Hello, everyone! How’s everything? Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the series Anne with an E, which revitalized L.M. Montgomery’s cherished Anne of Green Gables novels through breathtaking visuals, impactful social commentary, and a standout performance that won hearts globally.
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Anne with an E debuted on Netflix on May 12, 2017, presenting a total of 27 episodes over three seasons before concluding on January 3, 2020. Each episode is about 45-50 minutes long, making it ideal for binge-watching immersive period dramas. This collaboration between CBC and Netflix follows Anne Shirley, a spirited 13-year-old orphan who is unexpectedly taken in by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island in the late 1890s, transforming not only their lives but also her own through imagination, resolve, and unconditional love.
The series skillfully builds on Montgomery’s original tales while addressing modern social issues through a historical perspective. In contrast to earlier adaptations that predominantly showcased Anne’s charm and positivity, Anne with an E delves into the harsher aspects of Anne’s traumatic history, including abuse, neglect, and the severe treatment of orphans during the late 19th century. It retains the essence and spirit of the beloved character while offering a more intricate and realistic depiction of growing up as an outsider in a conformist society.
What sets this Netflix adaptation apart is its dedication to progressive storytelling that feels both true to the period and pertinent to today’s viewers. The series addresses topics like LGBTQ+ identity, racism, feminism, and class disparities with thoughtfulness and insight, demonstrating how these challenges have endured through generations. Anne with an E shows that classic literature can be effectively updated to mirror contemporary values without sacrificing its intrinsic magic.
Anne Shirley: The Resilient Orphan
Amybeth McNulty delivers an extraordinary performance as Anne Shirley, infusing remarkable depth into a character that could easily be one-dimensional in less capable hands. Throughout Anne with an E, Anne’s transformation from a traumatized orphan to a self-assured young woman highlights both her strength and sensitivity. McNulty captures Anne’s renowned imagination and articulate expression while ensuring that viewers remain aware of the pain and fear that fuel her desperate quest for love and belonging.
The series excels at illustrating how Anne’s traumatic background influences her current relationships, creating authentic challenges that she must navigate to trust and connect with others. Her evolution portrays the continuous journey of healing from childhood trauma, requiring patience, empathy, and the unconditional love that the Cuthberts offer.
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert: Finding Joy in Parenthood
Geraldine James and R.H. Thomson infuse warmth and complexity into the roles of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, illustrating how two middle-aged siblings realize that their quiet, predictable lives were incomplete until Anne entered their world. The series examines the unique challenges and rewards of parenting later in life, with both characters learning to adjust their rigid expectations to embrace Anne’s vibrant personality and troubled past.
The chemistry among the three family members forms the emotional backbone of Anne with an E. The show emphasizes that families are not always created through blood but through choice, commitment, and the willingness to adapt and evolve for the sake of those we love. Marilla’s transformation from a stern authority figure to a nurturing mother figure, along with Matthew’s gentle support, provides Anne with the stability she desperately seeks.
Gilbert Blythe: More Than Just a Rival
Lucas Jade Zumann’s portrayal of Gilbert Blythe elevates the character from a mere romantic interest to a multifaceted young man grappling with his own familial issues and societal expectations. The series deepens Gilbert’s relationship with Anne beyond typical childhood rivalry, illustrating how two bright, ambitious youths can challenge and uplift one another while navigating the limited prospects of their generation.
Anne with an E uses Gilbert’s character to delve into themes of class disparities, family obligations, and the shifting social landscape of the late 19th century. His friendship and eventual romance with Anne highlight how the strongest relationships are built on mutual respect, shared values, and the capacity to look beyond superficial differences to appreciate the person within.
Challenging the Norms: Anne’s Bold Stand
The series achieves its most impactful moments when Anne’s progressive views confront the conservative social norms of her era. Whether advocating for Indigenous rights, supporting LGBTQ+ narratives, or defying gender roles, Anne with an E illustrates how one individual’s bravery can motivate others to question inequitable systems. These plotlines elevate the show beyond mere period drama into something significantly more profound and relevant.
Rather than portraying Anne as unrealistically advanced for her time, the series illustrates how her experiences as an outsider grant her a distinct viewpoint on injustice and inequality. Her readiness to advocate for others embodies the fundamental values that have endeared the character to audiences for over a hundred years.
A Netflix Success Story
Anne with an E became a critical and audience favorite throughout its three-season run from 2017 to 2020, receiving acclaim for its stunning cinematography, exceptional performances, and thoughtful approach to modernizing classic literature. The CBC/Netflix collaboration demonstrated that period dramas could effectively address contemporary social issues while preserving the charm and allure that made the original novels timeless. Each episode featured breathtaking locations on Prince Edward Island and period-appropriate costumes that transported viewers to the late 1800s, while the writing tackled intricate themes with sophistication and insight. Anne with an E showcased how beloved characters could be reimagined for modern viewers without losing their core appeal, resulting in a series that respected its source material while forging its own distinct identity.
For Fans of Storytelling’s Power
If you enjoy coming-of-age tales, period dramas, and characters who refuse to let their circumstances dictate their futures, Anne with an E is the ideal series to binge on Netflix. The show thrives because it treats its young heroine with respect and intelligence, demonstrating how imagination, determination, and love can triumph over even the toughest beginnings.
Why This Adaptation Is Worth Remembering
Anne with an E shows that the finest adaptations go beyond merely retelling known stories; they discover fresh ways to examine timeless themes while addressing the concerns of modern viewers. This Netflix series created something truly exceptional by honoring L.M. Montgomery’s cherished character while illustrating why Anne Shirley’s spirit of resilience, curiosity, and compassion remains as significant today as it was over a century ago.
Series Information
Episode Count: 27 episodes (3 seasons, completed series)
Platform: Netflix (collaboration with CBC)
Release/Ending Year: 2017-2020
Current IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Period Drama, Coming-of-Age, Family
Status: Completed series (canceled after 3 seasons)
Main Characters: Amybeth McNulty (Anne Shirley), Geraldine James (Marilla Cuthbert), R.H. Thomson (Matthew Cuthbert), Lucas Jade Zumann (Gilbert Blythe), Dalila Bela (Diana Barry)
Supporting Characters: Aymeric Jett Montaz (Jerry Baynard), Cory Gruter-Andrew (Cole Mackenzie), Kyla Matthews (Ruby Gillis), various Avonlea community members