Joan viewers unimpressed as they spot series of major errors in Sophie Turner’s new show
ITV viewers have been left unimpressed as they’re forced to call out a series of major blunders in Sophie Turner’s new show, Joan.
The series, which follows young mum-turned-criminal Joan, premiered on ITV last night. It is set in the 1980s but viewers with a good knowledge of that era were quick to point out a number of continuity errors, particularly involving the show’s music and fashion choices.
Sophie Turner, who is best known for playing Queen of the North Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, has transformed into the notorious 1980s jewel thief Joan for the new series.
The six-part show explores how one devoted mother makes a series of difficult decisions in order to protect her daughter.
Along the way, she becomes embroiled in the world of crime, donning multiple disguises in order to become the best in the business.
But it wasn’t the show’s dramatic plot which had viewers up in arms - it was the use of music in the wrong year.
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“So far a show set in 1985 has had Making Your Mind Up on the radio and Tainted Love in a club (both 1981). The soundtrack approach seems to be ‘any 80s tunes will do,’” one viewer fumed on X, formerly Twitter.
Agreeing, another said: “I noticed this. Apparently Joan gave birth to a son in 1987 but listened to Wicked Game by Chris Isaak, released 2 years later, in the pub on the night she first met her son’s father.”
Meanwhile, a third fan commented on the fashion being slightly too ahead of its time, along with also pointing out the Wicked Game blunder, as the song wasn’t released until 1989.
“And I don’t remember chicken nuggets being a thing back then either,” a fourth observed.
Confused, a fifth viewer asked: “What year is this set in? She said the kid loves nuggets, but they weren’t introduced into the U.K. until 1985, and that was in McDonalds. They weren’t available in the shops for quite a while after that.”
ITV’s Joan is inspired by the autobiography of Joan Hannington, which declared her to be “Britain’s most notorious jewel thief.”
The series delves into the difficult circumstances that led her to a life of crime in 1980s London.
In a statement ahead of the premiere, Turner said, “I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan.
“A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.”
The series begins with Joan at a low point, enduring an abusive relationship with her husband Gary (Nick Blood) for the sake of their daughter Kelly (Mia Millichamp-Long).
Crime dramas on ITVX
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
- Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
- The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
- Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
- The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
- Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.
But then, everything changes when her husband leaves them to go on the run. In order to provide for Kelly, Joan turns to a life of crime.
Soon viewers get to see another side of Joan - or many other sides thanks to her knack for impersonation and disguises, which she used to great effect in acquiring her stolen goods.
The intriguing plot is drawing viewers in and keeping them hooked.
Viewers are especially focused on Sophie’s “brilliant” performance, which has made them overlook the music, fashion and fast food continuity errors.
Praising Sophie’s role in the show, one viewer gushed: “Joan is a career defining role for Sophie Turner. She’s brilliant in this.”
“Sophie Turner is a revelation in Joan and proves that she is not only a leading lady but one of the best of her generation,” agreed another. “If there is any justice, this performance will garner her industry recognition, awards love and the kind of prestige offers she thoroughly deserves,” they added.
A third praised: “Binge watched Joan yesterday, Sophie Turner deserves all the awards! Best thing on TV for years! Well done to all involved!”
“Loved, loved, loved Joan on ITV. Sophie Turner was brilliant. Can’t wait to watch the whole series,” said another.
As the series continues, viewers will see Joan “delving deeper into the criminal underworld” as she meets Boisie, “an enigmatic antiques dealer whose allure introduces her to new levels of danger and passion.”
And of course, they will also see how Joan earns herself the moniker of “The Godmother.”
“Through sharp intelligence, irresistible charm, and a talent for impersonation, Joan’s journey is a high-stakes game of survival and reinvention. Every heist and every stolen diamond is driven by her singular purpose: to create a secure future for her daughter,” the synopsis teases.
Joan is written by Mrs Wilson and The Essex Serpent scribe Anna Symon, while Richard Laxton (of Rain Dogs and The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe) directs.
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Joining Sophie is Frank Dillane (Renegade Nell) as Boise, alongside Kirsty J Curtis (Harlots), Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (A Spy Among Friends) and Laura Aikman (Archie).
Airs weekly on Sunday and Monday evenings on ITV at 9pm. All episodes are available to stream on ITVX.