I introduced myself to Kevin Sullivan over the phone: “Hi, I’m Amber.” In the midst of a rapidly changing world, we conversed about the comfort and importance of hopeful television during such times. Kevin was warm, open, and charismatic—a natural storyteller, as you’d expect from the mind behind the heartwarming mini-series “Anne of Green Gables” (1985), “Anne of Avonlea” (1987), and the award-winning “Road to Avonlea.”
With more than three decades in filmmaking, Kevin has countless captivating stories to share—like how Katharine Hepburn influenced his casting choices for “Anne of Green Gables.” Growing up watching “Avonlea” weekly, I deeply related to both Anne Shirley and Sara Stanley, resisting the urge to gush about how much these stories shaped who I am today.
As of 2020, Kevin Sullivan has much to celebrate. His work and production company have garnered over 200 international awards. But today, we’re focusing on “Road to Avonlea,” a period drama series that premiered 30 years ago on January 7, 1990, in Canada and on March 5, 1990, on the Disney Channel in the United States. The show won four Primetime Emmys and totaled 90 international nominations. More than just a family show from the past, “Avonlea” stands the test of time and continues to captivate new audiences of all ages with its artistic, innovative, and cinematic storytelling.
As a spinoff of the Anne mini-series, Kevin expanded the stories of Avonlea by centering the show on the King children and the story girl, based on L.M. Montgomery’s Story Girl books. Set in 1907, Sarah Polley stars as Sara Stanley, who goes to live with her mother’s family on Prince Edward Island when her father is accused of embezzlement, setting off a series of adventures.
Produced by Kevin, the show is picturesque and romantic, invoking a deep sense of nostalgia while delivering genuine emotion. “Road to Avonlea” ran for seven successful seasons and even had a Christmas movie set during World War I, “An Avonlea Christmas.” True to L.M. Montgomery’s work, the show captured the tone, dialogue, costumes, and essence of her writing style, presenting an elegant tribute to her achievements.
Whether a long-time fan like me or someone discovering a beautiful, imaginative show for the first time, Kevin Sullivan’s stories about “Road to Avonlea” resonate deeply. Here’s our conversation, marking the show’s rich legacy:
Amber Topping: This year marks the 30th anniversary of “Road to Avonlea.” Why do you think the show continues to find new fans and remains beloved?
Kevin Sullivan: It serves as an antidote to the world we live in. People enjoy it as pure escapism; it’s real enough to connect with but not so gritty that it loses its charm. It mixes comedy, pathos, and stories about the human condition—elements that drew people in. The acting, writing, and character development were major strengths.
Amber: I loved the show’s idyllic romanticism and underlying sadness and loneliness in many characters. It always remained optimistic yet felt genuine.
Kevin: That balance between optimism and real human emotion is probably the hallmark of the show. It’s what persisted. We aimed for a cinematic approach rather than a traditional TV series look, creating a valid world for viewers to escape into.
Amber: Were there specific challenges in adapting Montgomery’s books for television?
Kevin: Actually, it was emancipating. The biggest challenges were the scale of the production and maintaining the essence of Montgomery’s world while creating something original and expansive enough for a long-running series.
Amber: What was it like working with the cast?
Kevin: Each actor was unique. Jackie Burroughs, for example, brought great depth and humor to her role. The chemistry among the cast members made the show work remarkably well.
Amber: Gus Pike became a fan-favorite. Did that surprise you, and what do you think contributed to his popularity?
Kevin: Yes, Michael Mahonen’s audition was magical, bringing a rough, authentic feel to Gus. His chemistry with other characters, especially Felicity, added a lot to the show’s dynamic.
Amber: With the current trend of reviving past shows, have you considered rebooting “Avonlea”?
Kevin: We’ve thought about it. One of our writers developed an extraordinary pitch, reinventing the world with the younger characters now as adults. It’s possible that “Avonlea” may have another life.
Amber: What do you hope the lasting legacy of “Road to Avonlea” will be?
Kevin: I hope it leaves a feeling of reassurance and timelessness—a stable, kind world that offers a sense of community and morality. “Avonlea” represents values that are less common today, making it a cherished escape for many.
Amber: “Avonlea” offers timeless lessons and continues to resonate with new audiences, especially now.
Kevin: Fingers crossed that new generations continue to find and enjoy it.
Kevin and I concluded our conversation reflecting on the warmth and timeless appeal of “Road to Avonlea,” a show that not only stood the test of time but offered a comforting escape filled with real human emotions and timeless values.
