Joan: Release date, Trailer, cast, plot, Episodes, & Everything we know About Sophie Turner’s True-Crime Drama

Prepare for an exhilarating journey into the criminal underworld with Joan, the highly anticipated series starring Sophie Turner. As she steps into the shoes of notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington, Turner brings to life a captivating character marked by resilience and ambition.

Recently, Turner opened up about the emotional challenges she faced while filming, highlighting the delicate balance between her on-screen persona and her real-life role as a mother amidst personal turmoil.

With each twist and turn in Hannington’s life—from a struggling housewife to a cunning criminal mastermind—Joan promises to deliver an engaging and dramatic narrative that showcases the stark realities of motherhood against a backdrop of high-stakes crime. Curious about the cast, plot developments, and thrilling atmosphere this series has to offer?

Get ready to dive deep into the world of Joan, where we’ll reveal details that will leave you eager for more. Stay tuned as we unveil insights and updates leading up to the series premiere!

Release date & Where to Watch

Joan premieres in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at 9 pm GMT, with the second episode following on Monday, September 30, at the same time. The entire six-part series will be available to stream on ITVX after the first episode airs. In the US, Joan will be available on The CW Network starting Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ITV (@itv)

Plot

Joan follows the gripping story of Joan Hannington, portrayed by Turner, as she navigates the tumultuous landscape of her twenties. Trapped in a violent marriage to Gary, a criminal on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to escape with her six-year-old daughter, Kelly. 

Determined to provide a secure life for her child, she embarks on a high-stakes journey into the criminal underworld, adopting new identities and leveraging her intelligence and talent for impersonation to become a master jewel thief. 

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s, the series explores the emotional twists and turns of Joan’s life, highlighting her resilience and unwavering love for Kelly as she faces the challenges of motherhood and crime. 

Over six episodes, viewers will witness Joan's evolution from a devoted mother into a cunning thief, driven by her desire to protect her daughter and forge a better future.

Cast

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ITV (@itv)

• Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones, X-Men Apocalypse, The Staircase) as Joan Hannington

"I’m thrilled to bring Joan Hannington’s captivating life story to screen in Joan. Known as ‘The Godmother,’ she was a notorious jewel thief navigating the criminal underworld of London while desperately trying to regain custody of her daughter from social services,” Turner said.

• Frank Dillane (The Essex Serpent) as Boisie Hannington
• Kirsty J Curtis (Harlots) as Nancy 
• Mia Millichamp-Long as Kelly
• Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (I May Destroy You, Top Boy) as Albie
• Laura Aikman (The Split, Gavin & Stacey) as Val
• Nick Blood (Safe)
• Jack Greenlees (Strike)
• Alex Blake (The Crown) as Bernard
• Caroline Faber (Grantchester) 
• Dorothy Atkinson (The Gold, Stonehouse)
• Tomi May as King
• Harry Pittard
• Lankesh

Episode Guide (US)

• Season 1 Episode 1 (Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 2 (Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 3 (Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 4 (Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 5 (Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 6 (Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024)

Official Trailer

Is Joan Based on a true Story?

Yes, Joan is based on the real-life story of Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief born in London in 1957 who earned the nickname “The Godmother” on the black market. Hannington's criminal journey began after she escaped her abusive husband, Ray, and desperately sought to support her daughter. She later published a memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief, which serves as the basis for the series.

Over 11 years, Hannington committed numerous heists, using her knowledge from working in a jewelry store to exploit vulnerabilities in security. She skillfully disguised herself, often changing her appearance, and stole valuable gems, stashing them away with her partner, Boisie (Benny in the series). Hannington's life of crime came to an end after her partner's death during a botched job, prompting her to pursue a more legitimate lifestyle. The series was developed in collaboration with Hannington and writer Anna Symon, capturing her incredible rise and challenges.

Filming

Filming for the drama series Joan occurred in 2023 at various locations, including Regent Street in Leamington Spa, where shops were transformed for the 1980s setting, and Hay Lane in Coventry, where empty shops were turned into a parade with a similar makeover. Additional filming took place in Birmingham and Malvern, Worcestershire, in May and September 2023, respectively, as well as in Herne Bay, Kent, where production began in May. The series utilized these diverse settings to capture the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s authentically.

Behind the Scenes

Joan is a series adapted by BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Anna Symon from Joan Hannington's memoir I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief. Symon met with Hannington multiple times while crafting the screenplay to ensure authenticity. She describes Joan's journey from a penniless single parent to a notorious diamond thief as a thrilling rags-to-riches tale, expressing excitement for Turner to portray the lead.

The series, directed by BAFTA award-winning Richard Laxton, is produced by Snowed-In Productions in association with All3Media International and The CW. Key figures behind the project include executive producers Ruth Kenley-Letts, Jenny Van Der Lande, Neil Blair, and producer Paul Frift.