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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • TV Series

Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack is a British historical drama television series created by Sally Wainwright for BBC One and HBO.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gentleman Jack is a British historical drama television series created by Sally Wainwright for BBC One and HBO. Set in 1832 Yorkshire, it stars Suranne Jones as landowner Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker, and is based on Lister’s diaries. The series originally aired from 2019 to 2022 and follows Lister’s efforts to restore her estate and build a life with a woman.

Premise

The series follows Anne Lister as she returns to Shibden Hall in Halifax and attempts to restore her family estate. It also centres on her relationship with Ann Walker, a wealthy neighbour and prospective partner.

Production and broadcast

Gentleman Jack was created and written by Sally Wainwright and produced as a co-production for BBC One in the United Kingdom and HBO in the United States. It premiered in 2019 and concluded after two seasons in 2022.

Historical basis

The drama draws on Anne Lister’s extensive diaries, which record her life, business affairs, and relationships. Sources note that parts of the diaries were written in code and later deciphered by researchers.

Cast and characters

Suranne Jones plays Anne Lister, while Sophie Rundle plays Ann Walker. The series also features Lydia Leonard among its principal cast listings on streaming platforms.

Key facts

  • The series is based on the diaries of Anne Lister, a 19th-century Yorkshire landowner.
  • It is set in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1832.
  • Suranne Jones portrays Anne Lister, and Sophie Rundle portrays Ann Walker.
  • The series was a co-production for BBC One in the United Kingdom and HBO in the United States.
  • Its story focuses on Lister’s efforts to secure her estate and pursue a relationship with Ann Walker.
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Canadian context

The series was available in Canada through Apple TV listings and other streaming distribution references, and Canadian viewers have access to it via major streaming platforms depending on licensing.[7]

Frequently asked questions

What is Gentleman Jack about?
It is a historical drama about Anne Lister, who returns to Yorkshire to restore her estate and begin a relationship with Ann Walker.
Who created Gentleman Jack?
The series was created by Sally Wainwright.
Who stars in Gentleman Jack?
Suranne Jones stars as Anne Lister, and Sophie Rundle stars as Ann Walker.
When did Gentleman Jack first air?
It first aired in April 2019.
How many seasons does Gentleman Jack have?
The series ran for two seasons.
What is the show based on?
It is based on the diaries of Anne Lister, a real-life 19th-century Yorkshire landowner.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentleman_Jack_(TV_series)
    Supports: Series creator, premise, setting, cast, networks, and original run dates.
  2. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00059m9
    Supports: Official BBC synopsis, setting, and starring role of Suranne Jones.
  3. HBO Max — https://www.hbomax.com/shows/gentleman-jack/e161e395-1b7a-409d-898d-6659f964a7d9
    Supports: Official series description, genre, release year, and seasons/episodes.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7211618/
    Supports: Series title and basic production details.
  5. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/fi/show/gentleman-jack/umc.cmc.1blpt5jdbzf97o73tbbyy49ra
    Supports: Synopsis, year, runtime, and cast listing.