The beloved character of Anne Shirley, from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel Anne of Green Gables, has graced screens in numerous adaptations over the decades. Fans often search for specific episodes to revisit cherished moments or delve deeper into Anne’s imaginative world. When looking for “Anne Shirley – Episode 20,” it’s important to consider which particular series or film adaptation is being referenced, as episode counts and narratives vary significantly between productions.
The Search for “Episode 20” in Major Anne Shirley Series
Several prominent adaptations have brought Anne’s story to life, each with its own structure and episode numbering.
Anne with an E (Netflix/CBC, 2017-2019)
The critically acclaimed series Anne with an E, created by Moira Walley-Beckett, is known for its darker, more in-depth exploration of the novel’s themes. This series ran for three seasons.
- Season 1: Consisted of 7 episodes.
- Season 2: Featured 10 episodes.
- Season 3: Also had 10 episodes.
Given these episode counts, Anne with an E does not have an “Episode 20” in a single continuous run. Instead, its total episode count is 27 across three seasons. If a viewer is looking for a “twentieth” episode within Anne with an E, it would fall within the second season. Specifically, “The Growing Good of the World” is Season 2, Episode 10, which is the 17th episode overall. There is no directly numbered Episode 20.
Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000-2001)
There is an animated adaptation titled Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series. This series features 26 episodes in its first season. In this particular adaptation, “Episode 20” is titled “Marbles” and aired on February 10, 2002.
In “Marbles,” the plot often revolves around Anne and her friends Felix and Diana navigating the everyday adventures and mishaps of Avonlea, with Anne’s vivid imagination frequently leading to humorous or heartwarming situations. This episode would likely feature character development related to honesty, competition, or problem-solving, as Anne learns life lessons in her unique way.
The 1979 Japanese Anime “Anne of Green Gables” (Akage no An)
Another significant animated version is the 1979 Japanese series, Anne of Green Gables (赤毛のアン, Akage no An). This series, part of the World Masterpiece Theater collection, is known for its faithfulness to the original novel and its detailed portrayal of Anne’s life. This adaptation has 50 episodes. If a fan were referencing this series, “Episode 20” would be a distinct installment in Anne’s early life at Green Gables.
A very recent animated series, simply titled Anne Shirley, appears to have launched in 2025. According to reports, “Anne Shirley Episode 20” is scheduled to be released on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and is available on Crunchyroll. This newer adaptation is described as bringing back the comfort of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s original work with animation reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. The specific plot for this “Episode 20” indicates that it will pick up after a heartbreaking Episode 19, focusing on Anne’s emotional development.
Kevin Sullivan’s Anne of Green Gables Miniseries (1985) and Sequels
The widely acclaimed Kevin Sullivan miniseries, starring Megan Follows as Anne, is often considered a definitive live-action adaptation. However, this production is structured differently:
- The original Anne of Green Gables (1985) consists of two parts, often listed as two episodes.
- It was followed by Anne of Avonlea (also known as Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel) which has four episodes.
- Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) also has two parts.
- Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008) is similarly structured with two parts.
None of these miniseries or their direct sequels reach an “Episode 20” in their individual season counts. Therefore, if a viewer is referring to the live-action productions starring Megan Follows, “Episode 20” would not exist within their primary numbering scheme.
Road to Avonlea (1990-1996)
While Road to Avonlea is a separate series also based on L.M. Montgomery’s works and features some of the same characters (like Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde, and guest appearances by Gilbert Blythe), Anne Shirley herself is not a main character. This series ran for seven seasons and had a total of 91 episodes. Anne Shirley’s direct involvement in this series is minimal, and her narrative arc is not the focus.
Understanding Episode Content at the “Twentieth” Mark
For adaptations that do feature a 20th episode, the plot often aligns with Anne’s continued growth, her relationships, and her experiences in Avonlea. Around this point in a longer series, Anne might be grappling with:
- Academic Challenges: Excelling in school, facing rivalries with Gilbert Blythe, or preparing for entrance exams to advanced institutions like Queen’s Academy.
- Social Dynamics: Navigating friendships with Diana Barry, resolving misunderstandings, or encountering new characters who challenge her perspectives.
- Personal Growth: Dealing with her fiery temper, learning from her mistakes, and deepening her understanding of love, loss, and belonging.
- Life at Green Gables: Assisting Matthew and Marilla, engaging in community events, or exploring the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island through her imaginative lens.
In the case of the newly released Anne Shirley anime, Episode 20 is expected to continue Anne’s emotional journey after a previous episode that left audiences heartbroken, focusing on her development and resilience.
Conclusion
The search for “Anne Shirley – Episode 20” leads to different possibilities depending on the adaptation. While the popular Anne with an E and the Megan Follows miniseries do not have a conventionally numbered “Episode 20,” the Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000) and the ongoing Anne Shirley (2025) anime adaptations do feature this specific episode number, each with its own unique storyline contributing to Anne’s enduring tale. To truly pinpoint the content of “Episode 20,” it is essential to specify which Anne Shirley production is of interest.
