Mother-in-Law (TV series)

Mother-in-Law is a Kenyan television comedy and family drama that premiered in 2008 on Citizen TV. It revolves around the family of Charity Mwamba Mother-in-Law is a weekly drama series that has been aired since 2008 on Kenya's Citizen TV. The family drama is divided into episodes, with each seemingly addressing a bundle of unique familial issues..[1]

Mother-in-Law
GenreComedy, family drama
Created byCatherine Wamuyu
Written by
Directed by
  • Catherine Wamuyu
  • Patrick Oketch
Creative directorPatrick Oketch
Starring
  • Elizabeth Wanjiru
  • Peter Muriithi Maina
  • Naomi Kamau
  • Patrick Oketch
  • Curtis Wachira
  • John Githui
  • Jackie Mungai
  • Faith Nyaga
  • Arabron Nyyneque
Country of originKenya
Original languagesEnglish
Kiswahili
No. of seasons15
Production
Executive producers
  • Wachira Waruru
  • Latifa Ngunjiri
Producers
  • Catherine Wamuyu
  • Shelmith Wangu
  • Patrick Oketch
  • Naomi Kamau
Production locationNairobi
Camera setupMulti-camera setup
Running time24 – 30 minutes (Including commercial breaks)
Production companyCitizen TV
Original release
NetworkViu Sasa
Release2008 (2008)

Overview

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The television series is set in a typical family setting in one of the modern homes in Kenya. It demonstrates the existence of a middle-class Kenyan family. The storyline depicts the actions of a mother-in-law towards her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. More importantly, the series has its eyes focused on the relationship between mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law.

The series depicts a typical middle class Kenyan family setting. The script revolves around the triad linkage between a mother on one side, and her daughters–in-law on the other, and how it impacts on other family members. The producer brings on board a diversity of characters such as domestic workers, extended families, the police and politicians to show conflicting issues and to advance the central themes. The focus of programme is to capture conflicts that are witnessed between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law in real life contexts.[1]

Characters

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Elizabeth Wanjiru as Charity Mwamba[2] the titular Mother-in-Law. Mother to Jack, Charlie, Robert and Betty. She's an old Septegenerian who wants things done her way and is in running arguments with her daughters-in-law, more so Alison.

Peter Muriithi as Eddie Mwamba[3] husband to Charity and the voice of reason in the drama. Usually acts as Charity's leash when she gets overboard.

Faith Nyaga as Lisa wife to Robert daughter-in-law to Charity.

Arabron Nyyneque/Osenya as Jack Mwamba[4][5] father to Tina Aggie and Mike.

Naomi Kamau as Alison daughter-in-law to Charity Mwamba mother to Tina Aggie and Mike.

Jackie Mungai as Tina daughter of Jack and Alison wife to Rasta.

John Githu as Ras husband to Tina living in Nairobi's suburbs of Kosovo.

Curtis Wachira as Mike son to Alison and Jack

Patrick Oketch as Charlie Mwamba son to Charity Mwamba and Eddie Mwamba, brother of Jack, Robert and Betty; an on and off alcoholic who reverts to alcohol as soon as he gets sober.

Maggie Karanja as Betty daughter of Charity and Eddie Mwamba. She has one son called Alpha.

Reception

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The series has been called one "of the most entertaining TV shows produced in Kenya".[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b The Power of Language as a Tool for Persuasion: A Content Analysis of Mother- In-Law Citizen TV Programme, Kenya
  2. ^ Lisimba, Hillary (March 1, 2022). "Mother-in-Law star actress says she's never been given contract in over 13 years". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  3. ^ Mutsoli, Vivian (July 30, 2020). "Amazing details about Mother-in-Law: Full cast, their real names and photos". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Mother-In-Law actor Osanya open up turning down bedroom & gay roles". Mpasho. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  5. ^ Robi, Amos (June 29, 2023). "Actor Arabron Osenya reveals why he left 'Mother-in-law' after only 4 years". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  6. ^ "Little-Known Producer Behind Citizen TV's Mother in Law, Tahidi High Shows - Kenyans.co.ke". www.kenyans.co.ke. March 11, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
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