BBC Pursues Revival of Gentleman Jack: Suranne Jones Set for Triumphant Return as Trailblazing Anne Lister
By Entertainment Desk January 14, 2026
Hopes are surging for the return of one of television’s most groundbreaking period dramas as the BBC actively explores a revival of Gentleman Jack. Creator Sally Wainwright has confirmed ongoing discussions with the network to continue the extraordinary story of Anne Lister, the 19th-century landowner, industrialist, and diarist widely regarded as the “first modern lesbian.” With HBO’s departure after Season 2 in 2022 leaving the series in limbo, the BBC is now seeking new international co-production partners to secure funding and deliver fresh episodes while upholding the show’s acclaimed quality, historical depth, and bold storytelling.
The series, which premiered in 2019 on BBC One and HBO, starred Suranne Jones in a powerhouse role as Anne Lister—charismatic, ambitious, and unapologetically queer. Jones brought fierce energy and nuance to Lister, capturing her coded diaries, business savvy, and passionate romances amid Regency-era constraints. Her chemistry with Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker electrified viewers, blending steamy intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and defiant humor. The show drew from Lister’s real 4-million-word journals (parts encoded and later deciphered), transforming them into a thrilling mix of romance, coal-mining ventures, and social rebellion.
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Sally Wainwright, the Yorkshire-born writer behind hits like Happy Valley, infused the narrative with wit, heartbreak, and authenticity—often flirting with playful parody while honoring Lister’s legacy. Early reviews hailed it as “Regency Fleabag” for its fourth-wall breaks and inner monologues, or “Queer Brontë” for its Northern grit and emotional intensity. Suranne Jones’ performance was universally praised for lunges between tragedy and comedy, from howling in despair over lost love to striding into Shibden Hall to overhaul her “shabby little village.”
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After HBO’s cancellation—attributed to shifting priorities despite fan campaigns—the BBC expressed pride in the show’s cultural impact and openness to continuation. Recent updates from Wainwright indicate the network remains “keen” to proceed, with revival talks focusing on new global collaborators to replace HBO’s role. This could broaden the series’ reach while preserving its signature elements: lavish period detail, sharp dialogue, and unflinching exploration of queer identity and female empowerment.
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Gentleman Jack’ creator on the long-awaited return of the Sapphic …
Filming originally centered on Shibden Hall in Halifax, Lister’s real restored home, which doubled as the heart of the story. The location’s evocative grounds—rolling Yorkshire landscapes, historic interiors, and industrial backdrops—added authenticity and visual splendor. Fans have flocked to the site for tours, keeping Lister’s memory alive amid revival buzz.
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A potential revival would likely advance Lister’s life beyond Season 2’s timeline (up to around 1836), delving into further adventures, relationships, and triumphs before her death in 1840. Wainwright has long expressed interest in completing the full arc, emphasizing the “beautiful journey” that resonated so deeply. Jones has spoken fondly of the role, crediting it for uniting audiences and celebrating underrepresented histories.
While no greenlight or timeline has been confirmed, the momentum is real—fueled by persistent fan advocacy, Lister’s enduring legacy, and the BBC’s commitment. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s an opportunity to finish a revolutionary tale that changed perceptions of queer history on screen.
For now, revisit the existing seasons on BBC iPlayer. But with partnerships in play, Anne Lister’s bold voice could soon return—defiant, passionate, and unstoppable. The next chapter awaits.