Anne with an E is a Canadian television series that aired from 2017 to 2019, based on the classic novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Developed by Moira Walley-Beckett, the show consists of 3 seasons with a total of 27 episodes and is available on Netflix.

Summary:

The series follows the journey of Anne Shirley (played by Amybeth McNulty), a 13-year-old orphan with a vivid imagination and a passionate spirit, living in late 19th-century Prince Edward Island, Canada. After a challenging childhood in an orphanage and abusive foster homes, Anne is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly unmarried sibling pair, Matthew Cuthbert (R.H. Thomson) and Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James), at their Green Gables farm. Initially, they intended to adopt a boy to help with farm work, but Anne’s arrival turns their plans upside down.

Over time, Anne wins over Matthew and Marilla with her intelligence, wit, and kindness, despite frequently getting into trouble due to her impulsiveness and boundless imagination. The show traces Anne’s adaptation to life in the small town of Avonlea, where she befriends characters like Diana Barry (Dalila Bela), confronts societal prejudices, and discovers her own identity. Key themes include friendship, family, growing up, and the fight for equality in a conservative society.

Each season expands the story:

• Season 1: Anne settles into Green Gables and Avonlea, overcoming initial challenges to find acceptance.
• Season 2: She delves deeper into her past while grappling with social issues like gender inequality and racism.
• Season 3: Anne matures, navigates her first love with Gilbert Blythe (Lucas Jade Zumann), and makes decisions about her future as she prepares for college.

Style and Highlights:

Unlike the lighter tone of the original book, Anne with an E takes a darker approach, exploring topics such as childhood trauma, feminism, and cultural diversity (introducing characters like the Indigenous girl Ka’kwet). The series is praised for its stellar performances (especially McNulty’s), stunning cinematography, and emotional storytelling, though some critics feel it strays too far from the spirit of the source material.

Ending:

The series concludes in Season 3 with an open-ended finale: Anne earns a college scholarship, reconciles with Gilbert, and prepares for a new chapter. Despite fan hopes for a Season 4, Netflix and CBC decided not to continue, leaving many disappointed.

In summary, Anne with an E is a heartfelt tale of resilience, hope, and the power of imagination, set against a backdrop of a world both beautiful and harsh.