Get ready to fall in love with a new era of Canadian storytelling—Netflix Canada has just greenlit The Granville Girls, a sweeping romantic drama that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this eight-part series, penned by the talented Adriana Maggs and produced by Shaftesbury, isn’t just another period piece—it’s a bold exploration of ambition, love, and the unyielding spirit of women in the early 20th century. Based on Cat Cahill’s beloved book series The Gilbert Girls, the show follows Emma Daniels, a young woman who joins the elite ranks of ‘Granville Girls’ working at the iconic Granville Hotel in the Canadian Rockies. The job offers her freedom, camaraderie, and a lifeline for her family—but there’s a catch. And this is the part most people miss: Emma must navigate the hotel’s strictest rule: no fraternizing with the men. Yet, when she falls for the enigmatic builder behind the hotel, she’s forced to choose between her dreams and her heart, a decision that could cost her everything.
Maggs, known for her work on Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent and Frontier, serves as both writer and showrunner, bringing her signature blend of emotional depth and historical authenticity to the project. Her 2010 film Grown Up Movie Star, starring Tatiana Maslany, Shawn Doyle, and Jonny Harris, showcased her ability to craft compelling narratives, and The Granville Girls is poised to be her next masterpiece. Christina Jennings, Shaftesbury’s visionary founder, acts as executive producer, expressing her excitement about partnering with Netflix to bring this story to life. ‘Global audiences will be mesmerized by the Rocky Mountains’ breathtaking beauty, the perfect backdrop for our characters’ journeys of adventure, friendship, and romance,’ she said.
Netflix’s Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury, Directors of Content for Canada, are equally enthusiastic. ‘The Granville Girls is a grand, sky-high series that blends the warmth of female friendship with the irresistible charm of period romance,’ they stated. ‘With Adriana’s unique voice and Christina’s producing prowess, we’re confident viewers will be hooked from the very first episode.’
But here’s the controversial part: While Netflix has been steadily expanding its Canadian originals—from the sci-fi hit Travelers to the Newfoundland-set drama by Jesse McKeown—its presence in Canada remains relatively modest compared to its U.S. output. Is this a missed opportunity, or a strategic move to focus on quality over quantity? Netflix has also co-produced several international hits with Canadian partners, like Frontier (where Maggs served as a writer) and the Arctic-set sitcom North of North, which was renewed for a second season earlier this year. Yet, questions linger: Can Canada become a major player in Netflix’s global content strategy, or will it remain a secondary market?
As we await The Granville Girls and other upcoming Canadian shows like Wayward and Who Killed The Montreal Expos?, one thing is clear: Canadian storytelling is on the rise. But we want to hear from you: Do you think Netflix is doing enough to support Canadian talent, or is there room for more? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation worth having!
