Sarah Polley left Road to Avonlea primarily due to creative differences, as she sought for the highly popular series to address more significant and contemporary social issues.
Polley, who portrayed the central character of Sara Stanley, grew increasingly discontented with the show's thematic scope. She believed that given Road to Avonlea's widespread popularity, it presented a unique opportunity to delve into and explore what she considered to be pressing "real issues" facing society.
Desired Focus on Real Issues
Her vision for the series extended beyond its established narrative, aiming to tackle subjects such as:
- The history of immigration in Canada: Polley expressed a desire to integrate storylines that explored the complexities and human experiences related to Canada's diverse immigration past.
- The treatment of Indigenous peoples: She also advocated for the series to shed light on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by native communities, bringing these important discussions to a broader audience.
These aspirations for a more socially conscious direction diverged from the show's existing premise, ultimately leading to her decision to depart from the cast.
