Anne with an E (2017–2019): A Fierce, Fiery Heart in a World That’s Learning to Feel

In the heart of a young girl lies the power to change everything. 

Anne with an E is a bold, heartfelt reimagining of L.M. Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables, breathing modern energy and raw emotion into the timeless story of a red-haired orphan with a restless imagination. Originally released between 2017 and 2019, this Canadian series—created by Moira Walley-Beckett—doesn’t shy away from the harshness of 19th-century life, but instead embraces it with compassion, intellect, and fierce storytelling.

The story follows Anne Shirley-Cuthbert (played masterfully by Amybeth McNulty), a bright, eccentric, and fiercely independent girl mistakenly sent to live with aging siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. What starts as an error soon becomes the greatest blessing of their lives, as Anne’s presence transforms not only Green Gables but the hearts of everyone around her.

Unlike previous adaptations, Anne with an E fearlessly explores darker and more relevant themes: trauma, feminism, racism, identity, mental health, and the importance of chosen family. These topics are delicately interwoven with Anne’s personal growth, all while preserving the poetic language, romanticism, and wonder that made the original tale beloved worldwide.

The show’s cinematography is breathtaking—sweeping landscapes, warm natural lighting, and detailed period settings create a visually rich world. Yet it’s Anne’s journey that gives the series its soul. Her vivid imagination, boundless curiosity, and unbreakable spirit make her a heroine for the ages—especially for young girls still learning that their voice matters.

Though Anne with an E ended after three seasons, its impact continues to resonate. It’s more than just a coming-of-age tale. It’s a celebration of vulnerability, growth, and the radical power of kindness.