Road to Avonlea

In the fictional small town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, in the early 20th century, 10-year-old Montreal heiress Sara Stanley is sent by her wealthy father to live with her two maiden aunts, Hetty and Olivia King, to be near her late mother's side of the family.

Road to Avonlea (1990-1996) is a Canadian period family drama series created by Fiona McHugh for CBC Television. Ten-year-old Montreal heiress Sara Stanley (Sarah Polley) is sent by her wealthy father to live with her two maiden aunts, Hetty King (Jackie Burroughs) and Olivia King (Mag Ruffman), in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Her arrival stirs up the close-knit community, and each episode is built around neighbourly squabbles, schoolyard friendships, local gossip, and small mysteries that unfold across a seven-season run of roughly thirteen episodes a year. Alec King (Cedric Smith) and the sharp-tongued Rachel Lynde (Patricia Hamilton) round out a cast of household and village characters. The series moves at an unhurried pace, favouring everyday incidents over big stakes. Its tone is gentle, nostalgic, and cheerful, with a wholesome warmth that suits family viewing. Fans of Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie will find resonance in its rural setting, its focus on childhood, and its affectionate picture of a small community in a bygone era.

• Anne of Green Gables (1985)gentle small town period drama, coming of age, warm family tone
• Little House on the Prairieperiod drama with orphan or outsider girl in rural setting, nostalgic tone
• Heartlandfamily period drama, close-knit community, gentle wholesome tone

Created by

Fiona McHugh

Release Date

1990-01-07

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

8.5 / 10 (42)

What is Road to Avonlea about?

A Montreal heiress is sent to live with her maiden aunts in the small Prince Edward Island town of Avonlea in the early twentieth century.

What is Road to Avonlea like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Road to Avonlea as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Road to Avonlea violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Road to Avonlea.

Which shows are like Road to Avonlea?

Shows with a similar feel include Anne of Green Gables (1985), Little House on the Prairie, and Heartland.

How long is Road to Avonlea?

Road to Avonlea: 7 seasons, 91 episodes.

Is Road to Avonlea still running?

No, Road to Avonlea has ended.

Where can I watch Road to Avonlea?

In United States, Road to Avonlea is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.