Gentleman Jack (2019–2022) User Reviews (244)

Hello Jack!

[esmerelda-57221 · 9/10 · 23 April 2019]

I have spent far to much time watching period pieces, Jane Austin theater and everything on PBS. FINALLY a heroine who doesn't simper, have her value judged in her ability to marry and produce kids, but who is funny and daring and very much alive.

The music is awesome and only enhances her sense of purpose to take life on her defined terms. Can't wait for the next episode.

Interesting Character

[katson-90687 · 9/10 · 1 May 2019]

I watched the first episode not knowing what to expect and i was pleasantly surprised at how wity and entertaining the central character was, And props to Suranne Jones who was able to easily portray the intimate struggles of a queer, strong woman in the 1800s. She played her role wonderfully well. I would recommend especially if you like historical/period drama

Just About Perfect

[bshaef · 9/10 · 3 May 2019]

Everything is awesome - characters, dialog, story, clothes, especially the music, and the scemery. I wish more shows were this good. It has held my attention from the very first minute. Thank you HBO and BBC.

Just finished the last episode which was wonderful. I wish the series could go on forever. Once again everything was perfect - I really enjoyed Miss Lister's time in Copenhagen. The conversation between her and the Queen was priceless. BBC did an absolutely superb job in every department - selecting the actors, writers, musical score and director and the cinematographers and costume designers, (especially the hats.)

So far so great!

[mgpapas · 10/10 · 7 May 2019]

I almost never give anything 10 stars, and would probably only have given this a 9 if it weren't so grossly underrated. Only 3 episodes in, but it's become one of my favorite shows on now, and if its quality remains this high will likely be among my all time favorites. As man I want to contradict the reviews, and ratings this show has gotten from men (6.1 compared with 8.5 from women). Men are portrayed honestly, and no worse than they should be given our attitudes towards women in the 1830's.

Gentleman Jack...a woman ahead of her time.

[novaleo · 10/10 · 30 April 2019]

Gentleman Jack is by far, one of the best offerings on HBO in a while. It is lush in the setting, historically appropriate to the era and consistently presents glorious attention to detail! Ann Lister was indeed a woman who was not willing to sit out life to conform to 19th Century expectations of women. The characters are realistic and the lend themselves to a fast moving series. Being a lover of women does not endear Ann Lister to her family and local associates, but it is hardly an impediment to stop her. This is a refreshing series aptly presented in the spring as one bounces along the footpaths of Northern England with Ann Listeras she goes about her life at break neck speed. This is a series definitely worth seeing!

Wonderful Series - Strong Cast

[tjeffsmith · 10/10 · 23 April 2019]

I've been looking forward to this series. A story about strong confident women during a time when it wasn't fashionable to be so. I love the clever dialogue and how Ms Lister breaks the 4th wall and looks into the camera, as though you and she share a mutual amusement or secret. And best of all it's based on a real person from history.

Suranne Jones is superb

[jonnysolem · 10/10 · 21 May 2019]

Gentleman Jack have a superb casting all over. However. Suranne Jones is in a league of her own, as always. Why she is not up there, among the great Hollywood stars, is probably because she is best known as a tv-actor. Put her in a drama next to anyone and Suranne will overshine anyone. Best actor ever!

What can be said that's not already been said?

[d-league-garrison · 10/10 · 12 May 2019]

HBO hit it out of the park with this. Stellar cast, stellar script & story based on the real Anne Lister who refused to be left behind in her time nor conform to what proper society thought a lady should be or do. Leaves one to wonder how many other brave women stepped up like she did, but didn't leave a diary behind or no one cared enough to save it for prosperitys sake, sadly. I'd hate to think she's the only one. Thank you HBO & BBC for bringing this to life. It's by far the best of period pieces we've had to choose from in a while...I applaude BBC for always getting behind great period pieces and HBO for supporting BBC this time round for bringing this wonderful series to fruition.

Gentleman Jack...a marvelous period piece

[novaleo · 10/10 · 7 May 2019]

This series moves very quickly amidst the lush northern part of England. Ann Lister is a woman way ahead of her time, who gets what she wants. The characters are realistic and her personality is stunning, as portrayed by Suranne Jones. What a refreshing offering from HBO!

Series 2? What a mess...

[markfranh · 7/10 · 15 June 2022]

There is no doubt series 1 was just wonderful. Everything worked.

But series 2? What a mess and just so difficult to follow what was going on.

Storylines came and went. Characters briefly introduced and then dropped. No explanations given. No reason why this happened. Consistency just disappeared as well.

It took me ages to figure out what was going on and then I noticed that at least 3 if not 4 directors were used for the season - I'm still not sure who directed episode 8.

It was as if the directors had different visitons as to what the story should be and how it should be told and also as to which stories should be followed and which dropped.

We have the tenant farmers with the pigs again where the husband met an untimely fate in series 1. They're back again in series 1, a new character is introduced to the farm. He's a troublemaker for the 3 episodes. He disappears in episode 3. Hints that questions will be asked.

But then the entire story is dropped from episode 4 on. Why? As I'm suggesting, is this because the new director in episode 4 didn't like the story and just decided not to pursue it and just drop it?

In the middle episodes, we have the storyline re canals vs. Trains and which will be the future with intense negotiations by Anne with shareholder meetings and making decisions as to where she should place her money. Episode 6? Gone, not to appear again except for a brief mention of selling shares in episode 7.

We have the general election theme in two episodes and all the politics and violence. Next episode? Gone with barely a mention.

The coal mine? It comes and goes. Lots of discussion about developing it, who is in charge, what should be done but then it disappears for a couple of episodes only to reappear again with the new director in the later episodes.

In episode 5, there is a great deal made of the cook's health and eventually Anne suggests she go off for a visit to a relative to rest and recover. We expected the next episode would follow her visit and discuss developments. Nope. In episode 6, she is just not present only to briefly reappear back at Shipton in episode 7 with a short "are you feeling better?" from Anne.

We could barely keep track of characters as they came and went so often it was dizzying.

Did we enjoy this series? Not really. Will we watch a series 3? Not if they persist with multiple directors who clearly have their own visions and aren't talking to each other.

At last, a worthy offering from HBO

[jmccrmck-65172 · 9/10 · 8 May 2019]

I have started watching some other series from HBO that were not even worth the time spent for one episode never mind seven or eight ," Succession "comes to mind. It matters not one bit what the subject matter of a mini series is when the script , acting , art direction and especially the character development are spot on. I don't think you'll grow impatient watching this as is the case with so many TV pieces ; impatient for the next episode would be more like it. The movies Phantom Thread and The Favourite , period pieces both, were not even close to being 1/2 as good as this and probably with twice the budget and "A List " players. Vision and ideas make good movies ; it takes more than just money. Hats off to HBO/BBC for green lighting this and getting it made. Recommended period. I came back to add to my review. It's a beautiful love story rendered in a natural and believable way no matter the subjects' orientation. The story is so naturally told and well woven together perhaps because they had Anne Lister's diaries to work from. Don't miss it.

Liked first season, second season was unpleasant

[GrammarMatters · 6/10 · 17 June 2023]

I liked the first season, and would rate that an 8. I liked the lead character, and enjoyed her courage and intellect.

But season 2 was very unpleasant, and depressing, and we are given a totally different view of the lead character. In season 2 she comes across as MUCH more manipulative, and mercenary, and controlling and money grubbing - and it's just depressing to watch her machinations to control her wealthy love interest.

It's nice to see the wealthy woman learn to stand up for herself and speak out about what she wants, and become her own person - but - I'm really surprised none of the reviews, except for one or two talk about how unfinished the end of the last episode of season 2 is.

It's obvious that the writers expected there to be a third season, because we are just left hanging at the end of ep. 8 of season 2.

I recommend you watch season 1. Skip season 2. It's just not fun to watch. I stuck it out to see what happened, and because I was committed - but I wish I didn't. I just keep coming back to the word unpleasant. That's how season 2 felt.

Doesn't live up to the hype

[orosenb · 4/10 · 13 April 2022]

Ann Lister's story is undoubtedly fascinating, but I struggle to understand the raving reviews, as it is utterly impossible for me to sympethize with the main character. She is depicted as extremely calculating and manipulative. Not to mention wholey unsexy, which makes some of the sex scenes agonising to watch. Add to that the countless cliches (e.g. The sister who isn't gay can hardly form a full sentence without stattering, because only a gay woman can be smart, strong and assertive, I guess).

Bottom line: a disapointing series.

I suspect this story really could have been made into a much, much better TV series.

It get´s better with every episode!

[krpavlatova · 10/10 · 10 May 2019]

With every new episode released the show is getting more and more exciting and entertaining. The characters are interesting, no need for skipping scenes, because everyone's part benefits the whole story. Also, the dialogs are very natural so, they are believable (for example the family meals). It is funny, entertaining by every minute, touching and we can learn a thing or two from it. I am definitely looking for the rest of the episodes and who knows maybe we will see Miss Lister again in sequel!

Love it!

[slingnau1 · 10/10 · 24 April 2019]

Stumbled across this show on my Hulu. Anne is so funny! I love her personality and how she runs things. The girl is a fast smooth talker who is fascinated with everything specifically medicine lol. Plan to read the book.

Another great show from Sally Wainright!

[kevinmpatrick · 10/10 · 23 April 2019]

Have recently discovered Wainright through the shows "Happy Valley" and "Scott and Bailey". Both terrific series w respect to writing, directing and acting. Smart, funny (sometimes, when appropriate) and insightful. Like David E Kelley's work.

This show (so far) carries on these sensibilities. Not to be missed!

Outstanding tale of a vigorous, intelligent, headstrong woman

[Paige · 10/10 · 8 May 2019]

Enjoying every minute of this outstanding series. Suranne Jones does a marvellous job of portraying Anne Lister convincingly - a woman who puts men in their place and cleverly works around those who try to outwit her. All the while she chases after women with the enduring hope that they won't decide they're "not like that" and go off to marry men. Women will be able to relate to many of Anne's adventures and some of her exploits. I rarely give a 10 star rating but this one captures a top rating from me. Highly worth your time.

Step back Calamity Jane Anne Lister was a real trail blazer. I amended this review after the final episode

[tm-sheehan · 10/10 · 20 May 2019]

Suranne Jones gives another great performance in Gentleman Jack based on the true story of Anne Lister a trail blazing lesbian who makes Calamity Jane seem like a lady at a flower show.

This 8 part series is beautifully set in West Yorkshire when Anne returns home to her family determined to transform the fading fortunes of her Ancestral home Shibden Hall and find a wife.

Suranne Jones interviewed on a recent Graham Norton show said that Anne Lister's coded diaries were discovered after her death .

As well as her life story when the code was broken her amorous exploits with women , which of course had to be secret were divulged in graphic detail.

This looks like a fascinating series I've just watched episode 1 and look forward to the next 7 instalments .

This is a BBC/ HBO series and I hope ABC picks it up for local Australian viewers..

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I've just finished watching the final exhilarating 8th episode of Gentleman Jack on Foxtel and felt because of the excellence of the entire series I've added a point to my previous rating and given this series an unusual for me rating of 10/10.

There are a few reasons in my opinion for a perfect score and the main one is Suranne Jones as the lesbian heroine Anne Lister of the 17th Century who's true story wasn't discovered till her 27 volumes of personal diaries were decoded finally by academic Helena Whitbread in 1983.

Suranne Jones should win every accolade or award she will no doubt be nominated for as her performance is more than outstanding,she inhabits this character and brings her to life in a period historic setting but in a contemporary and totally believable manner as the whole series successfully manages to achieve. I place this series right up there with the original Brideshead Revisited and Downton Abbey and hope there may be perhaps another series.

Great news I just read there will be a Series 2 due to the well deserved success of series one.

Special praise for the Creator /Director Sally Wanwright and co directors Sarah Harding and Jennifer Perrott also Art directors Abbie Bellwood ,Richard Downes and Tom Atkins.

This production looks fabulous the costumes by Tom Pye, are beautiful whether their Anne Lister's masculine town and country clothes or the sumptuous gowns worn in the finest homes and courts of Europe.

The entire cast is faultless and the story is a window to history especially the closeted GLBT world and the life and times in England when Queen Victoria who had just been on the throne for 2 years when the story is set.

What a pity she couldn't have read the diaries of Anne Lister, she certainly would have had to reluctantly change her opinion that Lesbianism was non existent.

Doctor Who, Gentleman Jack

[steelrootz · 10/10 · 8 May 2019]

Is it just me or does Anne totally use the same mannerism of the 11th Doctor (Who) played by Matt Smith and also a touch of Sherlock's Robert Downey Jr. And breaking that 4th wall is just really fun addding to her persona. .....Regardless I really enjoy her character, it's very refreshing.

Suranne Jones is an amazing actress. She really puts her full emotions into every character she plays. I'm happy to see a more humorous side of her. And of course she pulls it off effortlessly.

I do enjoy it,but.

[Kit-Angel · 7/10 · 10 April 2022]

I do enjoy this as a drama it's fast paced and always interesting. I know a lot of it is even true from when they cracked the code to her hundreds of diaries just a few years ago much in the program is what she put down in code in her diaries at the time. So if it shocks many today goodness knows what people thought over 200 years ago. What I find a bit unsettling is her rather horrible manipulation of others to bend them to her sexual needs. I note the Guardian loves this and gives it 5 stars but if it was a male sexual predator instead of a female for that's what she is a sexual predator they would utterly hate it I'm sure. So somewhat double standards in many reviews. Yes she can be seen as a female trailblazer but she isn't a particularly pleasant one.

Where to begin!!!???

[joekatmesser · 10/10 · 7 May 2019]

There are no words that can describe my excitement and anticipation for each episode, love for the entirety of this show, and how much I absolutely adore Surranne Jones's character, Anne Lister. Her ability to embody such a emboldened, sexy, masculine female, with beautiful femine undertones leaves me in a giddy stupor. The filming does a great job at intensifying and conveying all those characteristics I had just mentioned. Though, thus far all the cast is lovely; I have to make note that Gemma Whelan is an acting beast. She is an absolute chameleon at playing such a range of characters, and doing it well.

Series 2

[evans-15475 · 6/10 · 10 July 2022]

Felt series 1 was outstanding but series 2 didn't really go anywhere just miss walker endlessly dithering and endless carriage rides.or all that talk about railways or canals which was never mentioned again. Suranne Jones Weird talking voice and acting ticks started to get on my nerves and the way it was all tied up in the last10 minutes with no real explanation why her cousin was so upset was disappointing.wasnt even enough lesbian action to make up for the endless pointless talking.

Love this!

[garanicolecesefske · 12 May 2019]

This is a really excellent show and my new addiction.

Overrated

[trancenational · 4/10 · 23 September 2021]

I know I'm already too late with my suggestions to the crew ;) but I just watched the show and I still want to write as if they will read and appreciate my input :) ...Since they will not I can only wish them luck, hoping they surprise us with betterments in the Season 2.

The fetishistic opening sequence tells us it's all about the style, and it IS all about her all the time walking fiercely in that men suit that someone thought was so sexy - and it might have been if the hairstyle was made to fit her face. But combined with her uptightness she often looks as some wooden caricature. When they are about to kiss (no need to mention the cliché of postponing and people entering the room in the beginning) she is awkwardly coming into the face of her beloved each time in the same unimaginative way ('patronizing'). Sometimes it was worse than 'male gaze', sterile and very annoying to watch - the lesbian romance magic is mostly missing from those kisses - but there's a lot of lesbian drama for compensation, that's for sure! :)

I totally agree with the person who wrote - what's with her looking at the camera and talking to audience?? It simply makes the show (already predictable and unconvincing) even more annoying. 'Breaking the 4th wall' here only makes things worse. Her occasional winks & hints to us are NOT funny nor charming if that was maybe the purpose.

Predictable dialogues aimed to please the modern queer audience with very modern tropes to identify with. A queer hero gets a deserved piece of cake within the capitalist system because of playing the game well and we are invited to admire her power (together with her overall exquisite nature). Maybe I'm asking too much, this is a simple entertainment show, but it wasn't performed so well, that's all I'm saying.

Overall - I find the very intention of creating powerful independent female characters praiseworthy!

Breaking the fourth wall!

[grneyedblondy · 10/10 · 11 May 2019]

Love love love it. When Anne occasionally breaks that fourth wall, she pulls me into her little secrets. I feel like I'm there lol