Netflix is venturing deep into Canada’s rugged heartland with The Granville Girls, a sweeping new period romance series set amid the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The eight-part drama, officially greenlit by the streaming giant, blends love, ambition and the challenges of progress against one of the country’s most defining moments — the construction of the transcontinental railway.
A New Love Story in the Rockies
At the center of The Granville Girls is Emma Daniels, one of the few women working at the grand yet isolated Granville Hotel. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for the hotel’s enigmatic builder. Their forbidden romance unfolds amid the grit and grandeur of railway expansion, a time when Canada itself was being built mile by mile.
Netflix describes the show as “a big, blue sky series that offers the comfort of female friendship and the allure of period romance.” The production promises sweeping cinematography, emotional depth and a strong focus on female resilience.
“The Granville Girls” will highlight both the beauty and the hardship of building a life — and a nation — in the shadow of the Rockies.
From Colorado to Canada
The series is based on Cat Cahill’s beloved American romance novels The Gilbert Girls, originally set in 19th-century Colorado. For the television adaptation, the story has been carefully relocated north to Canada. The creative team saw in the Canadian Rockies not just a new setting but an opportunity to celebrate the country’s own historical spirit of perseverance and connection.
This shift gives the show a uniquely Canadian identity while keeping the heart of Cahill’s story intact — strong women, tender love stories and the constant pull between independence and belonging.
Experienced Team Behind the Scenes
Veteran producer Christina Jennings, chairman and president of Shaftesbury, will serve as executive producer. Shaftesbury is known for the long-running hit Murdoch Mysteries, one of Canada’s most successful television exports.
The showrunner and lead writer is Adriana Maggs, who recently earned praise for her work on Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Her storytelling style — detailed, emotional and grounded in character — is expected to bring a sharp human focus to the romantic and historical layers of The Granville Girls.
Netflix’s Canadian content directors Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury expressed excitement about the project, calling it a series that “captures both the wonder of the landscape and the courage of the women who shaped it.”
Strengthening Netflix’s Canadian Slate
The announcement adds to Netflix’s growing investment in Canadian storytelling. Earlier this year, the platform released North of North, a CBC co-production comedy, and Wayward, a thriller created by Mae Martin. The company also approved a Newfoundland-set drama from The Umbrella Academy writer Jesse McKeown, signaling a strong push for regional diversity.
A quick look at Netflix’s 2025 Canadian lineup shows a clear pattern:
| Title | Genre | Region | Notable Talent |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Granville Girls | Period Romance | Alberta / British Columbia | Christina Jennings, Adriana Maggs |
| North of North | Comedy | Northern Canada | CBC co-production |
| Wayward | Thriller | Toronto | Mae Martin |
| Untitled Newfoundland Series | Drama | Newfoundland | Jesse McKeown |
By placing The Granville Girls in this lineup, Netflix reinforces its strategy to blend local authenticity with global storytelling appeal.
Reviving the Era of Great Canadian Dramas
The Canadian Rockies have long inspired storytellers, but few modern dramas have revisited the nation’s early industrial years with such focus. The railway era marked a period of national transformation, symbolizing progress but also revealing deep divides between class, gender and region.
Through The Granville Girls, viewers can expect a story that reflects both romance and reality — a window into the social constraints faced by women who worked and loved in an era when opportunity often came at a cost.
Maggs and Jennings have hinted that the show will explore not just romantic relationships but also the power of female friendship and solidarity. That emotional foundation could make it Netflix’s next standout drama in the vein of Anne with an E and Frontier.
A Step Forward for Canadian Content
Canada’s film and television industry has been advocating for more international visibility, and Netflix’s latest move could be a turning point. Productions like The Granville Girls bring jobs to Canadian crews, highlight the nation’s historic sites and push forward a growing demand for authentic, locally rooted storytelling.
As global audiences crave fresh perspectives, Canada’s mix of cultural depth and stunning landscapes provides an ideal canvas. For Netflix, this isn’t just a romantic gamble — it’s a strategic one.
What Lies Ahead
Production is expected to begin in 2026, with filming likely to take place across Alberta and British Columbia. The show’s release window has not yet been announced, but early buzz suggests it could become one of the platform’s headline Canadian originals next year.
With its blend of history, heart and humanity, The Granville Girls has all the ingredients of a breakout hit. Whether it’s the sweeping romance or the raw emotional truths beneath, this series could remind audiences why love stories — especially those set against the mountains — never go out of style.
Netflix’s latest Canadian bet isn’t just about romance. It’s about reclaiming the past and giving it new life through the eyes of women who dared to dream bigger than their time allowed.
What do you think about Netflix’s decision to back more Canadian originals like The Granville Girls? Share your thoughts and tell your friends if you’d love to see this story come alive on screen.
