Emily of New Moon

1998 • Drama • TV-Y7

Emily of New Moon is a Canadian television series, which aired on CBC Television from 1998 to 2000. The series originally aired in the United States on the Cookie Jar Toons block on This TV and it is currently seen in Canada on the Viva, Bravo! and Vision TV cable channels. The series, produced by Salter Street Films, was based on the Emily of New Moon series of novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The series consisted of three seasons of thirteen episodes and one season of seven episodes, for a total of forty-six. The executive producers were Micheline Charest, Michael Donovan, and Ronald Weinberg. The series starred Martha MacIsaac as the titular orphan Emily Starr. Susan Clark and Sheila McCarthy played Emily's aunts Elizabeth and Laura, who had taken on the responsibility of raising Emily following her father's death, and Stephen McHattie played her cousin Jimmy. Susan Clark left the series after the first season when her character, Elizabeth, was killed off. Recurring cast included Chip Ciupka as Mr. Carpenter, Peter Donaldson as Ian Bowles, Richard Donat as Dr. Burnley, Kris Lemche as Perry Miller, John Neville as Uncle Malcolm, Jessica Pellerin as Ilse Burnley, Shawn Roberts as Teddy Kent, and Linda Thorson as Cousin Isabel.

Why you should read the novels

Reading the original 'Emily' novels by L. M. Montgomery offers a uniquely immersive literary experience that the TV adaptation cannot replicate. Montgomery's evocative prose paints Emily's world in vivid, lyrical detail, fostering a personal connection with the spirited heroine as she navigates her life on New Moon Farm. Through Emily's introspective thoughts and poetic longing, readers gain insight into her development as an aspiring writer and her enduring love for Prince Edward Island's landscapes. The novels delve deeply into Emily's inner world—her imagination, creativity, joys, and pains—presenting a nuanced depiction of her growth often overlooked in screen adaptations. The books also gracefully balance heartache and hope, often exploring challenging themes like loss, ambition, societal expectations, and the complexities of growing up, all with Montgomery's signature charm and depth. By choosing to read the source novels, you invite yourself into L. M. Montgomery's enchanting literary universe, where the subtleties of emotion, the beauty of language, and the power of imagination truly come alive. The original texts feel timeless and offer layers of meaning and artistry that reward readers of all ages, inspiring reflection and delight beyond what even the most lovingly crafted adaptation can provide.

Adaptation differences

One of the most notable differences between the TV adaptation and the source novels is the characterization and narrative focus. The series often amplifies the drama and conflict among the characters, sometimes at the expense of the gentle, introspective tone that defines the books. While Emily's creative struggles and relationships remain central on screen, the nuanced perspectives and internal monologues that shape her growth in the novels are reduced or reinterpreted for dramatic effect. The adaptation also introduces original storylines, secondary characters, and events that diverge from the books. Some plot points, such as expanded roles for certain minor characters, new romantic developments, or additional crises, are designed to heighten the episodic nature of television. This can alter the pacing and emotional arc of Emily's journey, streamlining or rearranging events to fit the structure of multiple seasons rather than the timeline laid out in Montgomery's trilogy. Settings and atmosphere, while beautifully recreated in the series, sometimes lack the intimate quality present in the books. L. M. Montgomery's descriptions of Prince Edward Island and Emily's connection to her surroundings are integral to the novels, giving readers an immersive sense of place and mood. On-screen, these elements are often conveyed visually but may not resonate with the same depth as in the author's lyrical passages. Lastly, some themes and character relationships are simplified or updated for a contemporary audience. The books' exploration of Emily's ambitions as a writer, her spiritual and imaginative life, and her complex friendships are sometimes adjusted to fit modern sensibilities or television conventions. As a result, the TV series provides an accessible, family-friendly version of Emily's story, but often softens or omits the subtleties and literary artistry found in L. M. Montgomery’s beloved original novels.