If you’re one of the millions of fans who fell in love with the Netflix series Anne With An E, the news of its cancelation after Season 3 probably left you heartbroken. For many, this wasn’t just another period drama—it was a reimagined story full of heart, resilience, and modern themes woven into classic literature. But the sudden cancelation of Anne With An E Season 4 raised countless questions: Why was it canceled? Was it really about ratings? Could it ever come back?
Well, the truth is, the situation is far more complicated than a simple “lack of viewership” explanation. Let’s dive deep into the real story behind the cancelation and why fans still won’t let this series go.
What Is Anne With An E?
Before we dive into the cancelation details, let’s revisit what made this series so special. Anne With An E is based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, a timeless Canadian classic. But unlike earlier adaptations, this Netflix and CBC co-production tackled contemporary themes such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, racism, and class struggles—all wrapped in a late 19th-century setting.
It wasn’t just a show; it was a movement. Fans found themselves relating deeply to Anne Shirley’s optimism, her struggles with identity, and her unapologetic view of the world. That’s why the cancelation cut so deep.
Why Did Netflix Cancel Anne With An E Season 4?
On the surface, the reason seemed simple: declining viewership and high production costs. But if you look closer, you’ll see there’s more to the story.
The Netflix-CBC Fallout
One of the biggest reasons Anne With An E didn’t make it to Season 4 lies in the fractured relationship between Netflix and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). CBC’s president openly admitted in 2019 that the broadcaster no longer wanted to work with Netflix, calling the streaming giant “a threat to Canadian cultural sovereignty.”
That statement created a ripple effect. With CBC stepping away, Netflix lost its Canadian partner for the show. And without CBC, Anne With An E couldn’t continue—it was literally stuck between two powerful media giants at odds with each other.
Was It About Ratings?
Sure, ratings always matter. While Anne With An E had a massive fan following, it wasn’t pulling in Stranger Things numbers. Netflix tends to cancel shows that don’t drive subscriptions or global buzz.
However, here’s the twist: Anne With An E had one of the most vocal and passionate fanbases online. From trending hashtags like #RenewAnneWithAnE to fan petitions with over a million signatures, the support was undeniable. So clearly, ratings weren’t the only reason.
The Cost Factor
Period dramas aren’t cheap. From costumes and sets to historical accuracy, producing Anne With An E wasn’t a small-budget affair. Combine that with limited financial return (compared to Netflix’s blockbuster titles), and it made the series a risky investment.
The Fan-Led Campaign to Save Season 4
When news broke that Season 3 would be the last, fans didn’t just cry into their tea—they fought back. The global Anne Nation launched a massive campaign.
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Twitter Trends: The hashtag #RenewAnneWithAnE trended worldwide multiple times.
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Petitions: The main online petition collected over 1.5 million signatures.
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Billboards: Fans crowdfunded money to put up billboards in New York’s Times Square demanding Season 4.
This was more than a casual plea—it was a cultural uprising.
Why Fans Believe Season 4 Should Happen
The ending of Season 3 tied up many loose ends, but not all. For example:
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Gilbert and Anne’s romance had just started blooming.
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Ka’kwet’s storyline about Indigenous struggles remained unfinished.
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Diana Barry’s growth into adulthood felt incomplete.
Fans argue that cutting the story short robbed characters of their full arcs. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
The Complicated Rights Issue
Here’s where it gets messy: Anne With An E is co-owned by Netflix and CBC. That means no other streaming platform can swoop in and pick it up without complicated legal negotiations. This tug-of-war over rights makes revival talks extremely tricky.
Did Netflix Underestimate the Fanbase?
It seems so. Netflix has a pattern of canceling shows with loyal fan followings (Sense8, The OA, Julie and the Phantoms). But in Anne With An E’s case, the fan pushback was unlike anything seen before.
Fans didn’t just campaign—they demanded justice. They treated Anne like more than a fictional character. She became a symbol of hope, resilience, and belonging.
Cast and Crew Reactions
The cast was equally devastated. Amybeth McNulty (Anne) shared heartfelt messages thanking fans and hinting at her disappointment. The show’s creator, Moira Walley-Beckett, revealed that she had plans for more seasons and was heartbroken that the story was cut short.
Their reactions showed one thing clearly: the cancelation wasn’t about creative burnout. It was a decision fueled by politics and economics.
Could Anne With An E Season 4 Ever Happen?
Never say never. While the official word is that Season 3 is the end, Hollywood is full of surprises. We’ve seen shows like Lucifer and Brooklyn Nine-Nine saved after cancelation thanks to fan movements.
The main challenge is untangling the messy Netflix-CBC rights issue. If that ever gets resolved, the door could reopen.
What Fans Can Do Now
If you’re still hoping for Season 4, here are ways to keep the flame alive:
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Keep the hashtags trending (#RenewAnneWithAnE).
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Support petitions and share them widely.
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Rewatch and stream Anne With An E to keep viewership alive.
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Support the cast in their new projects (show Netflix they still have star power).
Lessons From the Cancelation
The cancelation of Anne With An E proves that even a beloved show isn’t safe in the streaming world. It’s not just about quality—it’s about politics, money, and strategic partnerships. For fans, it’s a harsh reminder: sometimes passion isn’t enough to keep a show alive.
Conclusion
The cancelation of Anne With An E Season 4 isn’t as simple as “low ratings.” It’s a tangled web of corporate politics, financial challenges, and conflicting priorities between Netflix and CBC. But one thing’s clear—the spirit of Anne Shirley lives on in the hearts of millions. Whether or not we ever see Season 4, the legacy of Anne With An E proves that some stories are too powerful to be forgotten.
FAQs
1. Why was Anne With An E really canceled?
It wasn’t just about ratings. The broken partnership between Netflix and CBC played a huge role, along with high production costs.
2. Is there still a chance for Season 4?
Yes, but it’s slim. The biggest hurdle is untangling the rights between Netflix and CBC.
3. Did the cast want more seasons?
Absolutely. Both Amybeth McNulty and the creators expressed sadness that the story ended early.
4. What was left unfinished in Season 3?
Anne and Gilbert’s romance, Ka’kwet’s storyline, and Diana’s journey into adulthood still felt incomplete.
5. What can fans do to bring it back?
Keep campaigning online, streaming the show, and supporting the cast. Fan pressure has saved shows before—so it’s not impossible.
