Anne With An E: Netflix’s Perfect Period Drama Adaptation

Adapting books for the screen is incredibly popular right now, and Netflix has created one of the best series based on a book. It’s usually a challenge to turn classic stories into TV shows because it’s hard to make them appealing to today’s viewers without losing what made the original so special. However, Anne with an E is a rare and outstanding success.

Inspired by the beloved book Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne with an E originally appeared on Netflix in May 2017, shortly after its initial release on CBC in Canada. The show quickly developed a dedicated fanbase, but unfortunately, Netflix canceled it after just three seasons. Despite this, it’s definitely still a great show to watch.

Anne With An E Is A Perfect Coming-Of-Age Drama

Anne Shirley Is An Unforgettable Protagonist

Mostly set in 1896 on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Anne with an E tells the story of Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty), a young orphan. After a slight misunderstanding, she’s sent to live and work on a farm with brother and sister, Matthew (R. H. Thomson) and Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James). It quickly becomes apparent that Anne doesn’t quite understand how society expects her to behave.

At first, Anne has trouble fitting in and is excluded by the other well-off students at school, except for Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. She quickly becomes close friends with Diana, forming a strong, sisterly connection. Gilbert, however, becomes Anne’s academic competitor, and she’s often annoyed by him, even though he’s consistently kind.

As a total cinema lover, I have to say Anne with an E is right up there with the best historical dramas Netflix offers. What really struck me was how authentic the dialogue felt – it truly sounded like people speaking in the 1800s! And the simple, yet effective, costumes and sets just added to that realistic feel. But beyond all that, it’s the show’s sheer creativity that really makes it special and sets it apart.

Anne With An E Totally Reinvents Its Source Material

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Book Series Is Seamlessly Modernized

Although Anne with an E is based on Anne of Green Gables, it also offers a fresh take on the story. While the series generally follows the plot of the original 1908 novel, it delves into Anne’s past and life in Avonlea with new perspectives and details.

Since Anne with an E reached audiences over a hundred years after the original Anne of Green Gables was published, it was natural for creator Moira Walley-Beckett to make some changes to characters and storylines to appeal to today’s viewers. More importantly, the series successfully refreshed the classic story while still staying true to its core message.

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Novels Following Anne Shirley
Title Year Of Original Publication
Anne of Green Gables 1908
Anne of Avonlea 1909
Anne of the Island 1915
Anne’s House of Dreams 1917
Anne of Windy Poplars 1936
Anne of Ingleside 1939

The Netflix series Anne with an E stayed true to the heart of Anne of Green Gables, while also exploring deeper and often overlooked themes. It didn’t shy away from tough subjects like racism, sexism, and social inequality, and beautifully portrayed the developing romance between Anne and Gilbert. The show’s inspiring quotes and honest storytelling made it a compelling adaptation.

Despite the changes made, the creators clearly approached the source material with care and respect. The reimagining of Anne of Green Gables as Anne with an E felt like a loving tribute, not a distortion of the original story. Whether you’re a longtime fan of L.M. Montgomery or completely new to her work, Anne with an E is a well-crafted adaptation that resonates with all viewers.

Anne With An E Should Have Gone On For Much Longer

There Was So Much Left To Explore

As a huge fan, it was so disappointing when Anne with an E was cancelled. It was a really beautiful adaptation, and even though season 3 did wrap up some of the main stories, it felt like we were just getting started! There was so much more of Anne’s life and her relationships with Gilbert, Matthew, and Diana that we didn’t get to see. It barely scratched the surface of everything the books had to offer, and it really hurt to leave those characters and their stories unfinished.

Although the show Anne with an E could have drawn from many more books in the series if it had continued, it remains a fantastic historical drama for anyone who enjoys the genre. While we won’t see all of the book’s best scenes come to life, the show’s three wonderful seasons are definitely worth watching.

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2026-03-21 00:21