Kevin Sullivan, the producer, writer, and director, is well-known for his work on Road to Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables, and other beloved series. During our phone chat, I was struck by his warmth and storytelling charisma—traits that have contributed to the success of his notable projects, such as the Anne of Green Gables mini-series (1985) and Road to Avonlea, which premiered in 1990.
Kevin has over three decades of experience in filmmaking, during which he has won more than 200 international awards with his production company. Road to Avonlea, which aired on January 7, 1990, in Canada and March 5, 1990, in the United States, was a particular highlight. The series won four Primetime Emmy Awards and received 90 international nominations, apart from its 25 wins.
Based on characters from L.M. Montgomery’s Story Girl books, the series is set in Edwardian times and features Sarah Polley as Sara Stanley. Sara goes to live with her mother’s relatives in Prince Edward Island after her father is accused of embezzlement, leading to a series filled with hopeful and nostalgic storytelling.
Kevin mentioned that the appeal of the show lies in its blend of humor, pathos, and stories about the human condition, all set against a visually enchanting backdrop. This unique mix helped draw viewers in, offering pure escapism while still feeling real.
The show was produced with a cinematic approach to make the fictional town of Avonlea seem authentic. Unlike some period series that feel somewhat artificial, the goal here was to create a heartfelt and picturesque world. The series also avoided focusing solely on a single character; instead, it offered a rich ensemble of characters, providing the opportunity to develop guest star episodes that attracted major actors.
One standout guest star was Christopher Lloyd, whose performance in the episode “Another Point of View” won an Emmy. Kevin enjoyed working with the cast, crafting memorable episodes that balanced character development with rich, engaging plots.
Kevin shared that he initially had no connection to the Anne of Green Gables series until his wife urged him to explore it. While initially skeptical, he grew to appreciate the depth and appeal of L.M. Montgomery’s work. The successful adaptation of Anne of Green Gables led to the creation of Road to Avonlea, where Kevin continued to interpret Montgomery’s world while injecting his original touch.
As he expanded the Avonlea world, Kevin paid homage to Montgomery’s style while creating a series that stayed true to her spirit. The show featured a diverse array of characters, allowing for a wide range of storylines that resonated with audiences both young and old.
Kevin also spoke fondly about the challenges and joys of working with the Avonlea cast. Each cast member brought their unique talents to the show, creating memorable and heartfelt moments on screen. Jackie Burroughs, who played Hetty, stood out with her ability to perform both comedic and poignant scenes effortlessly.
Romance was another significant element in Road to Avonlea, with memorable pairings like Gus Pike and Felicity King captivating audiences. Gus Pike, portrayed by Michael Mahonen, became a beloved character with a compelling backstory and a rough, charming personality.
Kevin reflected on his favorite romantic and dramatic episodes, highlighting the show’s diverse storytelling and emotional range. One poignant episode involved Hetty’s romance with Romney Penhallow, showcasing Jackie Burroughs’ impressive acting talent.
In terms of legacy, Kevin hopes people remember Road to Avonlea as a comforting escape to a simpler, more stable time. The series embodies a sense of community, decorum, and kindness that stands in stark contrast to today’s world.
While Road to Avonlea has concluded, there’s potential for it to be revived, with ideas already in place that explore the lives of the characters post-series. For now, fans can revisit the series, which has been restored in HD and is available on streaming platforms.
In conclusion, Kevin Sullivan’s work on Road to Avonlea and other series continues to resonate with fans old and new. The mix of humor, pathos, and the human condition, along with a beautiful, nostalgic setting, has secured the series’ lasting legacy.
