Anne with an E (2017–2019)
Genre: Coming-of-Age | Period Drama | Family | Literary Adaptation
Anne with an E is a heartfelt, beautifully crafted period drama that breathes new life into a beloved classic. Running from 2017 to 2019, this reimagining of Anne of Green Gables (originally penned by L. M. Montgomery) expands the timeless story of Anne Shirley—an imaginative, fiery-haired orphan whose wild spirit forever changes the lives of the quiet farming community that takes her in.
Set in the late 19th century in the fictional village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, the series opens with Anne (played with remarkable spirit by Amybeth McNulty) arriving at Green Gables, an idyllic farm owned by aging siblings Marilla (Geraldine James) and Matthew Cuthbert (R. H. Thomson). The Cuthberts had intended to adopt a boy to help with the farm work but instead find themselves face-to-face with Anne—a talkative, daydreaming girl with a quick tongue and an even quicker imagination.
At first, Marilla is scandalized and skeptical. Matthew, gentle and kind, is immediately charmed. And so begins Anne’s journey of carving out a place for herself in a world that’s not always ready for her boundless curiosity and fiercely independent mind.
Unlike previous adaptations, Anne with an E leans deeper into the darker aspects of Anne’s backstory—her years of neglect and abuse in orphanages and foster homes—which gives the show a raw emotional edge. Anne’s exuberant optimism and stubborn resilience feel earned, her flights of fancy a shield against the harshness she’s endured.
The series doesn’t shy away from modern themes either. Through Anne’s perspective, the show thoughtfully explores issues like gender roles, feminism, bullying, class divides, racism, and Indigenous history—subjects not always addressed in earlier tellings. This fresh lens makes the show feel timely and meaningful without sacrificing the warmth and nostalgia of its pastoral setting.
Amybeth McNulty is the show’s beating heart—her Anne is equal parts misfit, poet, rebel, and romantic. She brings a manic spark to Anne’s wordy monologues, but also a vulnerability that makes her triumphs and heartbreaks land deeply. Geraldine James and R. H. Thomson are wonderful as Marilla and Matthew, grounding the story with tenderness and quiet wisdom.
Visually, the show is stunning. Prince Edward Island is rendered in sweeping shots of sun-drenched fields, rugged coastlines, and quaint villages that feel like stepping into a watercolor painting. The production design and costumes bring Avonlea to life with rustic charm, while the lush cinematography captures the natural beauty that fuels Anne’s imagination.
Throughout its three seasons, Anne with an E balances warm humor with moments of real social reflection. The friendships Anne forms—especially with her “bosom friend” Diana Barry (Dalila Bela) and her teasing rival Gilbert Blythe (Lucas Jade Zumann)—give the show a beating pulse of youthful longing and discovery. The series also expands side characters and community life, enriching Avonlea beyond the scope of Anne’s perspective.
Some purists found the show’s modern twists and added plotlines too revisionist, but for many fans, these risks paid off. Anne with an E retains the heart of what made Anne of Green Gables beloved for generations: a celebration of imagination, found family, and the beauty of seeing the world through open eyes and an open heart.
Tender, bold, and visually enchanting, Anne with an E is more than a period drama—it’s a timeless reminder that being different can be one’s greatest strength, and that the world always needs more dreamers like Anne Shirley.
