HBO, with its star-studded programming line and annual awards prestige, is one of few linear TV networks whose content anchors conversations around popular streaming shows like Netflix and Apple TV+. And while the premium cabler isn’t so often The heart of cancellation conversationsDue to its penchant for short series, two drama series were cancelled in the last week. After the adaptation The Time Traveler’s WifeHow to get the axeHBO has ended the period drama Gentleman JackAfter two seasons.
Based partly on Anne Lister’s in-code diaries from the real world, whose writings inspired the official title of the The. “first modern lesbian,” Gentleman JackSuranne Jones portrayed Anne. Sophie Rundle played Ann Walker. The first season of the series debuted in 2019 to much praise for the writing and actors. It was evident from the beginning that the series was more popular in the UK then in the States.
With COVID-related delays mucking things up for the production, Season 2’s release didn’t happen until 3 years after the first. When it premiered in April of this year — this time with UK eps airing ahead of those in the U.S. — the series once again drew praise from critics and fans, though with unavoidable drops in viewership. As such, Deadline’s cancellation report does indeed note that Gentleman Jack’s second season was near the bottom of the barrel when it came to demo ratings for HBO originals.
It seems that the network decided to pull the plug after less than a month of the second season. Here’s how HBO explained things in a statement:
HBO won’t be releasing a third season for 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.
As cancellation news spread, Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle both took to social media to share their feelings about wrapping up Anne and Ann’s stories after two seasons. While sharing a video of Season 2’s bloopers with her followers, Jones shared a thankful message with viewers on Instagram, saying:
Good morning 🎩 I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on our beautiful journey making this show. 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 it’s audience😍 . . . . This show has had such an impact on me and has touched my heart in ways I’ve never experienced. It wasn’t always the easiest job I’ve had… but it was always worth it to see the response it got. I want to thank you for your support.
Suranne Jones also thanked the show’s crew, and called Sophie Rundle a “true friend and a total star”In her post. And for the folksy fans out there, she also gave a shout out to musicians O’Hooley & Tidow for Gentleman Jack’s theme music.
Sophie Rundle is also an option InstagramShe chose this spot to express her feelings about the cancellation.
What a privilege it has been to play Ann Walker and bring her and Anne Lister’s extraordinary love story back to life. It was an honor to be a part in their history reclaiming. I will never forget the privilege of being able to spend time with Suranne (and the other amazing people who brought this story alive) and Sally (and Suranne) and their incredible teams.
I am grateful to you for being such an open, friendly, creative, and supportive fan base. It is overwhelming to see the amount of love for this show. Proud. So proud. 🌈 🎩❤️👒
HBO may have cancelled 2 shows in less that a week but they still have a lot of high-profile programming planned. This should help to calm some of the negative emotions. No doubt the biggest project is the. Game of ThronesPrequel House of the DragonHowever, there are other options such as True Detective’s long-awaited fourth season The Gilded Age’s currently filming second seasonThis will keep viewers on the edge of their seats for much longer periods of time this year and beyond.
While we wait for these and more projects, Gentleman Jack’s first two seasons can be streamed in full with an HBO Max subscription.