Anne with an E
 | |
|---|---|
| Number of Seasons | 3 |
| Number of Episodes | 27 |
| Episode Length | 42–45 minutes |
| Genre | Drama |
| Starring | Amybeth McNulty, R.H. Thomson, Geraldine James, Corrine Koslo, Delilah Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, Aymeric Jett Montas, Dalmar Abouzeid |
| Screenplay | Moira Walley-Beckett, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Shernold Edwards |
| Creators | Moira Walley-Beckett |
| Music | Ari Posner, Emin Bhatia |
| Country | Canada |
| Website | |
| Years of release | 2017–2019 |
| Kinopoisk Rating • IMDb | 8.9/10 • 8.6/10 |
| Age Rating | 18+ |
"Anne with an E" is a series based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's legendary novel "Anne of Green Gables." It tells the touching and inspiring story of the young orphan Anne Shirley. The series is particularly valuable thanks to the superb performances by the leading actress, especially Amybeth McNulty. Her talented portrayal of the title character allows viewers to experience a full range of emotions—from infectious joy and genuine surprise to touching vulnerability. This series will be a true revelation for fans of costume dramas and those seeking inspiring stories about the power of the human spirit, dreams, and their ability to change lives for the better. The series captivates with its warmth, detailed historical atmosphere, and breathtaking natural scenery.
This television series, which captivated viewers' hearts, first premiered on March 19, 2017, on the Canadian channel CBC, and just a few months later, on May 12 of that year, it was released to Netflix users worldwide. It debuted with a seven-episode season, with the talented Niki Caro directing the first episode.
Just a few months after the premiere, on August 3, 2017, the project received the greenlight for a second season, now comprising ten episodes. Netflix viewers were able to enjoy the sequel on July 6, 2018, and fans in Canada saw the new season on September 23 on CBC.
The success of the second season hasn't stopped the series. On August 15, 2018, it was announced that a third season was in development. Its premiere was scheduled for September 22, 2019, on the Canadian television channel CBC, and later, on January 3, 2020, the season was released on Netflix. However, fans' joy was tempered by the official confirmation that the third season would be the finale of the long-awaited story. This sparked a furious reaction from fans, who organized a petition in hopes of reversing the decision and breathing new life into the beloved series.
Starring
Amybeth McNulty ― orphan Anne Shirley (later Anne Shirley-Cuthbert)
Geraldine James ― Marilla Cuthbert
Robert Holmes Thomson ― Matthew Cuthbert
Delilah Bela ― Diana Barry
Lucas Jade Zumann ― Gilbert Blythe
Corrine Koslo ― Rachel Lind
Emerick Jett Montas ― Jerry Baynard
Dalmar Abuzeid ― Sebastian Lacroix (Bash)
Cory Grüter-Andrew ― Cole Mackenzie
Minor roles
Statistics
Total duration of the series: 21 hours 30 minutes
Number of filming years: 2
Number of directors: 11
Film crew
Directors
Niki Caro, Helen Shaver, David Evans, Amanda Tapping, Patricia Rozema, Ken Girotti, Kim Nguyen, Paul Fox, Sandra Goldbacher, Anne Wheeler, Norma Bailey
Producers
Patricia Curmi, Miranda de Pencier, Alison Owen, Ken Girotti, Tina Grewal, Moira Walley, Debra Hayward, Sally Catto, Elizabeth Bradley, Brian Campbell
Camera Operators
Catherine Lutes, Jackson Parrell, Bobby Shore
Plot
A brief summary of the series
The story takes place in the late 19th century on picturesque Prince Edward Island in Canada. The protagonist, a woman of rich imagination, strong character, and unique individuality, unexpectedly finds herself drawn into the lives of an elderly couple—the Cuthberts, a brother and sister. They initially planned to adopt a boy to help with the household, but instead meet an unusual and charming girl who awakens a long-forgotten warmth in their hearts.
The plot is based on universal themes such as self-acceptance, overcoming stereotypes, the importance of family ties and genuine friendship. The story is not only filled with adventure but also deeply reflects Anne's desire to find her place in the world, despite the obstacles and injustices she must overcome.
Season-by-season description of the series events
Season 1
The first season of "Anne with an E," inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel "Anne of Green Gables," takes viewers to the late 19th century, on Prince Edward Island, near Avonlea. The plot centers on elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who decide to adopt a child to help on their farm, "Green Gables." However, instead of the expected boy, their home is filled with an unusual light—an energetic and dreamy girl named Anne Shirley.
The Cuthberts' plans are initially thwarted: they decide to return Anne to the orphanage after a series of misunderstandings, including the loss of Marilla's brooch, for which the girl is unfairly blamed. Heartbroken and emotionally shattered, Anne runs away, feeling the unfair treatment. However, when the truth is revealed, Matthew realizes the magnitude of his mistake and sets out to find the girl. His anxiety is shared by Marilla, until Matthew returns Anne to their home, forever changing the course of the family's life.
The decision to leave Anne leads to irreversible changes, marking the beginning of her journey to acceptance. Anne is enrolled in school, where she faces cruel ridicule from her classmates. Anne resolutely resists classes, and Marilla's intervention yields only unexpected results. Even the advice of a priest, called in to counsel the stubborn student, does not deprive her of her confidence in her own worldview.
With each passing day, Anne begins to win the hearts of those around her with her unwavering zest for life, optimism, and boundless energy. She finds a loyal friend, Diana Barry, and invites her to Green Gables, but even their friendship faces challenges. Anne learns to overcome the challenges of growing up, forcing Matthew and Marilla to reflect again on the fleeting nature of time and their own youth.
The characters' lives soon face serious challenges. Diana's mother leaves, leaving her daughters alone when her younger sister, Minnie, finds herself in a dangerous situation. Diana turns to Anne for help, thereby strengthening their friendship. Meanwhile, the Cuthbert farm is threatened by loss. The family recognizes the depth of the problem and, joining forces, sets a goal to preserve their home at any cost, protecting it as a symbol of their past and future.
Season 2
The second season of "Anne with an E" transports viewers to the late 19th century, where life in a quiet town takes on new dimensions and unexpected drama. Brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert hope to overcome their financial difficulties thanks to rumors of a gold reserve on their farm. Meanwhile, the Barrys' neighbors, infatuated with the idea of easy money, fall victim to the "gold rush," but the Cuthberts soon begin to suspect that things are far more complex than they seem.
Anne Shirley, the Cuthberts' adopted daughter, still rejects Gilbert, who once insulted her by mockingly calling her "carrot" because of her red hair. Despite his strained relationship with Anne, Gilbert continues to rebuild his life, making new friends during a sea voyage. Meanwhile, Sebastian Lacroix, known as Bash, departs Canada for the island of Trinidad, where a difficult conversation with his past awaits.
Anne faces unexpected challenges as a guest at the Barrys' home, where she must rely solely on her intuition. Meanwhile, Marilla begins to notice shadowy intrigues among her neighbors and begins to suspect them of impure intentions. Meanwhile, Anne is immersed in writing a novel, and her best friend, Diana, is mastering the manners of a true lady.
Gilbert experiences an encounter that forces him to rethink his outlook on life. Meanwhile, the young people of the town take their first steps toward understanding love through an innocent game of spin the bottle. After some time, Gilbert returns home, and Anne begins to find common ground with Cole, despite their significant differences in character. The town is immersed in the pre-Christmas bustle—the upcoming pantomime promises to be a real discovery for Anne and add new colors to her worldview.
Marilla's health is a concern: she seeks advice from an ophthalmologist. Anne, having received a wedding invitation, begins dreaming of her upcoming big day. A new teacher arrives at school, arriving on a flashy motorcycle and quickly captivating everyone's attention. Gilbert decides to focus on his studies, while Bash struggles with feelings of inner loneliness.
Anne organizes a campaign to support Miss Stacy, who faces a difficult challenge. Cole is forced to make a difficult choice, and fate gives Bash an unexpected gift that completely changes his life.
Season 3
The third season of "Anne with an E" is a whirlwind of events, where the past intertwines with the future, and the characters' hearts open to change. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of deepening interactions between the residents of cozy Avonlea and the Mi'kmaq people. These encounters not only bring moments of tension but also enrich both cultures with new understanding.
The students of Avonlea face important choices as adulthood approaches. Some dream of continuing their education in college and strive for new knowledge, while others succumb to the call of adventure and dream of distant travels. Anne, who is also entering a period of significant change, finds herself at the center of these events.
For Anne, this season becomes a time of challenging trials and important inner discoveries. She becomes increasingly passionate about social justice, feeling a responsibility to defend the rights of Indigenous peoples and fight for gender equality. Gradually, she realizes that change requires patience and perseverance, reflecting on this through disappointments and obstacles along the way. At the same time, Anne immerses herself in the search for her roots. Researching the orphanage archives and church records is fruitless, but with Cole's help, she finally learns the names of her parents and discovers their Scottish ancestry.
Bash's story becomes particularly dramatic. His happiness at the birth of his daughter is overshadowed by an irreparable loss—Mary's death from sepsis. Despite the pain, Bash demonstrates tremendous resilience and kindness, devoting himself to raising his daughter. At first, he copes on his own, and later receives the support of Elijah, Mary's eldest son. This touching story of the grief of loss and powerful parental love pierces deeply.
The life of the Avonlea school community also changes. Gilbert, showing extraordinary sensitivity, relents to Anne's offer to become her teacher so she can pursue her dreams. This gesture helps them put their past differences behind them. Anne sincerely thanks Gilbert, admitting she no longer holds a grudge for the long-ago joke that sparked their complicated relationship.
The season's climax keeps viewers on edge, full of emotional drama. Fate continues to create obstacles between Anne and Gilbert: their heartfelt confessions remain unspoken, as the letters they send each other never reach their intended recipients. However, the final scene gives viewers long-awaited hope—before leaving for university, Anne and Gilbert finally meet. Their first kiss holds not only the beginning of love but also the promise of a new chapter in their lives. The season's final moment is filled with warmth, light, and a sense of closure, a fitting conclusion to this rich story.
Season-by-Season Episode Overview
Browsing this section, you can quickly jump to the desired season or episode page to study and edit materials.
| Seasons | Episodes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ||||
| Season 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| Season 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
Features
Episodes
Dialogues
Relationships
The key interactions between Anne and the characters in the "Anne with an E" series convey the complex emotional palette and dynamic of relationships that develop throughout the story.
Anne's relationships with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert reveal the process of forming strong family bonds. At the beginning of the storyline, Marilla and Matthew exhibit restraint and difficulty in expressing their emotions. However, the gradual influence of Anne's sincerity, enthusiasm, and unconventional imagination breaks down these barriers. She becomes a catalyst for their inner growth, inspiring acceptance and mutual understanding. This journey symbolizes not only the discovery of home as a physical space but also the restoration of the ability to love and accept love unconditionally. Their shared transformation becomes a powerful example of healing emotional trauma through connections with loved ones.
Anne's friendship with Diana Barry reflects the ideal of devotion and supportive friendship. Diana acts not only as Anne's companion but also as a sensitive observer, noticing her friend's hidden emotions, including her attraction to Gilbert Blythe. At the same time, Diana displays tact and respect, allowing Anne the space to process her feelings independently. Their relationship, built on mutual trust and deep understanding, stands the test of time and remains strong.
Anne's story with Gilbert Blythe, by contrast, begins with a tense confrontation. Their first interaction at school, when Gilbert pulls Anne's braid and mockingly calls her "Carrot," leaves a painful mark on her perception of her appearance. Anne's impulsive reaction, smashing a slate over Gilbert's head, lays the foundation for their complex, conflict-ridden relationship. Even despite Gilbert's subsequent attempts to establish a common language, the tension between them persists for a long time.
The character of Miss Stacy emerges as a wise mentor and inspirer, whose unconventional approaches to teaching resonate with the energetic, enthusiastic Anne. The bond between them is built on trust, warmth, and a shared interest in learning. However, Anne's excessive directness sometimes leads to misunderstandings. One such incident involved her fascination with local gossip, which prompted a gentle but insightful admonition from Miss Stacey. Instead of condemning her, she channeled her student's penchant for vivid imagination into a more productive outlet through creative writing.
Anne's relationship with Ruby Gills plays a particularly important role in the plot. The pivotal moment in their friendship was the fire at the Gills' house, where Anne demonstrated rare courage and selflessness by helping save the family. This act strengthened their mutual respect and brought the girls closer together. Ruby's subsequent move into the Cuthbert home strengthened their bond, adding another sincere thread to Anne's emotional web. Thus, all of her relationships invariably revolve around a central theme: openness of spirit and the ability to genuinely share feelings with others.
Characters
Browsing this section, you can quickly jump to the desired character's page to study and edit materials.
| Anne Shirley | Marilla Cuthbert | Matthew Cuthbert | Diana Barry | Gilbert Blythe |
| Rachel Lind | Jerry Baynard | Sebastian Lacroix | Cole Mackenzie |
Interesting Pages
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Interesting Facts and Notes
- The series is based on the famous novel "Anne of Green Gables," written by the distinguished Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, a recognized master of children's literature. An unusual element of the project was the use of lines from Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" in the episode titles, which perfectly reflects the literary interests of the main character, Anne Shirley.
- The series gained acclaim immediately after the release of its first season, receiving a prestigious Canadian television nomination for Best Drama Series. Pilot director Niko Caro received special attention from audiences and critics, winning two significant awards: the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming and the Gracie Allen Award.
- Moira Walley-Beckett, the show's creator, earned acclaim for her writing, winning the Writers Guild of Canada Award for Best Debut Television Screenplay. Her casting as Anne Shirley was another exciting moment in the series' development: over 1,800 candidates from three continents auditioned for the role.
- The show's theme song, "Ahead by a Century" by the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip, adds a special touch to the show.
- In the second season, the show's creators expanded the plot by introducing the new character of Bash. This move allowed for a deeper exploration of the cultural and racial diversity of the Charlottetown area and its surroundings, enriching the narrative with a new level of significance.
