Save Gentleman Jack

Save
Gentleman Jack

Welcome To The Save Gentleman Jack Campaign

Fan Reviews

GJ Fan Alexandra G.

Gentleman Jack truly is a TV series that has it all – great and witty writing, beautiful costumes and sceneries and an absolutely stellar cast. Most importantly, at the centre of the series is the true story of a truly remarkable lesbian woman in the 19th century, miss Anne Lister, and her romantic life with miss Ann Walker.
Gentleman Jack is one of the best period drama’s ever to have hit the small screen. Thanks to the terrific performance of the lead actress, Suranne Jones, the lead character of miss Anne Lister is captivating from the start and immediately draws you in. With excellent writing by Sally Wainwright, smart screenplay and moments of breaking the fourth wall, it is easy to feel connected to the characters and the story at hand. With a perfect balance between humour, romance and drama there is never a dull moment throughout the series.
Scenery and costumes are also key for a good period drama and also in this field, Gentleman Jack is a joy to watch. It has everything from walks or carriage rides through majestic landscapes to tea parties at classy estates. And what to say about the dresses and hairstyle of miss Ann Walker and Mrs Mariana Lawton – lest I forget the wonderful suits of miss Anne Lister.
To describe what it means to see the story of a trailblazing lesbian woman come to life and to experience representation in this form is almost impossible. Growing up, I was desperately looking for characters in TV series that I could identify with. Unfortunately, these characters were very scarce and more often than not had sad and tragic storylines. Gentleman Jack has given me what I missed in my youth – representation in a mainstream production by powerhouses like BBC and HBO. It has given me wonderful characters to look up to and inspired me to be true to myself and live my life without compromising.
For all the above reasons, and many many more, I wholeheartedly recommend you watch Gentleman Jack and embark on the captivating story of the remarkable Miss Anne Lister and Miss Ann Walker.

GJ Fan Amy H.

GJ Fan Alexandra G.

How has Gentleman Jack changed my life? Growing up I always knew deep down I was a bit different than my friends. I never had “crushes” on boys they were always on girls. I gravitated towards being more “tomboyish” in dress and actions but was often criticized for it. Even though I probably dressed and acted like Anne Lister my heart was more like Ann Walker.

I was in my late 30’s when I really started questioning whether I was gay. I had been asked a few times but always said no. I did not want to be gay and knew my father especially would reject me. I knew this because I had a much older cousin that came out as gay and he would not even stay in the same room as her at family gatherings.

When I met my future wife and moved in together I knew this was me. I was/am definitely gay. Unfortunately I worked in a field where I could never be out even to my closest coworkers. It was hard not sharing that part of my life and never being able to take part in conversations about spouses and families.

I eventually had to retire due to medical issues. Then Gentleman Jack came into my life. I watched the first season and really enjoyed it. It was not until I began watching it for the 2nd time that it really started to resonate with me. I started to become more comfortable in my skin. I was able to come out to ex coworkers which was amazing. I started using my creativity to promote Gentleman Jack and Suranne Jones and by doing this gave me a purpose and happiness. I just feel like a stronger human since learning about Anne and Ann and the courage to live their lives. Two amazing women from history!

I cannot thank Sally, Suranne, Sophie for bringing this story to our screens. I wish I would have had Anne and Ann as role models years ago. I may have had a different type of life and the strength to not hide from myself and others. I've never appreciated a show more.

GJ Fan A.J.

GJ Fan Alexandra G.

GJ Fan Kellie

I’m not sure how anyone could watch Gentleman Jack and not be taken by Anne Lister. Suranne Jones perfectly portrays the 19th-century trailblazer with all of the intellect, wit, and strength imaginable. And then there is the hidden gem of Ann Walker, played exquisitely by Sophie Rundle, who will make you fall in love with her time and time again over the course of the series’ two seasons, as you see her transform from a sweet, quiet wallflower, into a mature, “pour your own f—ing tea”, assertive woman. They are performances that you cannot miss, and yes, these two women really existed. This is such a unique piece to the show in that the love story between these women shows a clear tie to queer history. The struggles they endure together, and individually, are still relevant today, almost 200 years later, making the presence of this show on primetime television all the more important. To me, their work is what really stands out in the show, however they are propped up by the unique writing of Sally Wainwright, absolutely beautiful costumes and an English countryside that will make you want to drop everything for a trip to Shibden Hall. With all of the remakes and re-boots on TV these days, it is so refreshing to watch a show that is so unlike any other. Really, what’s not to like? 5 Top Hats out of 5!

GJ Fan Kellie

GJ Fan Stephanie S.

GJ Fan Kellie

Dear Gentleman Jack Cast and Crew:

Thank you for your dedication in crafting this incredible piece of television. Thank you also for your attention to historicity in telling the story of Anne Lister and Ann Walker. I am so grateful for the 16 episodes (so far!); each one is a little masterpiece. The costume design, cinematography, set design, and music all perfectly fit around the powerhouse performances from the cast. It’s so clear that all involved in the production care about this project. Your artistry is on full display for millions of fans worldwide. And what an impact it has made on me - just a regular girl living in a small town thousands of miles away from England and hundreds of years removed from Anne and Ann. That’s powerful. You’ve changed my life for the better and you have my undying gratitude and respect. Faith is all.

GJ Fan

GJ Fan Stephanie S.

What can be said about Gentleman Jack - a series that means so much to so many, that hasn’t been said already? The show is a true work of quality, art, and history. Perfectly written, acted, and produced from a place of love and respect for Anne Lister and Ann Walker’s story, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community. One would be hard-pressed to find any other show that transcends time and connects hearts and souls in the present as does Gentleman Jack! This series deserves to sweep top awards in every category - writing, acting, cinematography, production, costume design, and music score! One of the most superb series EVER, and yet not well known in the U.S.! Hmmmm …..

HBO really let the U.S. viewers down (both gay and straight) by not fully committing to and promoting GJ. I stumbled upon this show inadvertently after watching another period drama series on HBO, where other suggestions of similar shows “I May Like on HBO” popped up. Even though it is understandable that HBO was involved in a business merger/transition around the timing of GJ, a more proactive promotion of this series would have been so much more effective and appreciated here in the states. Did anyone see Sally, Suranne, Sophie, or Gemma being interviewed on any of the top talk shows in the U.S. prior to or during the launch of the series? Did anyone happen to come across any promotional advertisements anywhere (other than that one rumored billboard in CA)? So, it would seem, I am not the only one to have missed the original premiere! I shudder to think I could have missed GJ entirely, but as fate would have it, this too was to be part of my destiny. I was hooked by the end of the first episode, watching Seasons 1 & 2 (first time through) in just two days. As I sought to expand upon my “new” discovery of Anne Lister (as one does), I painfully became aware that I was almost 3 years behind a very beautiful, global GJ community and movement that has performed some phenomenal activities and accomplishments, all inspired by this remarkable show that reaches deep into one’s heart and soul, takes hold, and doesn’t let go. I can only imagine how many potential U.S. audience members still do not know about this series currently and await introduction to this astonishing masterpiece and gift that MUST continue as intended by Sally! That’s right – no shortcuts, no summary movies, but the entire series as envisioned by Sally through Season 4! (And then the prequel and sequel series … as more history is being discovered and created everyday). Truly the gift that keeps on giving …

There is a distinct difference between vesting and “in”vesting in a series. While hard to fathom that GJ – a top critically acclaimed series – was cancelled for yet another male-oriented, excessively violent, fire-breathing dragon story (already renewed after the premiere of the first episode and with several spin-offs in the works), it is an unfortunate and sad reflection of the times we live in and still must rise above. Good Lord; Anne Lister practically breathes fire herself and she is not a mythical character! SO GJ Family - Forge ON with resilience and persistence because the Ann(e)’s Matter, GJ and ALL INVESTED Matter, Representation Matters and WE the audience community (current and yet-to-be) Matter! Moreover, simple Respect, Commitment, and Trustworthiness Matters! The world NEEDS this entire story, and we will not let the oppressive powers coerce Anne Lister’s diaries back behind the wood-paneling of oblivion! Surely, there is the right global network/streaming service with the foresight and fortitude to recognize and monopolize upon this extremely lucrative opportunity to leave an important generational legacy for all humanity. There is still much work to be done! Steady On!

GJ Fan Stephanie S.

What Gentleman Jack would have meant to my mom...and me

Watching Gentleman Jack left me feeling like I really am OK, just as I am.

Having been out for some 25 years now I think what it might have been like to watch Gentleman Jack with my Mom.

Mom, I think, kind of knew I wasn't like my siblings. After all, I did have teen mag pages of Kate Jackson pics on my walls. Along with a few token males for cover. But it went unspoken. My father, cautioned me to "stay away from any of those queers", and "if anyone messes with you, punch them in the face and run". So, I did the best I could - believing what I knew to be true about myself could be put aside for the sake of a normal life. (Insert long story here).

If my Mom and I could have watched the show together, she would have seen the true story of a woman 200 years earlier who simply lived her truth. I can envision watching the "I love and only love the fairer sex" scene with her and being able to simply say, "Mom, that's how I feel". Seeing a strong, healthy, powerful woman like Anne Lister may have allayed her fears about what my life would be like as a lesbian.

Through Gentleman Jack we may have had the words for a real discussion about who I am and what kind of life I desired. Mom passed in 2012. She was always supportive of my girlfriends and now wife, and learned to accept me as is. What might've been different is she wouldn't have blamed herself when I finally came out. I wouldn't have heard her rationalization: "I just knew I should have worn more dresses".

Thank You to Ita O'Brien

I don't have the words to express how masterfully the intimate scenes are portrayed in Gentleman Jack. The care and tenderness in Suranne and Sophie's portrayals is unlike anything I've seen on screen. Everything is perfectly done. Not one thing made me think they were just two straight women play-acting. I didn't know how much I needed to see, on screen, how making love between two women really feels. But every scene was life affirming.

I can only imagine what it was like to discuss what it meant to portray the lovemaking of Anne Lister and Anne Walker. To be realistic yet not gratuitous. To help the actors be comfortable and let the scene and dialogue take center stage. This lesbian is forever grateful for the sheer joy I've experienced as a result of your skill and caring. A tip of the top hat for your brilliant work, Ita.

GJ Fan Hannah

GJ Fan Emily C.

GJ Fan Dragana

When I first watched the show I didn't realise I was going to be as hooked as i thought I would be to be honest. I didn't think that I would like it at all, I remember sitting in bed thinking ill give this show a chance and if I don't like it I can always turn it off, but hell I was wrong in all dimensions. I fell in love with the show from the first episode. I love the fact it's a 1800s British period drama, being British myself makes it feel like home to me. I love everything about the show, the fact that Anne Lister was a lesbian back in them times was very incredible, she's so inspirational for so many people who maybe feel scared to come out. I think the cast and crew have done a phenomenal job particularly Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle they really are gay allies and how they portrayed their characters was so mind blowing i loved the writing that went into this series and the dedication it wasn't easy at times because of covid but Sally Wainwright the writer wanted to get Anne Lister out in the open and I have to say Sally did a incredible job at it I have shared a lot of emotions with this series from laughing to even floods of tears, also I feel like with this series a lot of people as well as myself will have a connection to it some way or another whether it will be with Anne Lister or Ann walker because they were two incredible people. At the time I have to add as well when i found out that gentleman jack was cancelled I was absolutely gutted, I remember just crying thinking how can this wonderful show be cancelled it can't be true, I remember going to bed and it all being a bad nightmare but it's not at all I woke up the next day and reality hit me that Gentleman Jack was cancelled. Watching the show I came to really love Anne Lister who I can relate to on so many personal thing's, I am very grateful that we had this show but now I just want more I don't want to see the end of the show Anne Lister wrote a diary for it all to be told not just half of it and I believe that the story should be completed because it will be missed by so many people.

GJ Fan Dragana

GJ Fan Emily C.

GJ Fan Dragana

Where to start, with a show like this? I mean, what's /not/ great about Gentleman Jack?

The writing is top notch. Sally Wainwright makes a period drama seem modern and fresh with her witty and fast paced scripts. Costumes and hair & makeup are incredibly authentic and beautiful. Cinematography, score, directing, editing, (I could go on and on) - amazing.

And, the acting- What could I say about the acting? Every actor on this show is incredible. But our leading ladies... They blow me away. Suranne and Sophie embody these rich, complex, wonderful characters, they show every layer, every emotion possible. They're perfection in these roles.

I'm not exaggerating when I say Gentleman Jack is not only the best period drama I've seen, but the best show, by far. Hats off to every single person working on it.

GJ Fan Emily C.

Gentleman Jack touches my soul, not just the center of it but every nook and cranny of it. I laugh. I cry. I feel the depth of pain. I learn. And I grieve. Never before has a TV series done that to me or for me.
I'm sure it's not normal and I probably should find a GJ Anonymous group somewhere...something to help me get a grip already. But then, do I really want to be "cured?" Do I really want to stop watching this work of art? Suranne Jones' ability to make a character come alive and be so believable is stunning. She doesn't act. She becomes. And she is joined by a marvelous cast of exceptionally fine actors as well, not the least of which is Sophie Rundle.
The greatest travesty for me? That GJ has been cancelled. The story deserves to be continued and hopefully it will be in time.

Emily Comstock

Fan Reviews

GJ Fan Jess Lea

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

GJ Fan Donut Gain

I fell in love with Gentleman Jack for three reasons. Firstly, Suranne Jones' powerhouse performance as Anne Lister. She embodies an extraordinary woman: brilliant, charming, ruthless and breathtakingly energetic, blending shameless self-interest with sudden depths of passion. Secondly, the sensory beauty of the show, the soundtrack ranging from "rollicking adventure" to "full-on swoon" and the costumes so exquisite and eccentric they become characters in their own right. And thirdly, the scripts, which never talk down to the viewer; this is a witty, multi-layered show written with a deep knowledge of the time and people it portrays.

GJ Fan Donut Gain

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

GJ Fan Donut Gain

Anne is an incredible woman. I enjoyed Gentleman Jack very very much. Her character, charisma, and energetic personality is so engaging, I get excited just watching her move. She gives me hope and lifts my spirits. She reminds me that I can do so much if I only have faith "Faith is all" I can't get enough of Gentleman Jack! Truly a lesbian icon

Two seasons aren't enough we need seven more! More of Gentleman Jack!

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

Gentleman Jack is a TV series that's changed multiple lives for the better including mine. Upon learning that Anne Lister came from an Angelican faith background and seeing it didn't conflict with her identity as a gay woman gave me more strength and validation as a queer woman who also comes from a church upbringing. Anne was strong and held her own through the continuous judgment and gossip of others. This was the 19th Century.…and YES, she chose to rise above it and that's downright liberating! Representation is extremely important and THIS... no other show compares to it.

GJ Fan Carol Low

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

Gentleman Jack is truly an inspiring & touching love story between two courageous ladies who stood up to the world. It is not just another period drama but one which depicts vivid details & descriptions of events and places. Gentleman Jack is a brilliant piece of storytelling by Sally Wainwright. Solid performances by Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker have made Gentleman Jack a joy to watch.

Surannes' boundless charisma has brought Anne Lister to life, so real that you can almost feel her presence. Gentleman Jack has also spotted some beautiful and charming sceneries, mainly Shibden Hall, the actual house where Anne Lister has once stayed. Gentleman Jack, a remarkable and worthy (her)story that deserves its place, recognition and acknowledgement. Their story must continue to be seen.

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

GJ Fan Jess Lea

GJ Fan Maegan Gephart

Gentleman Jack is the first TV show I've seen where the lesbian characters feel real. It wasn't until I experienced that that I realised how starved I had been.
I love the chemistry between the two leads, not just in their erotic scenes but equally in their moments of conflict and tenderness. They are such a believable pairing.
I love that the show does not shy away from portraying a butch-femme dynamic (or however you would describe that in Georgian England). This dynamic is a massive part of lesbian heritage but is typically ignored or disparaged by popular culture.
And I love that the protagonist is a mature woman who knows what she wants. Most TV shows prefer 'coming out' stories where the lesbian characters are very young or very inexperienced. It's a valid theme, but there's more to our lives than that. Anne Lister is a woman who's been around the block a few times and is all the more attractive for it!

GJ Fan Deb W.

GJ Fan Katherine Harris

GJ Fan Tara LaDue

I watched Gentleman Jack Season 1 when it aired on HBO. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, the

costumes lovely and the acting was superb. The story was sad and lovely - all wrapped up into one glorious program. About halfway through the series, I learned that my ancestors were from the Yorkshire area. Now my attraction to this area makes perfect sense.
The story is historical. Anne Lister and Ann Walker were such courageous women in their time. I admire that courage. Their story is one of strength, courage and the bits that make us all human. Not perfect by any means but certainly human. Though I am not a member of the LGBTQ community, I am an ally. I have learned the importance this story holds for this community and it’s remarkable. Though it has touched the gay and lesbian community in a powerful way, it’s also touched straight men and women. In short – it has lifted us all up.

This show deserves another season or two for sure. There are a lot of people in the fandom and I have no doubt that a new partner with BBC would gain a lot of subscribers. I am one of them.

GJ Fan Tara LaDue

GJ Fan Katherine Harris

GJ Fan Tara LaDue

Gentleman Jack helped me to come out as Lesbian in a more public way. That matters for so many reasons. I came out to a few people “later in life" about 2 months before I found Gentleman Jack in 2020. Seeing Suranne as Anne Lister gave me courage to rise above my fear of family and public opinion. Anne’s unapologetic energy about who she loved and the power she had as a female in that time period gave me life, a life where I could find a community. A community where I feel safe to express the feelings I have for women that have been stuffed deep inside my soul for over 40 years. Representation matters. Anne and Ann’s love moved me. What they sacrificed and the judgement they endured while being true to themselves is inspiring, to say the least. The vulnerable thoughtfulness that Sally took from Anne’s diaries and transferred to television deserves all the awards in the world. The acting by Suranne and Sophie is worthy of more recognition than they have been given. Please keep the story of these two landed lesbian ladies alive. We need it, not just the Lesbian community, women need it.

GJ Fan Katherine Harris

A friend told me about Gentleman Jack but I didn't get around to watching it for several months. I was hooked from the opening scenes & credits and WOW, what an entrance when Anne Lister came flying around the corner in the High Flyer!
I had never seen or heard of Suranne Jones but I became enthralled with her acting in this role which was so real, honest and raw. Her emotions were bare in so many scenes that viewers couldn't help but feel them with her. We got to see Anne from her highest highs to her lowest lows, thanks to Suranne Jones' ability to bring Anne Lister to life so beautifully.
I, like so many others who fell in love with this show, delved into learning about Anne Lister and reading her diary transcriptions on a daily basis. They became the highlight of the early days of my retirement and provided so much inspiration and often laughter. It was and still is mind boggling to know of this transgressive woman who bucked societal norms and was such a confident and accomplished woman. There is SO much more to her story that people need to see on screen. I can't think of one other period drama that has such depth, beauty & intelligence.

GJ Fan Julia Davies

GJ Fan Katherine Harris

Being a lady of a certain age , cough, cough , I have lived through many changes decades and challenging attitudes towards gay/lesbians. In my first relationship, we thought we were the only ones in the world who felt like we did. Until in 1973 , Alan Whicker a documentary maker at that time , boldly filmed a gay marriage in California in his programme , 'The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay'. I had never seen anything like it! I identified. So my journey began.It wasn't easy growing up, all my school friends were getting married and my mother used to say 'I keep polishing the shelf as I don't want you left on it.' Being from a ordinary Welsh working class background , marriage was expected of every young girl, thankfully I stayed true to who I was , consequently, inventing boyfriends to avoid peer and family pressure but nevertheless, somehow , I managed to stay true to myself,The years have rolled on by there has been happiness, heartache and at times great sadness, but I survived. I am now married to my partner of 32. years. I still can't truly believe I can say that! I saw The secret diaries of Anne Lister with Maxine Peake portraying Anne Lister so I was aware of Anne Lister's story. When I read Suranne Jones was to play Anne Lister in a new BBC production, I knew this was going to be special. I never thought in my lifetime, I would see a prime time tv show about a lesbian character, a real character with substance rather than some male fictionalised drama about women in love which inevitably ends in heartbreak.