Critical reception Mum has received critical acclaim. On
Rotten Tomatoes, the first series holds an approval rating of 100% based on reviews from seven critics. Reviewers were somewhat critical towards the first episode: in a review for
The Guardian, Sam Wollaston compared it to the
BBC Three sitcom
Him & Her in terms of its writing, and slightly criticised the show, saying
Him & Her was "ruder, more visceral, sexier and – vital for a comedy – funnier." On his most positive note, he mentioned, "this is a bit more grown-up, (more BBC2 than 3)," and gave the series a positive review, saying "it shares the same subtlety and warmth." He praised the cast performances, saying "the characters are believable [and] three-dimensional ones," and gave recognition in particular to both Lesley Manville and Lisa McGrillis. Ceri Radford of
The Daily Telegraph rated the series 3 out of 5, and commented that episode one was "soothing and enjoyable, but lacks real bite." Series two received a more positive reception overall and holds a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews. The website's Critical Consensus reads that "
Mum's patient pacing and unflinching embrace of agonizingly awkward family dynamics can make it a difficult watch, but Lesley Manville and Peter Mullan's heartfelt and keenly observed performances make it a highly rewarding experience, too." In a review for the website There Ought to Be Clowns, Ian Foster expressed delight in the series' return, stating, "A hugely successful return for Stefan Golaszewski’s BBC sitcom
Mum, with world-beater Lesley Manville in brilliant form once again." Following the series finale, Sarah Highes of
The Guardian praised the series and mentioned that "few programmes celebrate humanity, in all its complexity, so clearly" and that "this is a comedy that understands that every aspect of life is worth cherishing." The third and final series holds a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on nine reviews.
The Guardians Jack Seale rated the series 5 out of 5 and commented on the show's acclaimed final episode, calling it, "magnificent TV that will put sunshine in your heart" and stating that the show is "guaranteed to make you cry four times every episode, the final series of the Lesley Manville sitcom miraculously turns tiny gestures into epic romance." Gabriel Tate of
The Daily Telegraph gave the show a 5 out of 5 rating and stated, "a perfect end to a perfect show–bring on the Baftas".
Awards and nominations ==Home media==