Gentleman Jack (2019)

The bold, witty story of Anne Lister — Yorkshire landowner, diarist, and trailblazer — who refused to live by anyone else's rules.

Gentleman Jack - Series Information

  • First Air Year: 2019
  • Last Air Year: 2022
  • Created by: Sally Wainwright
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 16
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: April 22, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), April 22, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), April 22, 2019 (Germany - 16), April 22, 2019 (France - 12), April 22, 2019 (Brazil - 16), April 22, 2019 (Mexico - B), April 22, 2019 (Spain - 18)
  • Networks: HBO
  • Production Companies: Lookout Point
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom

Gentleman Jack - Plot

Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, 1832. Anne Lister attempts to revitalize her inherited home, Shibden Hall. Most notably for the time period, a part of her plan is to help the fate of her own family - by taking a wife.

Gentleman Jack - Trailer

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Gentleman Jack - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Sally Wainwright

Main Cast

  • Suranne Jones
  • Sophie Rundle
  • Gemma Whelan
  • Gemma Jones
  • Timothy West
  • Rosie Cavaliero
  • Joe Armstrong
  • Amelia Bullmore
  • Shaun Dooley
  • Vincent Franklin

Writers

  • Sally Wainwright

Executive Producers

  • Laura Lankester
  • Sally Wainwright
  • Ben Irving
  • Faith Penhale

Gentleman Jack - FAQs

Is Gentleman Jack based on a true story?

Yes, Gentleman Jack is based on the real life of Anne Lister (1791–1840), a Yorkshire landowner and diarist whose coded journals documented her relationships with women. Her diaries, now a UNESCO Memory of the World record, inspired creator Sally Wainwright's dramatization of her remarkable life.

Who are the main actors in Gentleman Jack?

Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones as Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker. The ensemble cast also includes Gemma Whelan, Gemma Jones, Timothy West, Rosie Cavaliero, Joe Armstrong, Amelia Bullmore, Shaun Dooley, and Vincent Franklin.

Why was Gentleman Jack cancelled after two seasons?

HBO and BBC One jointly cancelled Gentleman Jack in 2022 after two seasons. No official detailed reason was given, though industry reports pointed to shifting commissioning priorities at both networks. Creator Sally Wainwright had envisioned the story continuing, making the cancellation a disappointment for fans.

How many seasons and episodes does Gentleman Jack have?

Gentleman Jack ran for 2 seasons with a total of 16 episodes. Season 1 comprised 8 episodes and Season 2 also comprised 8 episodes. The series aired from 2019 to 2022 before being cancelled by HBO and BBC One.

Is Gentleman Jack worth watching?

Gentleman Jack earned strong critical praise, particularly for Suranne Jones's commanding lead performance and Sally Wainwright's sharp, witty writing. Critics celebrated its fresh take on the period drama genre, its unapologetic portrayal of a queer historical figure, and its blend of drama, dark comedy, and romance.

What is the content rating for Gentleman Jack?

Gentleman Jack is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The series contains adult themes including sexuality, period-accurate violence, and complex emotional content. Viewers under 17 are advised parental guidance.

Where can I watch Gentleman Jack online?

Gentleman Jack is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the Max Amazon Channel in the United States. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.

What are shows similar to Gentleman Jack?

Viewers who enjoyed Gentleman Jack may also appreciate Tipping the Velvet (2002), another BBC period drama exploring queer female identity. Grace and Frankie, Deadwater Fell, and The Rook are also recommended for fans of strong female-led drama with sharp writing and compelling character dynamics.

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