama "Riot Women" From Sally Wainwright?

Ever stumble upon a new TV show and find yourself glued to the screen, promising "just one more episode" until suddenly it's 2 a.m. and you've finished the whole thing? Well, that's exactly what's happening all over the country. A brand-new drama has landed, and viewers are completely hooked, with loads of people admitting to a full-on binge-watch in a single sitting.

The series in question is Riot Women, and it comes from Sally Wainwright, the brilliant mind behind the smash-hit police drama Happy Valley. It seems she's worked her magic again, creating a story that has everyone talking and proves that age is just a number when it comes to chasing your dreams. This latest update from the writer shares a powerful story about family and friendship.

So what's the big deal about Riot Women?

Picture this: a group of women living in Yorkshire, each juggling their own messy, complicated lives. They've got demanding careers, grown-up kids who still need them, ageing parents, and tricky relationships. Life is, well, life. But then, they decide to do something completely unexpected. They form a punk-rock band. It all starts as a bit of a laugh, an impromptu plan to enter a local talent competition.

But as they start writing their own music, they realise they've got a lot to say. The new drama, which first aired on Sunday, 12 October, and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, explores these women's struggles and triumphs. The band becomes more than just a hobby; it's a way for them to shake things up, challenge people's assumptions, and completely change their lives. It's a series that tackles big challenges with heart and humour.

More than just music and noise

At its core, this drama isn't just about loud guitars and catchy tunes. It's about the powerful themes that resonate with so many people. The series is a celebration of friendship, showing how the women support each other through thick and thin. It's also about the incredible power of music to give people a voice, especially those who feel like they've been ignored. One of the biggest themes is about the determination of women who refuse to be defined or silenced by their age. From the creator of Happy Valley, you'd expect a story with real grit, and this one delivers.

Viewers have pointed out that Sally Wainwright has a special talent for mixing very dark, serious topics with moments that make you laugh out loud. One fan on Reddit shared their thoughts on the series: "I just binged the whole series of Sally Wainwright's Riot Women on iPlayer, and OMG this series was fantastic! As usual, Wainwright blends really dark themes with some very funny moments and the through line of Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax is plain to see."

They continued, highlighting the tough struggles the characters face: "I got so invested in these characters and their struggles and triumphs. Some current themes - appalling misogynistic police officers sharing photos of victims, domestic abuse, child abuse, family struggles with a range of terrible children, ageing parents and blended families." This honest look at family challenges is a huge reason the drama is hitting home for so many viewers.

A cast that hits all the right notes

A brilliant script needs a brilliant cast, and Riot Women has exactly that. The show is packed with incredible talent, including Lorraine Ashbourne, Joanna Scanlan, Tamsin Greig, and Amelia Bullmore. Leading the charge is Rosalie Craig as Kitty, who viewers are absolutely raving about. The chemistry between the women feels real, making their band's journey even more believable. People have praised the casting as "perfection," and it's clear the actors have thrown themselves into their roles.

One viewer who was clearly impressed shares: "Watched the first episode tonight and absolutely loved it! Rosalie Craig's introductory scene was so, so good! I've seen her a few times on stage, and I hope this turns her into a massive star. Definitely agree that this is Sally Wainwright's best work since Happy Valley." It's this perfect combination of a stellar cast and fantastic writing that has made the series an instant classic.

Viewers can't seem to get enough

The reaction online has been massive. It seems the moment the series dropped on BBC iPlayer, a nationwide binge-watching session began. People aren't just watching Riot Women; they're devouring it. Social media is full of fans calling the drama "fabulous" and sharing how they couldn't resist watching the whole thing at once. One viewer commented: "Just binged it yesterday, three episodes, and the last three before breakfast. I am male, 49, and this is so much like my mother and her friends. The strong women from the 60s and 70s with rock and roll in their blood and in their minds!".

This connection across generations, with younger viewers seeing their parents and grandparents in these characters from the 60s and 70s, is truly special. Another person chimed in, saying: "Watched the first episode yesterday and am trying to pace myself. It was fantastic. The writing of course, but also the casting is just perfection." Even illness can't stop the binge-watch, as one fan said: "I binge-watched the series yesterday. I must say it made the horrible bug I had been nursing more bearable. Brilliant!".

A nod to rock history in Yorkshire

Here's a cool bit of trivia for you. The drama, which was filmed in the scenic town of Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire back in 2024, wasn't always called Riot Women. Its original title was "Hot Flush." But writer Sally Wainwright decided to change it, giving a nod to the Riot grrrl movement. For anyone who doesn't know, that was an awesome underground feminist punk movement back in the 90s.

The bands involved were all about women empowerment, making music that was loud, angry, and full of messages about smashing stereotypes. This name change perfectly captures the spirit of the series, where these women find their power and voice through their music. It's an update that gives the show a deeper meaning, connecting their personal struggles to a real piece of music history. It's a story of women, for women, and about the challenges they face, no matter their age.