The enduring charm of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Shirley has led to numerous beloved adaptations over the decades, each bringing the spirited orphan’s adventures to life for new generations. When referring to “Anne Shirley – Episode 16,” the specific content depends heavily on which series or format is being referenced. While classic miniseries like the 1985 Anne of Green Gables structured the narrative differently, and other shows like Road to Avonlea focused on different characters within the same world, a significant recent development points to a newly released anime series.
The most current and directly titled “Anne Shirley – Episode 16” is from The Answer Studio’s new anime adaptation, which premiered in Japan in July 2025. This particular episode, titled “It’s Nicer Not To Know,” marks a pivotal moment in Anne’s journey as she steps into young adulthood and begins a new chapter away from the familiar comforts of Avonlea.
“It’s Nicer Not To Know”: Anne’s College Journey Begins
Episode 16 of the latest “Anne Shirley” anime series, “It’s Nicer Not To Know,” focuses on Anne’s significant transition to Redmond College. This episode unfolds with several key developments for Anne and those around her:
- A New Beginning at Redmond College: The primary storyline for this episode revolves around Anne’s initial experiences and challenges as she settles into higher education at Redmond College, a major step towards her dreams and goals. She embarks on this new academic path alongside Gilbert Blythe and another companion, navigating the unfamiliar territory of a new educational institution.
- Diana’s Engagement and Anne’s Reflections: A notable event is Diana Barry’s engagement to Fred Wright. Anne, while excited for her friend, finds herself contemplating her own future and, albeit briefly, envisions Gilbert as a potential partner before snapping herself out of the thought.
- Rachel Lynde’s Loss and Marilla’s Offer: The episode also addresses the passing of Thomas Lynde, Rachel Lynde’s husband, leaving Rachel feeling lonely. Marilla Cuthbert extends an offer for Rachel to come and live with her, providing comfort and assistance with the twins under Marilla’s care.
- Lavender and Stephen’s Wedding: The joyful occasion of Lavender and Stephen’s wedding is depicted as a “heavenly” event, concluding with the couple riding off into the sunset.
- Anne’s Firm Decision: The culmination of the episode sees Anne solidify her decision to attend Redmond College, signifying an end to her girlhood and a decisive step into womanhood. This choice comes after events in the preceding Episode 15, which prompted her to make up her mind about her future.
This episode’s content closely aligns with the later books in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s series, specifically Anne of the Island, where Anne attends Redmond College.
Other “Episode 16” Interpretations
While the new anime provides a direct “Episode 16,” it’s worth noting how other popular “Anne” adaptations are structured:
Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2001)
For fans of Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, Episode 16 is titled “Butterflies.” This series, aimed at a younger audience, consists of 26 episodes.
The Classic 1985 Miniseries and “Anne with an E”
The acclaimed 1985 miniseries Anne of Green Gables, starring Megan Follows, was a two-part television film, not an episodic series with 16 distinct installments. Similarly, Anne with an E (2017-2019), the Netflix/CBC series, consisted of 27 episodes over three seasons, but a direct “Episode 16” standalone plot would need to be contextualized within its overarching season narrative rather than a named “Episode 16.” However, the series did delve into key elements from Anne’s early life, including the infamous “Carrots” incident where Anne breaks her slate over Gilbert’s head, and the “raspberry cordial” mix-up where she accidentally serves Diana currant wine. These events often occur earlier in Anne’s story, aligning with the initial chapters of the novel.
In conclusion, when searching for “Anne Shirley – Episode 16,” the most current and specific reference points to the recently released anime series, which depicts Anne’s significant transition to college and the evolving dynamics of her relationships as she steps into adulthood.
