HBO has cancelled Gentleman Jack, a popular period drama inspired by the real-life diaries of Anne Lister – known as the first modern lesbian. And fans are devastated. In a statement to the press, the network announced that they “will not be moving forward with a third season of Gentleman Jack.” No explanation was given as to why.
Season one followed Anne’s whirlwind romance with Anne Walker, a wealthy heiress, culminating in the first lesbian marriage celebrated in the UK. Season two leant into the complexities of Anne’s life, exploring her affair with Mariana Lawton and ambitions as a businesswoman.
And if Lister’s diaries are any indication, there was plenty of juicy material for season three and beyond – not only because of Anne’s womanizing, but her travels around Europe. But now it’s a distinct possibility that we’ll never see this extraordinary story through to completion with Gentleman Jack.
There’s every indication the decision to cancel was made before the latest series even aired. Why else would HBO put minimal effort into promoting season 2? Much of the buzz around the show came from fans – and from the BBC, who broadcast the period drama in Britain. And yet, in spite of HBO’s lackluster promotional efforts, this new season of Gentleman Jack was a massive success. Regardless of delays caused by the pandemic, it drew a broad audience and inspired an international fandom. After the popularity of season two, which wrapped just over a month ago, the cancellation comes as a crushing blow.
Cancelling Gentleman Jack is the wrong decision. It’s a top-tier drama, with a spectacular 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 2 was met with widespread critical acclaim. Near every aspect of the show – from Suranne Jones’ dashing performance as Anne Lister, to the historical accuracy of the costumes – has been praised. But instead of capitalizing on that success and commissioning a third season, HBO decided to pull the plug.
This decision robs all viewers of an excellent story. And it denies lesbians specifically a level of meaningful representation that is often missing in mainstream television. Within our community, Gentleman Jack holds immense cultural significance.
Suranne Jones is in awe of the kinship that has grown around the Gentleman Jack fandom. In an Instagram post of season 2 bloopers, the actress said “This show has brought so many together, enabled people to share their stories, brought joy, emotion and creativity and gave me a real connection to you as its audience.”
The point about Gentleman Jack enabling to share their stories is particularly significant. Seeing Anne Lister striding around Halifax, unashamed of loving women, encouraged women living in the here and now to come out of the closet. There were so many of these accounts that the BBC compiled women’s stories in a documentary: Gentleman Jack Changed My Life.
22-year-old Chichi came out to her parents after they watched Gentleman Jack as a family. It gave her the courage and framework she needed to explain her sexual orientation. Pauline and Trixie fell in love forty years ago, but the relationship ended when Trixie chose the more conventional path of marriage and motherhood. But after watching Gentleman Jack Pauline was inspired to send her old flame a note, and now they’re back together.
Every one of their stories is a testimony to the power of positive representation. And this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that Gentleman Jack is more than just a television show. It has touched the lives of countless lesbians around the world – across generations, nationalities, and ethnicities, Anne Lister’s story resonates.
Jones herself admits that “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.” Gentleman Jack was and is something special.
HBO’s decision to cancel the lesbian period drama is gutting. Especially given the network are spending millions of dollars on House of the Dragon, a Game of Thrones spin-off, after the notorious car-crash that was season eight. So terrible was the final season that Game of Thrones disappeared from the cultural consciousness almost overnight. Yet the spin-off reportedly has a higher budget than the original. Meanwhile, Gentleman Jack – which has both quality and mass appeal – faces a premature death. There is no justice.
Still, all hope is not lost. The BBC are currently “in discussions” with Sally Wainwright, the creative force behind Gentleman Jack, to see “what’s next.” And lesbians around the world are hoping those discussions prove fruitful.
We want to see how Anne balances her future with Ann against her past with Mariana. We want to see whether Anne’s wheeling and dealing pays off with the coal business. We want to see her gallivanting across Europe, leaving a trail of broken hearts. So please let the BBC give us Gentleman Jack season 3.
