Netflix is expanding its slate of heartfelt dramas with The Granville Girls, a new romantic period series inspired by The Gilbert Girls books by Cat Cahill. The upcoming show will transport viewers to the majestic Canadian Rockies, weaving together tales of love, resilience, and hope.
Helmed by acclaimed Canadian writer and showrunner Adriana Maggs, the series will be produced by Shaftesbury Films—known for Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries—and promises a “Hallmark-style” blend of sweeping romance, historical charm, and empowering female stories.
Though The Granville Girls is still in early development, Netflix has already confirmed that filming will take place in Canada’s Rocky Mountain region, with a tentative release expected between 2027 and 2028.
Introduction to The Granville Girls
The Granville Girls is described as a romantic drama set during the late 19th century railway boom. Inspired by Cahill’s The Gilbert Girls novels, the story focuses on a group of women working at the luxurious Granville Hotel, nestled deep in the Rockies.
The protagonist, Emma Daniels, leaves her small-town life behind to join the hotel staff, hoping to find both independence and purpose. However, her ambitions are soon tested when she becomes entangled in an unexpected romance—one that defies the rules of the rigid establishment.
Adriana Maggs, known for Call Me Fitz and Grown Up Movie Star, brings a fresh feminist lens to this adaptation, emphasizing women’s agency in a time when social norms were strictly defined.
In a statement, Maggs noted:
“The Granville Girls celebrates the courage of women who dared to dream bigger. It’s about finding love and belonging in a world that often told them neither was possible.”
Overview of the Series
The project is still in pre-production, but several creative and production details have already been revealed. Here’s what’s known so far:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Granville Girls |
| Genre | Romantic Drama / Period Series |
| Showrunner & Writer | Adriana Maggs |
| Based On | The Gilbert Girls book series by Cat Cahill |
| Production Company | Shaftesbury Films |
| Executive Producer | Christina Jennings |
| Netflix Content Leads (Canada) | Tara Woodbury & Danielle Woodrow |
| Filming Location | British Columbia or Alberta, Canada |
| Setting | Canadian Rockies, late 1800s |
| Episode Count | 8 episodes |
| Runtime | TBD |
| Production Status | In development |
| Expected Release | 2027–2028 |
Plot Overview: From Colorado to the Canadian Rockies
While The Granville Girls draws inspiration from Cahill’s The Gilbert Girls novels, the Netflix adaptation reimagines the setting and scope to bring a uniquely Canadian flair.
The story follows Emma Daniels, a young woman who accepts a position at the Granville Hotel, a luxurious yet rule-bound establishment catering to railway tycoons, aristocrats, and adventurers. As Emma adjusts to her new life, she befriends other “Granville Girls”—each with their own dreams, secrets, and struggles.
But when Emma finds herself falling for a forbidden love interest, she must decide between following her heart or preserving her livelihood.
Tara Woodbury, Netflix’s Director of Canadian Content, commented:
“This series combines the emotional depth of Anne with an E with the romantic charm of Virgin River. We believe audiences around the world will fall in love with these characters and their breathtaking world.”
Eligibility Rules
While no casting announcements have been made, industry insiders indicate Netflix will prioritize Canadian and North American talent for the main ensemble. Filming incentives offered by both British Columbia and Alberta make the Rockies an ideal location, continuing Netflix’s investment in Canadian productions.
| Category | Expected Details |
|---|---|
| Casting Region | Primarily Canada, with potential U.S. co-stars |
| Age Range | 20–50 years (main ensemble) |
| Accent Preference | North American English (light regional variation) |
| Filming Incentives | Federal and provincial Canadian film tax credits |
| Production Window | Expected mid-2026 to early 2027 |
Benefits of the Series: Why The Granville Girls Matters?
Beyond its romantic plotlines, The Granville Girls serves as an homage to the resilience of women during a transformative historical period.
Christina Jennings, President of Shaftesbury Films, shared:
“At its core, The Granville Girls is about community — about women carving out freedom and identity during the boom of industrialization. It’s a love story, yes, but also a story of sisterhood and survival.”
Key Highlights of the Series’ Impact
- Female-Centered Storytelling: Focuses on women’s empowerment and independence.
- Canadian Representation: Strengthens Netflix’s commitment to local content under its Canadian Originals initiative.
- Romantic Escapism: Offers viewers an emotionally rich, visually beautiful narrative set in the Rocky Mountains.
- Cultural Crossover Appeal: Combines the warm tone of Virgin River and When Calls the Heart with the period depth of Anne with an E.
Extra Insights: From Book to Screen
| Element | Original Books – The Gilbert Girls | Netflix Adaptation – The Granville Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Colorado Railroad Town | Canadian Rockies during the railway boom |
| Time Period | Late 1800s | Late 1800s (same period) |
| Focus | Women working at the Gilbert Hotel | Women working at the Granville Hotel |
| Tone | Romantic Western Fiction | Romantic Period Drama |
| Themes | Love, ambition, resilience | Empowerment, identity, forbidden love |
| Style | American frontier storytelling | Cinematic and visually lush production |
Recent Updates and Production Timeline
- Development Stage: As of November 2025, the series remains in early development.
- Filming Window: Expected to begin in mid-to-late 2026 in Alberta or British Columbia.
- Production Design: Early sketches suggest a visually immersive set combining real Rocky Mountain landscapes with historically accurate interiors.
- Episode Structure: Each of the eight episodes will reportedly focus on different characters’ stories that interweave into Emma Daniels’ central arc.
Why It Matters?
Netflix’s investment in The Granville Girls signals a larger strategy to bolster its Canadian Originals portfolio, which includes successful titles like Maid, My Life with the Walter Boys, and Virgin River.
According to Danielle Woodrow, Director of Netflix Canada:
“Canada’s stories are global stories. The Granville Girls reflects the heart, humor, and hope that Canadian audiences love — and that resonate around the world.”
By setting the story in the Rockies, Netflix not only captures Canada’s cinematic beauty but also expands its reach into the growing demand for wholesome, feel-good dramas.
Conclusion
The Granville Girls represents a return to classic, heartfelt storytelling — a celebration of love, ambition, and the human spirit. With its sweeping Canadian setting, strong female leads, and universal themes of self-discovery, it has all the makings of Netflix’s next great romantic drama.
As production gears up, fans of period romance series like Bridgerton, Virgin River, and When Calls the Heart should keep an eye out for updates — because when The Granville Girls finally arrives, it promises to steal hearts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a romantic period drama following women working at the Granville Hotel in the Canadian Rockies during the 1800s, focusing on love, independence, and friendship.
The show is helmed by Adriana Maggs and produced by Shaftesbury Films for Netflix.
The first season will consist of 8 episodes.
Filming is expected to occur in British Columbia or Alberta, Canada.
The series is still in development, with a projected release in 2027 or 2028.
Yes. It’s inspired by Cat Cahill’s The Gilbert Girls book series, with some creative adjustments for television.
