Period drama Gentleman Jack has been canceled at HBO, as reported by Deadline. The finale of the second and final season aired on May 29th. It was on lower-rated Monday nights and became one of the lowest-rated shows on the platform.
“HBO will not be moving forward with a third season of Gentleman Jack,” HBO said in a statement to Deadline. “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.”
Leading star Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned) made an Instagram post thanking fans for the support and expressing how much working on the series meant to her.
“While it is sad news Gentleman Jack will not be renewed, 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.”
Costar Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders) also took to Instagram to look at her time with the series.
“Thank you for being such a kind, funny, creative and supportive fan base. I am overwhelmed by the love this show inspired. And PROUD. So fiercely proud.”
HBO canceled Gentleman Jack after two seasons
The series followed the real story of Anne Lister, who helped pave the road for the LGBT+ community with her relationship with Ann Walker. The second season followed Lister and Walker’s marriage in Shibden Hall, where they planned to combine estates and settle in as newlyweds. Lister’s diaries were used as references for its source to tell the story accurately. Jones played Lister with Rundle as Walker. The series also starred Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), Gemma Jones (Harry Potter), and Timothy West (EastEnders).
Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley) executive produced, wrote, and created the now canceled Gentleman Jack. Ben Irving, Faith Penhale, Laura Lankester, Will Johnston, and Jones executive produced. Producing was Phil Collinson, Des Hughes, Stella Merz, and Deborah Bayer Marlow. The series was a co-production with BBC.
Despite its low viewership that led to Gentleman Jack being canceled, the series was favored by audiences and critics alike. Its first season had a 90% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes with a 92% from audiences. The second outing was received better with a 95% critic score and a 94% audience. The series was praised for Jones’ performance along with the well-written dialogue. It was also nominated for two BAFTAs, one for Jone’s leading performance and the Drama Series category.
HBO deciding to have Gentleman Jack canceled comes after turbulent production due to the pandemic. The first season aired in 2019, putting off season 2 until this year, which premiered in April.