Seasons: 3 seasons, 27 episodes. Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, and Aymeric Jett Montaz Description: Based on the book, Anne of Green Gables, written in 1908, Anne with an E tells the story of a young girl who is adopted by brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They had thought they were adopting a boy, but upon arrival at the train station, they are presented with Anne, who is full of personality and boundless energy. After some initial problems, including the disappearance of Marilla’s brooch and Anne running away, they decide to reconcile, and Anne begins to settle into life with the Cuthberts.
Why it’s a stinker: Anne of Green Gables is a children’s classic, and unfortunately, this series does not do it justice. There is some lovely cinematography and staging, but the script doesn’t do anything to enhance the show, and is, in fact, quite dull. This show is more likely to put you to sleep than keep you on the edge of your seat, so sadly it’s a thumbs down. You’re better off reading the book!
Flaked (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 14 episodes. Starring: Will Arnett, David Sullivan, Heather Graham, Kirstie Alley, and Ruth Kearney. Description: Flaked is about a guy called Chip, who is a recovering alcoholic and, supposedly, a self-help guru. Trying to stay one step ahead of the game, Chip gets himself into all kinds of situations, including falling for a girl. The catch here is that someone is already in love with her, and he happens to be Chip’s best friend.
Why it’s a stinker: Flaked was produced by Will Arnett, who created the series alongside Mitch Hurwitz, best known for his hit show Arrested Development. However, Flaked did not receive the same reception, despite the collective genius of these two minds. Flaked benefits from an all-star cast, but this didn’t rescue it from being a complete flop. Something doesn’t translate onto the screen and, unfortunately, we have to agree with the critic who called it “dull and pointless.”
The Rain (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 14 episodes. Starring: Alba August, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Mikkel Følsgaard, Jessica Dinnage, and Angela Bundalovic Description:The Rain is about a brother and sister who emerge out of a bunker six years after apocalyptic rains, which carry a deadly virus, cause most of the population of Scandinavia to be wiped out. The siblings leave the bunker in search of their father, who was a scientist, and left the bunker but never came back. Along the way, they meet other survivors, and together they go in search of a safe place as well as the sibling's father, who they hope has found a cure to the virus.
Why it’s a stinker: A post-apocalyptic drama is not an original concept, and although the barren wastelands of Scandinavia provide a beautiful backdrop for the series, the storyline itself is severely lacking. There are convoluted plot twists which are hard to believe, and there is weak character development. All in all, The Rain is rather forgettable, so we say, don’t waste your time on it.
Marco Polo (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Zhu Zhu, Olivia Cheng, and Tom Wu. Description: Marco Polo is a historical drama based on his early years in the court of Kublai Khan, who was the Khagen of the Mongol Empire and created a famous dynasty called the Yuan who ruled from 1271 – 1368. The drama follows the life of Benedict Wong, who was the Kublai Khan. The story explores a world of war and greed.
Why it’s a stinker: The series was produced by the Weinstein company, so the cinematography and costumes are excellent. But this is not enough to mask the poor script and weak character development. The makers were trying to create another epic fantasy story, but instead ended up with a stale version of what already existed.
Disjointed (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Kathy Bates, Chris Redd, Elizabeth Alderfer, Dougie Baldwin, and Tone Bell. Description: Disjointed tells the story of pot activist,Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, played by Kathy Bates. She employs her newly graduated son and a group of his friends to come and run a medical marijuana dispensary for her. Unsurprisingly, Ruth enjoys some recreational smoking too, and so the show has a chilled-out vibe.
Why it’s a stinker: The plot line isn’t clever, and the humor is pretty average with lots of obvious jokes and references to “sticking it to the man.” Kathy Bates carries the show, but her talent is wasted on a series like this.