
Netflix's dark comedy-horror series *Santa Clarita Diet* was cancelled in 2019 after three seasons, leaving fans with a cliffhanger ending and no resolution. The show, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as suburban realtor spouses, had gained a loyal fanbase who praised its unique blend of humour and horror. Despite its success and critical acclaim, the series joined a growing list of Netflix cancellations, often attributed to the streamer's opaque decision-making and budget constraints. While there has been no official announcement of a revival, creator Victor Fresco and the cast have expressed interest in continuing the show, leaving the door open for a potential fourth season to provide closure for both the characters and devoted fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of seasons | 3 |
| Continuation | Cancelled by Netflix |
| Continuation reasons | "Cost-plus" budget model, not enough audience |
| Continuation possibility | Low, due to cast availability |
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What You'll Learn
- Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled due to Netflix's cost-plus budget model
- The show's creator, Victor Fresco, wanted to bring it back for season 4
- Netflix's cancellation of the show left fans angry and wanting answers
- The show amassed a loyal fanbase who praised its humour and storytelling
- The cast and crew expressed gratitude to Netflix for taking a chance on the show

Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled due to Netflix's cost-plus budget model
Netflix's decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet came as a shock to many fans, especially as the third season ended on a cliffhanger. The show, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, was a unique horror-comedy that garnered a lot of praise from critics and fans alike. Despite its success, Netflix opted to cancel the series, and this decision has been largely attributed to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model.
Netflix's "cost-plus" model has been a source of contention for many creators and fans of original content on the platform. The model works by having Netflix pay for a show's production costs upfront, plus a premium of 30% or more of the overall costs. This premium allows Netflix to own most of the licensing rights to the show. While this model can be beneficial for producers as it ensures funding for their projects, it also means that with each new season, the budget increases significantly. This increase in budget can become a burden for Netflix, especially if the show's viewership does not increase proportionally.
In the case of Santa Clarita Diet, the show's creator, Victor Fresco, had expressed his desire to continue the series and provide closure for fans. However, Netflix likely considered the show's viewership and the increasing costs associated with each new season. The streaming giant may have deemed that the investment was no longer worthwhile, especially if the show's audience turnout did not meet their expectations. This decision-making process is in line with Netflix's focus on stretching their investment dollars and making good on their investors' money.
While Netflix's "cost-plus" model was a significant factor in the cancellation, other considerations may have played a role as well. The availability of the show's stars, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, for example, may have been a factor. Both actors have moved on to other projects, and their schedules may not align with a potential revival of the series. Additionally, Netflix has been known to make abrupt cancellations, as seen with other shows like Lucifer and Warrior Nun, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated.
Despite the cancellation, there is still a possibility for a revival of Santa Clarita Diet. Netflix has brought back other shows in the past due to audience demand, and a dedicated fanbase for Santa Clarita Diet has been vocal about their desire for a fourth season. While it may not be imminent, there is a chance that Netflix could revisit the series in the future, providing much-needed closure for fans and an opportunity to explore the intriguing storylines that were left unresolved.
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The show's creator, Victor Fresco, wanted to bring it back for season 4
Netflix's decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons came as a blow to fans, who were left hanging by a dramatic season 3 cliffhanger. The show's creator, Victor Fresco, has expressed a desire to bring it back for a fourth season to provide closure for fans and explore new plotlines.
In an interview with LADbible, Fresco shared his ideas for a potential fourth season, which would have seen Joel and Sheila Hammond, played by Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore, in the "same boat" after Sheila bit Joel to turn him into a zombie and save his life. This would have allowed the show to explore what it would be like for the couple to both be undead and how that would impact their relationship.
Fresco also wanted to delve into the relationship between the Hammonds' daughter Abby and their neighbour Eric. He felt that a fourth season would be something the cast and crew would want to do if everyone was available, and that it would provide emotional closure for those involved in the show as well as the fans.
While Netflix has not provided a direct reason for the show's cancellation, it has been speculated that it may be due to the increasing costs of producing the show, as well as a potential decline in viewership. Despite this, Santa Clarita Diet remains a beloved and unique show that garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim during its run.
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Netflix's cancellation of the show left fans angry and wanting answers
Netflix's cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet left fans angry and wanting answers. The show, a rare horror-comedy, was loved by both critics and fans and became a massive hit in its first season. Despite its success and acclaim, the series was cancelled after three seasons, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated.
The decision to cancel the show was attributed to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, where the company pays for a show's production costs upfront, plus a premium of 30% or more of the total costs. With each new season, the budget increases, and by the third season, the cost increase is significant. Netflix's decision to cancel shows is based on audience turnout and critical acclaim, and the streamer has a history of cancelling shows after three seasons.
The cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet came as a shock to many, especially since the third season had been well-received, scoring 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and appearing on various Top 10 binge/streaming rankings. The show had developed a devoted following, and fans were left wanting closure, as the series ended on a cliffhanger.
Series creator Victor Fresco expressed his disappointment and resentment towards Netflix, stating that he would have liked to provide some closure for the fans. He shared that the fourth season would have explored the dynamic between Sheila and Joel, now both zombies, and the relationship between their daughter Abby and neighbour Eric.
Fans of the show started a #SaveSantaClaritaDiet Twitter campaign, rallying for a Season 4 renewal. However, the chances of a revival seem slim, as the show's stars, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, have moved on to other projects. Nonetheless, Netflix has revived shows in the past based on audience demand, so there is always a possibility that Santa Clarita Diet could return in the future.
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The show amassed a loyal fanbase who praised its humour and storytelling
Netflix's decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons came as a disappointment to many fans of the show. The show's unique blend of horror and comedy had earned it a dedicated fanbase, who were left wanting more after the third season ended on a thrilling cliffhanger.
Santa Clarita Diet, created by TV veteran Victor Fresco, followed realtor spouses Sheila (Barrymore) and Joel (Olyphant) Hammond, whose lives took a dark turn when Sheila began to exhibit signs of becoming a zombie. The show's humour and storytelling were praised by fans, who were invested in the characters and their unique situation. The show also received critical acclaim, with its first season becoming a massive hit.
The show's creators, Fresco and executive producer Tracy Katsky, expressed their gratitude to Netflix for taking a chance on the show, stating that the company was "supportive, ever positive, and appreciative of our work". Despite this, they were left disappointed by the cancellation, feeling that they had more stories to tell and that the fans deserved closure. Fresco had plans to explore Joel's new life as a zombie and the impact this would have on his relationship with Sheila, as well as the dynamic between the Hammonds' daughter Abby and their neighbour Eric.
While there has been no official announcement of a revival, Fresco has expressed interest in continuing the show if the opportunity arises and the cast is available. However, the chances of a revival seem slim, as it has been a few years since the show's cancellation, and the lead actors have moved on to other projects. Despite this, the show's impact on its fans and its contribution to the horror-comedy genre will not be forgotten.
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The cast and crew expressed gratitude to Netflix for taking a chance on the show
Netflix's decision to cancel the show after three seasons came as a shock to many, especially considering the show's success and acclaim. The show's unique premise as a rare horror-comedy that followed the lives of realtor spouses, one of whom was a zombie, had gained a massive hit in its first season and developed a devoted following.
Despite the abrupt end, the cast and crew of Santa Clarita Diet expressed their gratitude to Netflix for initially taking a chance on the show. Executive producers and creators Victor Fresco and Tracy Katsky issued a joint statement, acknowledging the platform's support and appreciation for their work. They also highlighted the positive experience of collaborating with the talented cast, including Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Liv Hewson, and Skyler Gisondo.
In her statement, Barrymore shared her love for playing Sheila Hammond, a unique and memorable character, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Olyphant. She also recognized Fresco's creativity in crafting the show's world. Similarly, Olyphant mentioned his enjoyment of working on the show and his willingness to continue, even if it wasn't filmed.
The show's impact extended beyond its entertainment value, as it left a lasting impression on those involved. The cast and crew cherished the experience, the relationships forged, and the enthusiasm from their audience. While they wished for closure and a chance to continue, they ultimately accepted the show's end, grateful for the opportunity Netflix had provided.
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Frequently asked questions
Netflix's decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet was attributed to the streamer's "cost-plus" budget model, where the company pays for a show's production costs upfront, plus a premium of 30% or more of the total costs. With each new season, the series budget increases, and by the third season, the cost increase is significant. Netflix has not provided an official reason for the cancellation, but it is likely that they felt there was no viable reason to continue investing in the show.
Netflix has confirmed that Santa Clarita Diet will not continue beyond the three seasons that have already been produced and released. However, the show's creator, Victor Fresco, has expressed interest in bringing the show back for a fourth season to provide closure for the story and the fans.
The third season of Santa Clarita Diet ended on a cliffhanger, with Sheila biting her husband, Joel, to turn him into a zombie and save his life. In an interview, Fresco revealed that the fourth season would have explored Joel's new life as a zombie and its impact on his relationship with Sheila, as they would now be "in the same boat." The season would have also delved into the relationship between the Hammonds' daughter Abby and their neighbour, Eric.











































