Road to Avonlea Series Review
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Beware of some spoilers in this review!
The Road to Avonlea series first premiered in Canada on January 7, 1990, and then later on the Disney Channel in the U.S. on March 5, 1990. Based on L.M. Montgomery’s original books (The Story Girl, The Golden Road, Chronicles of Avonlea, and Further Chronicles of Avonlea) and continuing from Kevin Sullivan’s award-winning Anne of Green Gables miniseries, the series already had pretty sure footing to begin with as familiar characters like Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde returned – but with an entirely new main ensemble inspired from Montgomery’s “Story Girl” books.
Quickly, Avonlea (as it became known in the States) became a staple of 1990s television, going on to attract movie star guest appearances like Christopher Reeve, and winning numerous Primetime Emmys, CableACE, and Gemini Awards for acting, writing, costumes, music, and more. Road to Avonlea was a huge production and ultimately, a huge success.
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The period drama series could have faded into the television void over time, remembered only as a lovely moment in TV history. Instead, the opposite happened: The cozy drama series that began as a beautiful family ensemble evolved into a rich, multi-generational coming-of-age drama that has appeal for every age and continues to inspire new generations.
Road to Avonlea is a series that stands the test of time. The timeless stories, the aspirational values, the relatable characters where every character has value, and every person has a story worth telling, the romance, the humor, the emotional stakes, the fun, and now, the nostalgia.
Road to Avonlea reminds us of a simpler time – and on rewatch – it absolutely still stands as quality entertainment.
Recently, my sister and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the first-ever Road to Avonlea convention on Prince Edward Island and met numerous members of the cast, creative talent, and crew.
(Make sure to read all about our experiences at the reunion event here: Why Avonlea Still Feels Like Home: A Journey to the Road to Avonlea Convention).
To prepare for this event, we took out our DVDs and rewatched all seven seasons (and the Christmas movie) of Road to Avonlea for the last few months. While we had watched episodes here and there, it was the first time we had rewatched the series from start to finish in many years! But would the series hold up now that we’re older? Would it have the same sort of magic I held in my heart for it?
To put it simply…YES!
Road to Avonlea is an enduring series that can be watched again and again and at different points in your life. I was blessed first to watch it as a young girl and grow up with the show.
We spent our childhood dreaming up stories and playing make-believe like Sara Stanley and the King children, our imagination running wild in the fairy tale woods of Maine.
And every time I’ve watched the show since, I’ve been at a different stage of my life. And in Avonlea, that’s just fine! There are characters of every age and stage of life – and you can always find yourself (and people you know) there. That’s the beauty of Road to Avonlea: It really is a story with universal appeal for every age. And it’s so well done! The writing, the acting, the production design, the costumes, that magical, wistful music, everything comes together like magic.
About Road to Avonlea
The Avonlea TV Show begins following the coming-of-age tale of Sara Stanley when she goes to stay with her late mother’s Prince Edward Island relatives (the King family) in Avonlea. While she comes from a wealthy background in the city, she quickly adapts and learns to love this beautiful rural place and the family she never knew before. The Avonlea series also goes on to follow the adventures of Sara’s relations: The King family, as well as other townsfolk in the idyllic maritime village of Avonlea.
The series is set in the Edwardian Era and ends right on the cusp of WWI, with the Avonlea Christmas special taking place during World War I.
And while Avonlea has a cohesive story with progressive and complete story and character arcs, most episodes play out more like mini movies than serialized television. So, each episode (or two-part episodes) feels like a big production with a “mostly” standalone story – and that’s comforting to watch.
Road to Avonlea Cast & Characters
One of the highlights of the show is its incredible cast. Talk about the perfect people appearing to play the parts! Props to the producers and casting directors…
Now, Avonlea spans seven seasons, has a large ensemble cast, memorable recurring characters of significance, and even movie star guest stars portraying unforgettable characters, so I’ll try to point out the main highlights (though there are so many more – please watch and find out for yourselves just how lovely the cast and Road to Avonlea characters are!).
Meet Sara Stanley
Sara Stanley (portrayed by Sarah Polley) begins the series as the main protagonist, the imaginative story girl who moves from her luxurious life in Montreal to the rural lifestyle on Avonlea as she stays with her strict Aunt Hetty King and her sweet Aunt Olivia King (sisters to her deceased mother, Ruth). While it takes time, Sara quickly learns to love Avonlea, her new family, and the people of the quaint PEI village. Over time, she grows into a mature, creative young woman with big dreams and a big heart.
Sarah Polley is a talented young performer (who later went on to win an Oscar for screenwriting) who will steal your heart as young Sara!
Hetty King
Hetty King (portrayed by the formidable Jackie Burroughs), the middle-aged single aunt of Sara, runs the King family (and her school) with an iron fist. She softens over time as she raises Sara and also reconnects with her childhood self. Stubborn, prideful, but also deeply caring, she is the heart of Avonlea and the King family despite her sometimes harsh exterior.
Jackie Burroughs loves to chew scenery in the role and isn’t afraid to pull out both her dramatic and comedic acting chops. She gives so many award-worthy performances, it’s easy to lose count!
Olivia King
Olivia (Mag Ruffman) is the sweeter, kinder aunt of Sara. She works as a journalist (fighting hard to succeed as a woman) while also working hard to find her purpose in life. She finds love with the awkward scientist, Jasper Dale, and learns to stand up for herself as the series progresses.
Olivia King is played by the lovely Mag Ruffman, who brings a lot of an inspirational and motivational feel to the character. If you ever dreamed of having the loving aunt who will always be there for you without judgment, you’ll love Olivia!
Janet King
Janet King (Lally Cadeau) is married to Alec King, Hetty and Olivia’s brother. She’s a housewife with an independent spirit and progressive values. She loves her family and is a proud mother and wife, but she also dreams big and isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in. You’ll often find Janet sharing strong political opinions and standing her ground on difficult issues of the time.
Lally Cadeau is another force on the cast, showcasing strong comedic and dramatic chops.
Alec King
Alec King (Cedric Smith) is a loving father and husband who always tries to do the right thing. He’s kind, charitable, and stands up for the underdog. He runs the King farm with a strong work ethic while also trying to be the best father and husband possible. Sometimes, he and Hetty have issues, but he’s always quick to forgive. And he’s always quick to say he’s sorry when he makes a mistake.
Cedric Smith brings his musical talents to the role while also giving that idyllic salt-of-the-earth feel to the character.
Felix King
Felix King (Zachary Bennett) is the eldest son of Janet and Alec King, and like Sara, a big dreamer! That said, his mischievous personality is always getting him into trouble. He’s always coming up with new ideas to make money, including his numerous business ideas. He can be reckless and selfish sometimes but also very giving and loving. He cares deeply about animals and his family. Felix also loves food, and while he is sometimes naughty as a child, he grows into a mature, brave young man.
Zachary Bennett matures over the course of the series from a talented child actor into a skilled young performer.
Felicity King
Felicity King (Gema Zamprogna) is the eldest daughter of Janet and Alec and is always trying to be more mature than she actually is. She loves fashion and boys and homemaking activities like baking and can be a bit mean to her siblings and cousins sometimes. Ultimately, she matures, especially as she develops a relationship with Gus Pike. She’s clever, ambitious, and caring, evolving as she learns from her mistakes.
Gema Zamprogna brings an elegant feel to the role, despite starting the series as a young teenager! Her strong performances are one of the reasons Felicity became and remains a fan favorite amongst viewers.
The Other King Children
While not full cast members, the other King children have important recurring roles throughout the series. There is Cecily King (portrayed by both Harmony Cramp and Molly Atkinson), the youngest daughter of Janet and Alec. Plus, Daniel King (Ryan and Alex Floyd), the youngest King son. And then there’s Andrew King (Joel Blake), who recurs in the first two seasons as the cousin of Sara, Felix, Felicity, and Cecily.
Jasper Dale
Jasper Dale (R.H. Thomson) is the talented (but shy) photographer and scientist with a stutter who ultimately marries Olivia King (with the help of young Sara), the love of his life! He’s a kind, generous man who struggles with social situations, communicating his feelings, and finding self-confidence. But he’s a wonderful man and husband who will do anything for those he cares about. And he never gives up on his dreams!
Thomson is honestly so lovable as Jasper—a real favorite of mine.
Gus Pike
Gus Pike (Michael Mahonen), a young nomad and seaman, finds his way to Avonlea and soon wants to stay. Hetty becomes his mentor, teaching him to read and write, while he becomes close friends with Sara and the King children. He is a free spirit who longs for family, love, and a home of his own. Gus has a bit of a folktale feel to him with his lighthouse, fiddle-playing, and wandering spirit!
Michael Mahonen as Gus helped bring to life a unique character that became a fan favorite! And who didn’t have a crush on Gus growing up watching the series? Or was that just my sister and me?
Rachel Lynde, Marilla Cuthbert, Davey & Dora Keith
Rachel Lynde (yes, the very same Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gables, portrayed by Patricia Hamilton) begins the series as a roommate to Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst) at Green Gables. Together, the two women begin raising the orphans, Dora (Lindsay Murrell) and Davey Keith (Kyle Labine). But once Marilla passes away, Rachel must ultimately raise them on her own, which is difficult as an aging woman.
She also ultimately moves in with Hetty King at Rose Cottage, her sometimes enemy, sometimes best friend. She remains a significant character throughout the series, bringing her signature wit, humor, and strong personality to the series.
The two Keith children, particularly Davey, have a strong presence throughout the show, with Davey becoming more like a series regular as the series continues (probably because Labine was such a talented child actor!). Like Felix, he’s a bit of a troublemaker but with a heart of gold.
The Pettibone Family
Around season 4, the Pettibone family arrives. Clive Pettibone (David Fox) is a military man who becomes the head teacher at the school. He brings his two children to town, most notably Izzy Pettibone (Heather Brown), the young tomboy who becomes best friends with Felix.
Clive is also a writer who becomes close friends with Hetty King, the two kindred spirits connecting over their similar personalities and writing careers. Clive’s oldest son, Arthur Pettibone (Zachary Ansley), visits frequently and is often at odds with his father, but over time they come to a better understanding.
Miss Muriel Stacey
Miss Muriel Stacey (Marilyn Lightstone), the beloved Anne of Green Gables character, returns to Avonlea as a recurring character and then ultimately in a main role in later seasons as she is tired of all the traveling and wants to settle down in her beloved town! She’s as inspirational as ever…and may even find true love for the first time in her life! Marilyn Lightstone as Miss Stacey is simply perfection!
Great Aunt Eliza
Aunt Eliza (Kay Tremblay) also begins as a recurring character only to become a main character later on in the series when she permanently moves in with the King family. Janet is her beloved niece, and as she’s getting quite old and never married, she needs a place to stay instead of remaining alone. She’s full of stories and wisdom, proving age is just a number.
Simon Tremayne
Ian D. Clark portrays Simon Tremayne, the owner and manager of the White Sands. He’s also a love interest for Hetty. As a bachelor and business owner, can he and Hetty (a woman who’s happily single) be together? Or are they better off on their own? He’s a fun character who works as a mentor to Felix and becomes a beloved part of the series in later seasons.
My Favorite Character – Digger the Dog
Digger (originally portrayed by Luke) is such a fun addition to the show! His adorable face, free spirit, and loving personality are full of so much cuteness; you can’t help but love him!
More Beloved Avonlea Cast Members and Characters
One of the greatest things about Avonlea is the wonderful recurring cast members throughout the show that give it that wonderful cozy but authentic feel. So many lovable characters besides the core cast that feel like just as large a part of the show!
There’s Elva Mai Hoover as Mrs. Lawson, who runs the General Store (and joins in on the town gossip), Maja Ardal as Mrs. Potts, the actual main town gossip who brings a lot of comedy to the series, and the iconic Barbara Hamilton (who portrayed Marilla in the 1970s adaptation of Anne of Avonlea) as the town gossip, Mrs. Bugle.
Other regular characters include Roger Dunn as Bert Potts, Tara Meyer as Sally Potts (Felicity’s “nemesis”), John Friesen as the misogynistic town businessman Archie Gillis, Gillian Steeve as Clemmie Ray (a friend of Sara and the King children), Miklos Perlus as Peter Craig (a young boy staying with the Kings), Albert Millaire as Pierre La Pierre (the grumpy French-Canadian chef at the White Sands), Kristin Fairlie as the young and poor Becky Lister, James O’Regan as Constable Abner Jeffries, Susan E Cox as the town “witch” Peg Bowen, Frances Hyland as Nanny Louisa Banks, and so many more!
The Famous Guest Stars
Now, let’s not forget the famous guest stars (as well as iconic Canadian performers) that appeared in each season, portraying some memorable characters and giving some Emmy-winning performances. I won’t go into every character and performance, but you can see a partial rundown here – including a young Ryan Gosling before he became a huge star.
- Ned Beatty
- Robby Benson
- Stockard Channing
- Peter Coyote
- Shirley Douglas
- Faye Dunaway
- Ryan Gosling
- Bruce Greenwood
- Madeline Kahn
- Eugene Levy
- Christopher Lloyd
- Kate Nelligan
- John Neville
- Sheila McCarthy
- W.O. Mitchell
- Gordon Pinsent
- Christopher Reeve
- Diana Rigg
- Maureen Stapleton
- Meg Tilly
- Dianne Wiest
- Treat Williams
- Jaimz Woolvett
- Michael York as the memorable Ezekiel Crane!
The Romance of Avonlea
Road to Avonlea is unabashedly romantic with so many beloved TV couples that it’s must-see entertainment for fans of romantic period dramas everywhere.
As a young girl (and I’m sure many other fans), I latched onto the popular pairing of Felicity and Gus. The haughty Felicity King and the unconventional Gus Pike seem like an unlikely pair. But from the first time he appears, the two characters make sense. Thankfully, it’s a slow build between the two (particularly since Mahonen was much older than Zamprogna in real life).
But watching their love story develop throughout the series is so much fun. And while it was great to watch as a kid, now it has more of a nostalgic quality. And yes, they still work! Still not team Stuart despite his wealth and kindness. Sorry, not sorry…That said, I am open to an Arthur Pettibone (who pursued Felicity for a while) in my own life.
Now, while Felicity and Gus are arguably the most popular romantic TV couple on the show, some other ones are just as amazing, if not more so now that I’m an adult.
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First, Jasper and Olivia are relationship goals! Sure, he doesn’t always communicate well, and he has a tendency to be late and miss important events, but he is loyal, gives Olivia freedom to pursue her own goals, and loves her for who she is. Whereas Olivia believes in Jasper no matter how little self-confidence he has at the time! The two are an incredible couple with so many wonderful romantic moments that often have a rom-com quality to them!
Then there’s Alec and Janet King, an example of a loving, supportive marriage that has its issues, but together they work through them and come out even stronger. A beautiful love story that shows being together on a show doesn’t have to be boring.
Tweens are sure to love the budding romance between Felix King and Izzy Pettibone. As the two become teens, their feelings develop from close friends and turn into young love. It’s all very sweet. It would be nice to know where they would be now!
Some other underrated romances include Simon Tremayne and Hetty King (who are hilarious together) and Clive Pettibone and Muriel Stacey. It’s fun to see love stories for characters who aren’t in their teens or even twenties.
That’s one of the most fabulous parts about the show: Love and romance aren’t just for the youth – it’s for everyone of all ages. And it’s so lovely to see on the screen.
Inspirational Themes
I would be remiss to discuss the series and not bring up the inspirational and aspirational aspects of it. Road to Avonlea reminds you of what really matters: family, friends, your pets, standing up for the underdogs, choosing to pursue your goals and dreams even if you fail, finding purpose, showing kindness, listening to other people’s stories and learning to empathize with people different from yourself, making a difference and fighting for positive change in the world…I could go on.
Avonlea is an empathetic series where even the most problematic characters are nuanced and human and authentic. Everyone has a story worth telling.
Now, it’s not what I would call a “preachy,” heavy-handed series. Rather, the messages are much more subtle and sink in more heavily due to the authenticity of the writing. It’s not very didactic, thankfully, making the show enjoyable for everyone to watch. But don’t mistake that for the series not taking a stand or having a voice. It really does. Just don’t expect a hammer.
Ultimately, Road to Avonlea is a feel-good, cozy series that inspires you to be better, to want to dream again, to live more fully, and to be kinder. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Fun & Nostalgia
Avonlea covers many genres, and each episode tackles different styles. Sometimes, there is a sad, dramatic episode; other times, a comedic one. Maybe it’s more romantic or even inspirational or adventurous.
All in all, it’s quite a fun series, even though it does become more serious over the course of the show. But it never loses the fun factor. There are hilarious episodes where the actors get to pull out their comedic chops (sometimes even using physical comedy), like “When She Was Bad, She Was Horrid (so funny, I cried laughing again, despite the ridiculous “Prince and the Pauper” premise) and “Hearts and Flowers,” set at the beautiful White Sands Hotel.
Other episodes bring out the pure nostalgia factor. Watching the series, it’s easy to remember your own childhood, and it invokes feelings from within long forgotten.
One of the most beautiful episodes of the series is “Memento Mori,” about Hetty King and why she is the way she is and what she used to be like as a child. It’s very L.M. Montgomery-esque as Hetty evolves and ultimately becomes more like Montgomery as a writer focusing on her love of Prince Edward Island. Truly a special episode that reminds you to rediscover who you are, to accept yourself and your life, and to truly choose to live!
When watching the family series, be prepared to laugh, to cry, to cheer, to swoon, to remember, and even to dream. All the emotions are present in Road to Avonlea, and that can feel very cathartic and even comforting to watch.
Final Verdict
Road to Avonlea is period drama perfection and the gold standard of family entertainment. It’s a gorgeous coming-of-age series about a young story girl and all the quirky, memorable characters around her in the idyllic town of Avonlea.
Road to Avonlea is not just a show; it’s a place you long to live in your dreams! Truly magical and unforgettable. A romantic period drama for the ages. It represents both the road to adulthood and the road back to your childhood, and how incredible is that?
Overall, Road to Avonlea is a wonderful, magical show perfect for everyone of all ages! It’s family-friendly but not overly saccharine. It’s authentic, emotional, funny, romantic, sad, heartwarming, adventurous, and even nostalgic. While it’s a different experience watching the show as an adult, it’s just as good!
Thankfully, the show remains timeless with excellent producing, storytelling, writing, acting, directing, and more. What makes Avonlea work so well is the team effort put into it. From Kevin Sullivan’s producing to the excellent writing from screenwriters like Heather Conkie (now also known for Heartland and The Way Home) to excellent (often very authentic costumes from costume designers such as Madeleine Stewart and Ruth Secord to music composers like John Welsman. Not to mention the art direction, production design, set decorating, and of course, the acting, and so much more. Truly an excellent production.
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Now, don’t get me wrong, the series is not perfect despite my high praise. There are some minor things that don’t really matter or get in the way of enjoying the show. There are a few continuity issues here and there, a couple of casting pairings that felt slightly mismatched in age (and no, I’m not referring to Michael Mahonen), and a particular Gus Pike plot I didn’t love (fans of the show will know exactly which plot point that is!). Most of these are my own personal quibbles.
But overall, Road to Avonlea is period drama perfection and the gold standard of family entertainment. It’s a gorgeous coming-of-age series about a young story girl and all the quirky, memorable characters around her in the idyllic town of Avonlea.
Road to Avonlea is not just a show; it’s a place you long to live in your dreams! Truly magical and unforgettable. A romantic period drama for the ages. It represents both the road to adulthood and the road back to your childhood, and how incredible is that?
Where to Watch Road to Avonlea?
So, where then can you watch Road to Avonlea? While it’s not on any of the main streaming services, it is still easy to watch!
The best way to watch is to buy the DVDs from the Shop at Sullivan or from Amazon. You can also buy the full series digitally from Gazebo TV (the official streaming service for Sullivan Entertainment) or on Prime Video.
Another way to watch is to check availability at your local public library! You can sometimes find the series to check out and watch.
Enjoy and let us know what you think of the show! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
All photos are courtesy of Sullivan Entertainment.
Related Avonlea Reads:
- Kevin Sullivan Interview: Sullivan Talks the 30th Anniversary of ‘Road to Avonlea’
- Mini-Series Review: BBC’s Anne of Avonlea, A Forgotten Gem
- 20 Most Memorable Gilbert Blythe Scenes in Anne of Green Gables
- 85 Period Dramas to Watch If You Love Anne of Green Gables
- Anne of Green Gables: 30th Anniversary Blu-Ray Review – A Must See For Anne Fans Everywhere
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