Fans are rallying to save “Anne with an E” after cancellation announcement

When it was announced yesterday that TV drama Anne with an E was being cancelled after three seasons, fans did not take the news lying down. The show tells the story of Anne of Green Gables, a beloved Canadian literary figure created by author Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1908. Anne has captured the hearts of Canadians for generations, both in books and in various television adaptations, and may be single-handedly responsible for introducing children to the delights of raspberry cordial.The show’s executive producer, Moira Walley-Beckett, commented on the news via Instagram, saying, “I wish it could be different but it cannot. We have reached the end of the red Green Gables road after three wonderful seasons. My heart is heavy but I am so proud of this show—proud of my talented cast, crew, writers, and directors for working together so passionately to bring my vision of [Anne With an E] to life.”Fans quickly made it clear that they would NOT be satisfied with this being the final season, taking to social media in an impassioned bid to save the show that stars Irish-Canadian actress Amybeth McNulty as the titular redhead, who bid an emotional farewell to the character on her Instagram page.

 

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Dear Anne, I don’t think I was ever going to be ready to say goodbye, but as the saying goes - everything must come to an end. Thank you for teaching me, growing up with me and loving me. I have taken so many part of who you are into my life. - Anne has taught me how to be brave, how to be strong, how to love unapologetically and how to approach so many different obstacles in life. She is so much more than words on paper. She really is a part of who I am now, and I will carry her with me forever. I cant deny that I’m heartbroken, but more than that I am grateful. Such a large part of my childhood is documented, and what an experience to document. - - To the cast and crew, my second family. You put every part of your heart and soul into this project, and I promise you it does not go unnoticed. Every single one of you has helped shape me into the woman I am today, I can only hope I’ve made you proud in some way. You are all such remarkable people and I will never be able to thank you enough. Please stay in touch. - And to you, the viewers. The ones who have supported us these last few years. I can say this now, but on those tough, cold and stressful days just seeing what an effect this show has on you or how it made your day really pushed me through. I can say truthfully that those rough days were more than worth it, for you. - I will miss this show with all of my heart, and I will never forget this journey. My childhood was a good one, thanks to all of you. - In the wise words of @moirawalleybeckett “I am so sad to see you go, and yet so happy that I know you.” With all my love, Amybeth. - Enjoy the finale! Coming January 3rd, on Netflix.

A post shared by AB (@amybethmcnulty) on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Since the news of the show's cancellation came out, over 22,000 supporters in the U.S. and Canada have already signed a viral Change.org petition calling for the show’s renewal. The hashtag #SaveAnneWithAnE was soon trending while #RenewAnneWithAnE gained traction all way in the United Kingdom. Some die-hard fans even created custom art calling for the show’s renewal. If that’s not a sign of kindred spirits in action, we don’t know what is.

‼️ stop scrolling ‼️#SaveAnneWithAnE pic.twitter.com/utdynoCJrR

— ?????????? 彡★ (@avxbees) November 26, 2019

The networks behind the show, CBC and Netflix, issued a joint statement on the cancellation, sharing the hope is that "fans of the show love this final season as much as we do, and that it brings a satisfying conclusion to Anne’s journey."While there’s no guarantee on the show’s fate—after all, other series have been saved from certain doom thanks to social media support—Anne supporters are determined to save Canada’s favourite redhead from Prince Edward Island before it’s too late. After all, it’s what spunky Anne herself would do for a friend.