Get ready to swoon, because Netflix is about to transport you to a world of sweeping romance and fierce female bonds with its latest greenlit series, The Granville Girls. But here’s where it gets controversial: while historical romance dramas often stick to familiar settings, this one dares to move north of the U.S. border, trading rural Colorado for the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Will this bold shift pay off? Only time will tell.
Based on Cat Cahill’s beloved The Gilbert Girls book series, this 8-episode scripted drama is helmed by showrunner and writer Adriana Maggs, known for her work on Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent and Frontier. Partnering with Canadian indie powerhouse Shaftesbury, the series promises to blend the comfort of enduring friendships with the irresistible allure of period romance. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about love—it’s about women carving out their place in history, one daring choice at a time.
Set against the backdrop of the great railway expansion across the Canadian Rockies, the story follows Emma Daniels, a young woman who becomes one of the coveted ‘Granville Girls,’ hired to work at the prestigious Granville Hotel. The job offers adventure, camaraderie, and a lifeline for her family—but there’s a catch. The hotel’s strictest rule? Never fraternize with the men. Yet, when Emma’s heart is captured by the hotel’s enigmatic builder, she’s forced to make a decision that could cost her everything. Is this a tale of empowerment or a cautionary story about breaking the rules? We’ll let you decide.
Netflix’s co-directors of content for Canada, Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury, are confident the series will captivate audiences from the very first episode. ‘The Granville Girls is a big blue sky series that combines the warmth of female friendship with the timeless charm of period romance,’ they said in a joint statement. ‘With Adriana’s unique storytelling and Shaftesbury’s proven track record, we’re excited to see this story come to life.’
Executive producer Christina Jennings, known for Murdoch Mysteries and Departure, echoed the sentiment: ‘Shaftesbury is thrilled to collaborate with Netflix and Adriana Maggs to bring this stunning series to screens worldwide. The Rocky Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for our characters to explore themes of adventure, friendship, and love.’
While casting details remain under wraps, one thing is certain: The Granville Girls is poised to be a conversation starter. But here’s the question we can’t stop thinking about: In a world where women’s choices were often limited, does Emma’s story inspire—or does it highlight the constraints of her time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
