Looking for a new show to watch that’s packed with Punk audacity and chaotic fun? We Are Lady Parts, a Brit-TV sitcom written and directed by Nida Manzoor, is your next binge watch. The show follows an all-woman Muslim Punk band in London, searching for a lead guitarist to complete their brazen sound. They meet Amina, a socially-awkward PhD student with an incredible talent–and an unusual case of performance anxiety.
The story unfolds under Amina’s narration, full of comical and imaginative storytelling. During a quest to track down a new crush, Amina meets the band called Lady Parts, who try to convince her to join their band. She soon has to navigate her double life: one shaped from the pressure of traditional expectations from her family and friends, and the other led by a shameless group who pushes her to face her fears. With the help of Ayesha, Momtaz, Bisma and Saira – Amina is able to challenge her fears and revel in the feeling of acceptance.
The group’s adventures range from playing at a pub full of racists to tackling accusations from the internet of “selling out” prove this to be a true punk’s delight. The show is unabashedly loud and vulgar, full of musical and pop culture references. But it also tackles more difficult subjects in a lighthearted way. Themes like the (often awkward) complication of romance, generational trauma, and navigating relationships. Or facing stigmas surrounding being a visible Muslim woman of color. Each unique character is relatable and teaches us more about ourselves – like the overwhelming desire to want to find community while keeping our identity.
One element that makes this show memorable from other series, is the edgy live music performed in the show. The cast members all play their own instruments, creating an original energy that doesn’t feel scripted. The songs were written by Nida and her siblings, making them more personal – with cheeky hit songs like “Voldemort Under My Headscarf.”
The sitcom has received praise for its authenticity, despite being made in a society that lacks representation of Muslim women in TV. Faith Omole, who plays Bisma, said in an interview with NME that, “this show makes Black and Brown visible, and that’s what’s so exciting about it.” Facing stigmas head on with comedy and ease. It’s a story that delivers cheer and nuance over stale writing–unlike other shows that feel often unrealistic when introducing diverse characters. It introduces not only the idea of visibility, but also individuality – no carbon copy cut outs or personas –just real people.
For anyone who’s ever felt unseen or misunderstood, this will melt your heart. The gradual bond between these women feels so freeing to watch. Through the episodes, we tackle the familiar feeling of loneliness and search for individuality, despite patriarchal and religious expectations. An article written by Hind Makki does a great job of further examining the show which can be read here.
The show is packed with two seasons, each episode with a running time of 25 minutes, making this series an easy paced, refreshing binge-watch. Season Two continues the band’s adventures just as energetically as the first. Without giving too much away, the story evolves with themes such as navigating the music industry, paving the way for a younger generation, and finding your voice along with your true audience.
We Are Lady Parts is a great punk piece that shows what it’s like to find a community of people who really accept you for you, which is pretty awesome. All seasons can be streamed on Peacock. Let us know what you enjoyed about the show in the comments, and thanks for reading.