Milly Gaines
Santa Clarita Diet, a zombie comedy starring Drew Barrymore, was cancelled by Netflix in 2019 after three seasons. The show's creator, Victor Fresco, was shocked by the cancellation, which came as the sets were being dismantled. Despite its popularity with critics and fans, the show's demise has been attributed to Netflix's cost-plus budget model, which sees the company pay upfront for a show's production costs, plus a premium of 30% or more. Netflix's decision to cancel shows is based on audience turnout and critical acclaim, and the streamer has a history of cutting shows after three seasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Show Name | Santa Clarita Diet |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Cancellation | Confirmed |
| Reason | Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, lack of viewership, unfinished content |
| Fan Reaction | Disappointment, anger, petitions, social media campaigns |
| Revival Potential | Possible if viewership increases |
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What You'll Learn
Netflix's cost-plus budget model
Netflix's decision to cancel the show Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons left many fans disappointed and angry. While there was no official explanation for the cancellation, sources suggest that Netflix executives felt there was no viable reason to continue investing money in the show. This is in line with Netflix's cost-plus budget model, where the company offers to pay for a show's production costs and include an additional fee to own the original series.
The cost-plus model is not unique to Netflix, with HBO having employed similar strategies in the past. However, Netflix has undoubtedly popularized this approach, which has now been adopted by other streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple. The model offers production companies much higher upfront payments compared to traditional television licensing deals, where the network airing the show typically pays only 60-70% of the production costs.
Under the cost-plus model, Netflix covers the full production costs and then some, with sources indicating that the company offers about 30% on top of these costs in most standard deals. This strategy has made it challenging for traditional TV networks to compete when negotiating with production companies. Additionally, because Netflix does not rely on advertisers, it can provide show creators more freedom and flexibility in their work.
While the cost-plus model has its benefits for production companies and show creators, there is a downside. By accepting this model, creators sign away most of their future revenue opportunities, as Netflix seizes more of the upside on big hits. This means that Netflix captures a significant portion of the profits that could have gone to the creators if they had retained ownership.
Netflix's budget model is closely tied to its subscription-based revenue structure. The company offers a range of streaming plans with different features and price points, including Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium, with prices ranging from $8 to $25 per month in the US. These plans can also include additional member slots for an extra cost. This pricing strategy, along with Netflix's cost-plus model, has contributed to the company's success and ability to invest in a vast library of content.
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Netflix's cancellation of other titles
Netflix's cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet came as a shock to many, especially since the show was a hit with critics and fans alike. However, this is not the first time Netflix has made such a decision, and other titles have fallen prey to the streamer's "cost-plus" budget model and business strategies.
Netflix's "cost-plus" model involves paying for a show's production costs upfront, plus a premium of 30% or more on overall costs. This model incentivizes the streamer to cut shows that do not bring in substantial profits, as it becomes increasingly expensive with each new season. Other shows that have been cancelled by Netflix include One Day at a Time, various Marvel shows, Sense8, The Get Down, and Marco Polo.
Netflix's decision-making process considers immediate binge-watchers, and if a show does not attract a large audience quickly, it may be cancelled. This strategy has led to a library of unfinished content, with fans expressing disappointment and frustration over the lack of closure for their favourite shows.
The streamer's focus on profitability and quick audience turnout has resulted in a pattern of cancellations, leaving fans with a sense of unfinished business. While Netflix claims it has never cancelled a "successful" show, the definition of success remains unclear, and the company's priorities seem to lie with retaining subscribers and maximizing profits.
Despite the cancellations, there is always a possibility for revival if viewership increases and makes a continuation seem worthwhile. Netflix has brought back shows in the past due to audience demand, and passionate fans can still hold out hope for their favourite cancelled shows to make a comeback.
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Viewer outrage
Fans of the show Santa Clarita Diet were outraged when it was cancelled by Netflix after three seasons. The show, a rare horror-comedy, was a hit with critics and fans alike and had a passionate fanbase.
The cancellation came as a shock to many, with some fans expressing their anger and disappointment on social media and Reddit. One fan on Reddit wrote, "I will never stop being mad about Santa Clarita Diet being cancelled". Another said, "I felt they were blaming the audience too. They barely promoted the show!" Many were left wanting more, with one viewer saying, "The new chapter they seemed to be leading up to seemed really interesting, and now we'll never get to see it".
The decision to cancel the show has been 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 talent can see their pay increase from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Netflix has also been criticized for its lack of promotion of the show, with one fan commenting that they only saw it advertised on the "screen saver".
Despite the cancellation, there is a possibility for a revival if viewership warrants it. Netflix has revived shows in the past based on audience demand, and Santa Clarita Diet fans have already shown their willingness to campaign for the show through petitions and social media campaigns.
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The show's positive reception
Santa Clarita Diet, a Netflix original horror-comedy series, was created by Victor Fresco and starred Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant. The series premiered on February 3, 2017, with an initial release of 10 episodes. The show received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The first season of Santa Clarita Diet received positive reviews, with an approval rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 67 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The critical consensus praised the show's excellent cast, frequent laughs, and engaging premise, while acknowledging that the level of gore might not be to everyone's taste.
The second season also received positive reviews, with an approval rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 7.85/10. The critical consensus for the second season highlighted the show's ability to build on the momentum of its first season, delivering non-stop comedic gore and a big heart that bled profusely for its lovable characters.
The show's unique premise and engaging characters resonated with viewers, who praised its hilarious and heartfelt moments. The cast's incredible chemistry and the growing dynamic between the characters as the show progressed added to its appeal. Despite the show's positive reception, Netflix made the unexpected decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons, leaving fans disappointed and longing for more.
Santa Clarita Diet's creator, Victor Fresco, had envisioned a fourth season, sharing plot ideas that explored the dynamic between Joel and Sheila and how they navigate their transformed lives together. The show's abrupt ending left a void for fans, who were eager to see the new chapter unfold and experience the closure that another season could have provided.
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The possibility of a revival
Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled in 2019 after three seasons, leaving fans disappointed and angry, especially since the third season ended on a cliffhanger. The show's producer, Tracy Katsky Boomer, expressed sadness at the cancellation, and fans have continued to express their anger online, with some saying they will never stop being mad.
The show's creator, Victor Fresco, shared some details about what he had planned for the fourth season, including a plotline with Joel and Sheila in the same boat. He also stated that the cast and crew would have loved to do a fourth season to provide some closure for themselves and the fans.
While there has been no official announcement regarding a revival of the show, there are a few factors that could potentially lead to one. Firstly, the show received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences, with an approval rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes for the first season and 89% for the second season. The show was also well-liked for its cast, frequent laughs, and engaging premise, although the level of gore was not to everyone's taste.
Secondly, Netflix has been known to revive cancelled shows after fan demand, such as Lucifer and Arrested Development. However, it is also important to note that Netflix has no obligation to release viewership data, so it is unclear how popular Santa Clarita Diet was compared to other shows.
Lastly, the cast and crew of Santa Clarita Diet have expressed their love for the show and their willingness to return. For example, Timothy Olyphant, who played Joel, stated that he loved working on the show and would continue to film scenes even if they were not officially part of the show.
In conclusion, while there has been no official announcement, the possibility of a revival of Santa Clarita Diet cannot be ruled out. The show's positive reception, fan demand, and the willingness of the cast and crew to return could potentially lead to a revival in the future. However, it is also important to consider that Netflix has cancelled other shows after a few seasons, and the decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet may have been due to the high cost of production.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Santa Clarita Diet was canceled in 2019 after three seasons.
Santa Clarita Diet was canceled due to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model. The budget for the show is unknown, but it was likely less expensive than shows like The Witcher or Stranger Things.
Fans were disappointed and angry about the cancellation, especially since the show ended on a cliffhanger. There were petitions and social media campaigns to bring the show back, but to no avail.
There is a slim chance that the show could be revived if enough people watch it and there is a high completion rate. Netflix has revived shows in the past based on audience demand.
