Gentleman Jack has been canceled at HBO after two seasons. Created by Sally Wainwright (Last Tango in Halifax, Scott & Bailey), Gentleman Jack is a historical drama series based on the works of famous English industrialist and diarist Anne Lister, also regarded as “the first modern lesbian.”
Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones as Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle as her love interest, Ann Walker. The show premiered in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim and was a hit with the viewers as well, but unfortunately, season two failed to pull in the same numbers as season one. After a three-year break, Gentleman Jack season 2 debuted in April this year. And apparently, Gentleman Jack season two’s viewership figures are reportedly among HBO’s lowest ever, and it seems to have prompted this surprise cancelation.
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The official statement from HBO (via Deadline) reads:
However, Gentleman Jack could still have a future with the BBC, which jointly produced the series with HBO. A spokesperson for the BBC told Metro.co.uk, “We are tremendously proud of Gentleman Jack, a show which has made a huge cultural impact, and we are in discussions with Sally about what’s next.” HBO is currently in a tight spot due to its parent company, Warner Media, recently merging with Discovery, but BBC and Lookout Point could definitely shop Gentleman Jack to other networks.
“HBO will not be moving forward with a third season of Gentleman Jack. When we began this journey more than five years ago, we knew the series’ creator Sally Wainwright had a uniquely compelling vision, and it’s been tremendously gratifying to see how Anne Lister’s journey has resonated with viewers. We are incredibly grateful to Sally, to the impeccable Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle, and to the entire cast and crew for bringing Anne and Ann’s story to life. We’d also like to thank our partners at BBC and Lookout Point for their collaboration on two remarkable seasons.”
Lead star Suranne Jones also reacted to the news with a heartfelt Instagram post. She thanked her co-stars, the crew members, creator Sally Wainwright, and the fans for all the love she’s received for playing an important LGBTQ icon like Anne Lister.
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A post shared by Suranne Jones (@suranne_jones)
Gentleman Jack may not be the most viewed series on the network, but the show has amassed a devoted fanbase, and they have already begun campaigning for its revival. Hopefully, the show will find a new home.
“I have never been involved in a show that has made such a huge impact and touched my heart like this one has. It wasn’t always the easiest job I’ve had… but it was always worth it to see the response it got. THANK YOU for all your support. Thank you to Sally Wainwright for bringing us this amazing story and passion.”
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A post shared by Suranne Jones (@suranne_jones)
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Gentleman Jack is currently available to stream on HBO Max and BBC iPlayer.
HBO Has Been Axing Shows Frequently
Warner Bros. Television
Gentleman Jack is just one of a few shows that have been axed in the last few months. HBO is owned by AT&T’s WarnerMedia, which recently merged with Discovery, Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discover (WBD). New CEO David Zazlav is going for a complete overhaul of the company, which has resulted in not just TV shows but entire networks getting scrapped.
Low ratings certainly affect these decisions, but even long-running and acclaimed shows like Legends of Tomorrow aren’t immune to premature cancelations. More recently, HBO nixed the Ridley Scott-produced Raised by Wolves, one of the most ambitious and original sci-fi shows in years, and Steven Moffat’s The Time Traveller’s Wife. However, the latter debuted to mostly negative fan and critic reviews and was canceled merely days after airing.
