My Canadian heart misses adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, the series centers on Anne Shirley, a whimsical red-haired orphan who lives a big life in her small town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island.
Anne of Green Gables is a staple of Canadian literature, and has been adapted for the screen many times, with the 1985 Anne of Green Gables miniseries starring Megan Follows considered to be the most definitive adaptation. Similarly, The Baby-Sitters Club is based on the book series of the same name by Ann M. Martin, and has also been adapted into movies and TV shows in the past. The Baby-Sitters Club follows a group of middle-school girls who run the titular organization, with each main character having her own unique personality. Anne Shirley would definitely be friends with them.
The Baby-Sitters Club Is A Modern Update On The Iconic Book Series
It Tackles Important Issues Just Like Anne With An E
When a work of literature like Anne of Green Gables or The Baby-Sitters Club is adapted multiple times, it's tempting to roll your eyes when yet another iteration is announced, with fans of the original IP wondering, "Do we need another one?" But The Baby-Sitters Club proudly brings Ann M. Martin's beloved story into the 2020s. After all, the first Baby-Sitters Club book was released all the way back in 1986. Though the books were praised for their diversity and positive messaging, the world has changed a lot since the series was published.
Netflix's Baby-Sitters Club Avoided Repeating The Books' Biggest Mistake
Though Netflix's Baby-Sitters Club show was faithful to the spirit of the books, they managed to avoid replicating the series' biggest mistake.
One heavily praised episode of The Baby-Sitters Club, "Mary Anne Saves the Day", sees Mary Anne babysit Bailey, who is transgender. When Bailey gets sick, Mary Anne rushes her to the hospital, where the doctors misgender her. Even though she is by far the shyest member of the BSC, Mary Anne wastes no time in firmly correcting the doctors on their mistake.
"...both shows prove that children's TV, particularly those about young girls, needs to be taken more seriously."
The Baby-Sitters Club was nominated for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming at the 32nd GLAAD Media Awards in 2021. It lost to First Day.
It's a heartwarming moment, and reminiscent of something Anne Shirley would do. Anne with an E has also received acclaim for its positive tackling of serious subjects, from racism to homophobia, and both shows prove that children's TV, particularly those about young girls, needs to be taken more seriously.
Like Anne With An E, The Baby-Sitters Club Emphasizes Female Friendship
It Shows The Power & Importance Of Young Girls ing Each Other
One of the best parts of Anne with an E is Anne's enduring friendship with Diana Barry. Though Diana is much less of a free spirit than Anne, the girls appreciate each other's differences and are incredibly loyal to one another. They sometimes bicker, and even have a short-lived falling out, but in the end, their friendship always carries the day.
Their close-knit bond is what The Baby-Sitters Club is all about, and it's a show with an even bigger cast, allowing for many different and fascinating friendship dynamics in the group.
Their close-knit bond is what The Baby-Sitters Club is all about, and it's a show with an even bigger cast, allowing for many different and fascinating friendship dynamics in the group. Like Anne and Diana, the girls in the BSC are a myriad of contrasting personalities, from the outspoken club president Kristy Thomas to the artistic dreamer Claudia Kishi. The show makes it clear how important these girls' friendships are to one another, and it hits me in the feels every time the girls and stand up for each other.
Why Anne With An E Fans Will Love The Baby-Sitters Club
Both Shows Are Full Of Nostalgia While Also Being Fresh
Many of us millennials grew up reading The Baby-Sitters Club books, and the Canadians among us also probably have a soft spot for the Anne of Green Gables miniseries. It's a total dose of nostalgia to see these treasured stories return to our screens, as it's proof that they're still relevant all these years later.
Anne With An E Season 4 Cancelation Explained — It's More Complicated Than You Think
Anne with an E was canceled before we ever got season 4, a cancelation that’s still inexplicable, especially considering the ionate fandom.
Then there are the new fans, who perhaps were too young, or not even alive, when The Baby-Sitters Club and Anne of Green Gables were popular. Anne with an E and the 2020 Baby-Sitters Club series bridge gaps between generations, and the younger viewers may even be encouraged to check out the source material or older adaptations. I wish I had more shows like these growing up, and though I'm heartbroken that Anne with an E and The Baby-Sitters Club were prematurely canceled, I'm happy they exist. We need more of them.
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The Baby-Sitters Club
- Release Date
- 2020 - 2021-00-00
- Showrunner
- Rachel Shukert
- Directors
- Melanie Mayron
Cast
Alicia Silverstone
Mark Feuerstein
Malia Baker
Kyndra Sanchez
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBased on the best-selling book series by Ann M. Martin, The Baby-Sitters Club is a contemporary dramedy that follows the friendship and adventures of seven friends as they start their own babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. As demand for their club continues to grow, founders Kristy Thomas, Mary-Anne Spier, Claudia Kishi, Stacey McGill, and Dawn Schafer have now welcomed Mallory Pike and Jessi Ramsey to their ranks. With the new school year comes booming business, new relationships, personal journeys, and important lessons, but the club is there for each other every step of the way.
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Anne With an E
- Release Date
- 2017 - 2019-00-00
Cast
AmyBeth McNultyAnn Shirley-Cuthbert
Geraldine JamesMarilla Cuthbert
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYAnne with an E is a Canadian television series based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 novel "Anne of Green Gables." The show follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative orphan adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the late 19th century. Anne, portrayed by Amybeth McNulty, navigates various challenges and societal expectations in the small community of Avonlea, bringing warmth and resilience to her newfound home.
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