Santa Clarita Diet: Will The Show Ever Return?

when will santa clarita diet be back

The Santa Clarita Diet is a horror-comedy series that debuted on Netflix in February 2017. The show, created by Victor Fresco, centres on a married couple, Sheila and Joel Hammond, who are real estate agents. Their lives take a turn when Sheila starts exhibiting zombie-like tendencies and develops a craving for human flesh. Despite amassing a loyal fanbase, the show was cancelled by Netflix in 2019 after three seasons, leaving fans disappointed and calling for a revival. While there have been no recent updates on the show's return, Netflix has been known to revive cancelled shows, leaving room for the possibility of a Santa Clarita Diet comeback.

Characteristics Values
Show Name Santa Clarita Diet
Streaming Platform Netflix
Cancellation Date 2019
Number of Seasons 3
Fan Campaigns Yes
Petition Yes
Social Media Campaigns Yes
Revival Chances Unlikely but not impossible

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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 since the show ended on a cliffhanger. However, the cancellation can be attributed to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, which played a significant role in the show's demise.

The "cost-plus" model used by Netflix involves the company paying for a show's production costs upfront, plus a premium of 30% or more of the overall costs. This model incentivizes the streaming service to produce a large library of original content that viewers can discover and binge-watch at any time. With each new season, the budget increases significantly due to pay bumps for writers, actors, and crew, as well as backend costs for vendors and producers. By the fourth season and beyond, the costs can escalate to millions of dollars in bonuses, making it increasingly expensive for Netflix to produce the show.

Santa Clarita Diet, a beloved zombie comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, was a massive hit in its first season and garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, despite its success, the show fell victim to the financial constraints of Netflix's budget model. The streaming service has been known to prioritize profitability and stretching their investment dollars, and with the significant cost increase expected for a fourth season of Santa Clarita Diet, the decision to cancel the show was made.

While Netflix has revived shows in the past due to audience demand, such as Lucifer and Arrested Development, the fate of Santa Clarita Diet remains uncertain. The show's producers and cast may be willing to return, but Netflix does not seem interested in providing closure to the series' fans. The streaming service has turned a substantial profit in the years since the show's cancellation, and it is unlikely that another network will convince Netflix to sell the rights to the show.

Despite the disappointment, the cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet highlights the challenges of producing content for streaming platforms. The financial considerations and business models of these services often take precedence over the desires of fans and the creative visions of showrunners.

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Fans started a petition and social media campaigns to bring the show back

Fans of the Netflix Original zombie comedy, Santa Clarita Diet, were left disappointed when the show was cancelled after season 3. The show, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, followed married real estate agents, one of whom was a zombie with a taste for human flesh. The show ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans wanting more.

In response to the show's cancellation, fans started a petition and social media campaigns to bring it back. The petition, started by Josh Richards of Butte, Montana, on Change.org, garnered over 100,000 signatures within a week. Richards called the show "amazingly written, produced and performed" and expressed his hope that another network or streaming service would pick it up and finish the story. He also pointed out the potential value of the 120,000 petitioners as customers for a streaming service.

Fans also took to social media to express their disappointment and call for the show's return. Some suggested that Netflix was making a "HUGE mistake" in cancelling the show, while others lamented the fact that Netflix owned the rights to the show, making it unlikely that another network could pick it up. Despite the fan outcry, Netflix did not reverse its decision.

While it seems unlikely that Santa Clarita Diet will return, there is still a possibility for a revival if viewership increases and makes it seem "worth" the investment. Netflix has revived other shows in the past due to audience demand, such as Lucifer and Arrested Development. So, while fans may have to learn to never say never, for now, it seems that Santa Clarita Diet remains cancelled.

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Netflix is unlikely to sell the rights to the show to another network

Netflix's decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons has disappointed many fans, who are eager for a fourth season to provide a more satisfying ending to the show. While some viewers have suggested that another network could pick up the show, this seems unlikely.

Firstly, Netflix likely owns the rights to Santa Clarita Diet, as it was a Netflix Original series. This means that any potential revival on another platform would require Netflix's cooperation in selling the rights, which is not guaranteed. Netflix has a history of cancelling shows after three seasons, and its "cost-plus" budget model may have played a role in the decision to end Santa Clarita Diet. With each new season, the budget increases significantly due to pay bumps for talent and crew, backend costs, and other factors. Thus, Netflix may have deemed it unprofitable to continue the show beyond three seasons.

Secondly, the availability of the show's talent could be an issue. The show's stars, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, are currently busy with other projects, such as Barrymore's talk show and Olyphant's role in The Mandalorian. This could make it challenging to coordinate schedules and secure their involvement in a potential revival.

Additionally, the show's creator, Victor Fresco, was blindsided by the cancellation and learned about it while editing season three when he was informed that the sets were being dismantled. This abrupt ending may have left loose ends that would be challenging to revisit or continue in a potential revival. While Fresco has expressed interest in a fourth season and has ideas for the storyline, the likelihood of Netflix selling the rights to another network remains low.

Lastly, Netflix tends to make renewal decisions based on "completion rate," favouring shows with higher percentages of viewers who watch the entire season. If Santa Clarita Diet's completion rate was not high enough, it could be a factor in Netflix's reluctance to revive the show or sell the rights to another network.

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The creator of the show, Victor Fresco, was blindsided by the cancellation

Fresco also discussed being "blindsided" by the cancellation, expressing that he was in the middle of editing season three when he received the news. He attributed the cancellation to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, which involves significant cost increases with each new season. This results in a huge disincentive for the platform to renew shows for a fourth or fifth season. Despite this, Fresco acknowledged that the show had a niche audience and was well-received by viewers who praised its humour and storytelling.

Fresco had previously hinted at his decision to end season three on a cliffhanger, as he anticipated that Netflix might cancel the series. He stated that they did not want to make it easier for Netflix to make that decision. The show's ending left fans wanting more, and Fresco himself has expressed interest in reviving the series, with many ideas for how the story could unfold. He acknowledged the petitions and campaigns by fans to bring the show back, and shared his disappointment that the rug was pulled from under them.

While a revival of Santa Clarita Diet is not currently in the works, there is always a possibility that it could happen in the future, especially considering the popularity of the show and the desire for closure from fans. Netflix has revived other shows in the past, and if enough viewers rewatch the series, there may be a chance for a revival. However, it is important to consider the availability of the cast, as some of the actors have moved on to other projects.

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Netflix might bring the show back if it starts being watched in large numbers

Fans of the Netflix Original zombie comedy-drama *Santa Clarita Diet* were left disappointed when the streaming platform decided to cancel the show after three seasons. The series, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as married real estate agents, ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans wanting more. Despite the show's cancellation, there is a possibility that Netflix might reconsider and bring it back for another season.

The decision to cancel *Santa Clarita Diet* was attributed to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, which involves paying for production costs upfront, along with a premium of 30% or more of the total costs. With each new season, the budget increases significantly, especially with pay bumps for writers, actors, and crew. However, the show's creator, Victor Fresco, and fans have not given up hope for a revival.

Fresco has expressed his desire to bring the show back, acknowledging the loyal fanbase the series had garnered and the disappointment felt by many when it was cancelled. He has even discussed potential ideas for the character Joel's undead journey, as the show ended with a bite that left his fate uncertain. While there were online petitions and social media campaigns to save the show, Netflix has not shown much interest in reviving it.

Despite this, there is still a chance for a revival if the show starts being watched in large numbers. Netflix considers the completion rate when making renewal decisions, favouring shows with a dedicated audience that watches the entire series. If *Santa Clarita Diet* sees a surge in viewership and audiences rewatch the series, Netflix might reconsider and bring it back for a fourth season. The streaming giant has revived other shows in the past, such as *Lucifer*, and *Santa Clarita Diet* could be next if it gains enough traction.

However, it is important to consider the challenges, as some of the cast members, like Barrymore and Olyphant, are currently engaged in other projects. Additionally, the creators would have to negotiate the budget increases and payout bonuses that come with subsequent seasons. Nevertheless, with a passionate fanbase and strong viewership, there is a possibility that *Santa Clarita Diet* could rise from the dead on Netflix.

Frequently asked questions

Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled by Netflix in 2019 after three seasons. The show's creator, Victor Fresco, has expressed interest in reviving the series, and there is a possibility that Netflix or another network could bring it back in the future if there is enough demand and interest from fans.

Santa Clarita Diet's cancellation has been attributed to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model, which results in significantly increased costs for each additional season. Additionally, Netflix has a history of cancelling shows after three seasons.

The cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet upset many fans, who started petitions and social media campaigns to save the show. The show's creator, Victor Fresco, also shared his disappointment, acknowledging the loyal fanbase the show had amassed and the desire for closure following the cliffhanger ending.

It is unlikely that another network will pick up Santa Clarita Diet as Netflix likely owns the rights to the show, and convincing them to sell the rights is challenging. However, in the entertainment industry, revivals and unexpected returns have happened, so there is always a chance for the show to return in some form.

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