TORONTO — Fans of the acclaimed series Anne will be happy to learn CBC and Netflix announced the Northwood Entertainment-produced show is being renewed for a second season.
Known as Anne (With An E) on Netflix, the series will see an increased order from eight hours to 10, with production beginning this fall and the episodes scheduled to air in 2018, according to a CBC press release announcing the series’ renewal.
Inspired by the timeless Anne of Green Gables young adult novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the re-imagined Anne series stars Amybeth McNulty as the young heroine who, against all odds, fights for love, acceptance, and her place in the world.
In addition to McNulty, the returning cast includes Geraldine James (Marilla Cuthbert), R.H. Thomson (Matthew Cuthbert), Corrine Koslo (Rachel Lynde), Dalila Bela (Diana Barry) and Lucas Jade Zumann (Gilbert Blythe).
The second season of Anne will add new characters and storylines and continue to explore themes of identity, prejudice, feminism, bullying, gender parity and empowerment. For season two, three-time Emmy Award-winning series creator Moira Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad, Flesh and Bone) has assembled an exceptionally talented all-female writers’ room. Episodes will be written by Walley-Beckett, Jane Maggs (Bellevue, Cardinal), Shernold Edwards (Haven, Sleepy Hollow), Kathryn Borel (Rush, American Dad), Amanda Fahey (Saving Hope, Mohawk Girls), and Naledi Jackson (21 Thunder, The Detail).
“This exquisite series has drawn universal acclaim and introduced Anne Shirley to an entirely new generation, reaching an audience of 4.5 million in Canada,” said Sally Catto, general manager, programming, CBC, in the press release. “We know that the inspired cast and entire team will deliver an unforgettable second season.”
Calling the second season “brave and bold”, Walley-Beckett added: “It is colourful, exciting, action-packed and, of course, full of heart. I can’t wait to share all the brand new adventures!”
“Anne Shirley is one of Canada’s greatest gifts to the world. We can’t wait to bring Anne’s next chapter to Netflix members globally,” said Elizabeth Bradley, Netflix vice-president of content.
Finally, Miranda de Pencier, president of Northwood Entertainment, said: “We’re so proud of the overwhelming response from viewers across the globe. I’m equally proud that we have a very talented team of female writers, led by the brilliant Moira Walley-Beckett, to add to the richness of the world.”
