If you’re someone who loves a good period drama adapted from a classic novel — we’ve got just the perfect recommendation for your next watch.

Described as ‘brilliant’, ‘striking’, and ‘fresh’ — a hidden gem period drama on Netflix is being hailed as one of the ‘best series ever’. In fact, the series has impacted some viewers so deeply they’ve said they will ‘forever be eternally grateful for this show’.

Anne with an E is an underrated period drama which first aired on Canada’s public broadcaster CBC back in March 2017, followed by a global release on Netflix in May that same year.

Created and adapted for television by Moira Walley-Beckett, Anne with an E is loosely based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s iconic 1908 classic children’s novel — Anne of Green Gables.

The ‘masterpiece’ Netflix period drama has left audiences utterly captivated(Image: Publicity Picture)

Set in the late 19th century, Anne of Green Gables is the fictional story of an 11-year-old girl Anne Shirley — or Orphan Anne as she popularly came to be known in the literary world — and how she was mistakenly sent to two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had been looking to adopt a boy instead.

The series has been hailed as a ‘new and fresh’ take on Anne of Green Gables — and it’s a gamble that seems to have paid off, with the series garnering praise from all quarters.

Amybeth McNulty plays orphan Anne Shirley in the series — a role she got after beating competition from around 1,800 other contenders — and she’s joined by Geraldine James, RH Thomson, Dalila Bela, and Lucas Jade Zumann to round out a stellar supporting cast.

While there have been countless big screen, small screen, stage, and live-action adaptations of Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, this 2017 Netflix series has managed to carve a unique (and beloved) mark for itself among the list.

Critics have ample positive things to say about the series, with one writing: “It Is nearly as endearing as the book itself.”

While another reviewer said: “If only television treated all its teenage girls with the same respect Anne with an E affords its whip-smart, scrappy protagonist.”

A third critic added: “Lifelong fans of the Anne of Green Gables series should find much to admire here, but the newly initiated will be just as easily drawn.”

Amybeth McNulty has been lauded for her portrayal of Anne Shirley in the Netflix series

While one reviewer said: “I am happy to report that Anne, the new CBC/Netflix incarnation of Anne of Green Gables, is striking and fresh.”

Audiences were equally bowled over, with one viewer leaving a series review on Rotten Tomatoes: “A brilliant show which made me laugh and cry each episode. Fantastic acting.”

Another viewer said: “This is probably one of the best series I have actually ever seen. I loved it that much that I am considering watching it again! Absolutely inspiring series and I just love Anne’s character and how she deals with all the downfalls in her life. You will simply fall in love with her and learn so much. I cannot believe I had never even heard of this before. Absolutely amazing series.”

One fan of the series showered it with high praise: “Anne with an E is one of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen! I recommend it to everyone, no matter the gender, age, culture or the kind of series you usually like, you’ll fall in love with Anne, Green Gables and the people of Avanloe!”

Meanwhile, a user review posted to IMDB reads: “A hidden treasure. There aren’t enough words to describe how much this show means to me. Watching this show has brought me so much hope and happiness. I will forever be eternally grateful for this show and I can only hope that Netflix can find it in their hearts to give us one more season.

“If you’re looking for something lighthearted to watch or just a new show in general, please watch Anne With an E. You won’t regret it. The storylines and characters are amazing and they show just how much hard work was put into creating this show.”

Anne with an E is available to stream on Netflix