Leena Watts
Santa Clarita Diet, a Netflix original horror-comedy series, was cancelled in 2019 after three seasons, leaving fans with a cliffhanger ending. The show, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, followed the lives of married realtors, Sheila and Joel Hammond, who lived in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita with their teenage daughter, Abby. Despite the show's success and acclaim, Netflix's decision to cancel it was based on its cost-plus budget model and relatively low audience turnout. While there is a possibility for a revival if viewership increases, as of now, there are no plans for a fourth season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Streaming platform | Netflix |
| Genre | Horror-comedy |
| Number of seasons | 3 |
| Cancellation date | 2019 |
| Cancellation reason | Cost-plus budget model |
| Audience reaction | Anger and disappointment |
| Creator's reaction | Creator Victor Fresco would love a season 4 |
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What You'll Learn
Why was Santa Clarita Diet cancelled?
The popular Netflix horror-comedy series Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled due to the streamer's "cost-plus" budget model. Netflix's decision to cancel shows is based on audience turnout and critical acclaim. Despite the show's success and acclaim, the production costs were too high to justify a renewal and the pay increases that would follow.
The show's creator, Victor Fresco, was shocked by the cancellation, as he was in the process of editing season 3 when he learned that the sets were being taken down, indicating that the show would not be returning. He felt that Netflix's decision to cancel the show was a contradiction, as they had claimed to want hits of all sizes rather than just favouring originals with the broadest appeal.
The cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet left fans disappointed, especially as the show ended on a cliffhanger. Some viewers felt that Netflix did not promote the show enough, and that they were to blame for its cancellation. Despite the show's loyal following, it appears that Netflix's business model ultimately determined its fate.
There is a possibility that the show could be revived in the future if there is enough audience demand, as Netflix has brought back other cancelled shows in the past. However, it is unlikely that the show will air on another network due to clauses in the original deal that prevent cancelled Netflix shows from airing elsewhere for a significant period of time.
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Will there be another season of Santa Clarita Diet?
Fans of the horror-comedy series Santa Clarita Diet were left disappointed when Netflix announced the show's cancellation in 2019 after three seasons. The show had received positive reviews from critics and had built a strong cult following. So, why did Netflix decide to cancel it?
Netflix's decision to cancel the show came as a surprise to many, especially considering its popularity and critical acclaim. According to sources, the cancellation was due to Netflix's ""cost-plus" budget model and the complicated nature of their original series. Netflix's approach to commissioning shows involves covering all production costs and offering around 30% extra to own most of the licensing rights. This means that future revenue opportunities for successful shows benefit Netflix. However, if a show does not perform well with viewers, Netflix may find itself out of pocket.
While Netflix does not release viewing figures unless it is on its own terms, it seems that Santa Clarita Diet did not bring in enough viewers to outweigh the production costs. Netflix's head of original content, Cindy Holland, commented on the decision, stating that it is a combination of factors, including the audience turnout and critical acclaim. She added that if the audience doesn't show up, they reconsider investing in a show that is not performing as well as hoped.
Despite the cancellation, there is still a possibility for a revival. Netflix has revived shows in the past based on audience demand, and Santa Clarita Diet already has a loyal fanbase with hundreds of thousands of people signing online petitions for its renewal. Victor Fresco, the creator of the show, has expressed his interest in a fourth season and has ideas for Joel's undead journey, including exploring how his more measured attitude could contrast with Sheila's acceptance of her condition. However, as of now, there are no official plans for another season, and fans will have to wait and see if Netflix decides to revive the show in the future.
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What happened at the end of season 3?
The third season of the zombie comedy *Santa Clarita Diet* ended with a few cliffhangers. Firstly, Joel Hammond is attacked by Mr. Ball-Legs, a spider-like creature associated with zombie transformation. His wife, Sheila, bites him, seemingly to save him from the creature, and it is implied that he becomes undead as a result. However, it is unclear if Joel has been saved or if he has been taken over by Mr. Ball-Legs, who crawled into his head.
The season also introduced Popovic, a Serbian zombie enthusiast who wanted to capture zombies and use their blood to delay human ageing. This plotline was mostly resolved by the end of the season, with Popovic being defeated by Joel and a crossbow. However, the Knights of Serbia, a group dedicated to destroying zombies, remained a potential threat to Sheila and Joel, and it is unknown what will happen now that they have their own force for good.
In addition, the third season explored the lives of the couple's daughter, Abby, and her friend, Eric, as they attempted to dodge an FBI agent who suspected them of blowing up a fracking site. By the end of the season, the FBI storyline was wrapped up, with Abby and Eric free to continue their lives and romance. However, with both of Abby's parents now potentially undead, it is unclear what the future holds for her and Eric.
The show was cancelled by Netflix after the third season, leaving these storylines unresolved. However, there has been fan speculation and campaigning for a fourth season, and the show's creator has expressed interest in continuing the story.
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What would have happened in season 4?
Fans of the show were left disappointed when Netflix cancelled Santa Clarita Diet in 2019, leaving the series on a cliffhanger. In the final moments of season 3, Joel is attacked by a flesh-eating spider that crawls into his ear, forcing Sheila to bite him and turn him into a zombie.
Series creator Victor Fresco had shared some ideas for the plot of season 4, which would have explored Joel's undead journey and his new life as a zombie alongside Sheila, now that they were "in the same boat". Fresco suggested that Joel's attitude towards his new condition would be different from Sheila's, and that he would struggle to come to terms with his new life. The season would have delved into the dynamics of their relationship and how they navigate their new circumstances together.
Fresco also expressed interest in exploring the relationship between the Hammonds' daughter, Abby, and their neighbour, Eric. He acknowledged that the cast and crew would love to provide closure to the story and that a revival could be possible if there was enough audience demand.
Despite the cancellation, Santa Clarita Diet has amassed a loyal fanbase who have praised the show's humour and storytelling. There were even online petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures, demonstrating the fans' emotional investment in the series. While a revival seems unlikely in the near future due to the busy schedules of the lead actors, there is always a chance that Netflix could reconsider if the show gains enough traction.
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How did Santa Clarita Diet do critically?
Netflix's horror-comedy series *Santa Clarita Diet* received generally positive reviews from critics. The first season of the show, which premiered on February 3, 2017, garnered a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.20/10. Metacritic gave the first season a score of 67 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The second season also received positive reviews, with an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 7.85/10.
The show's critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads, "Santa Clarita Diet serves up an excellent cast, frequent laughs, and an engaging premise—but the level of gore might not be to everyone's taste." Similarly, Metacritic's description of the show states that it received "generally favorable reviews". The third season maintained the show's positive critical reception, with Rotten Tomatoes' critical consensus describing it as "a generous meal of entrails, morbid humor, and a touching affirmation of marital love."
Despite its positive critical reception and strong cult following, *Santa Clarita Diet* was canceled after three seasons due to Netflix's complicated budget model. The show's abrupt ending left fans disappointed, as the third season concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of the main character Joel Hammond (played by Timothy Olyphant) uncertain.
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Clarita Diet was cancelled due to Netflix's "cost-plus" budget model. Netflix's decision to cancel shows is based on audience turnout and critical acclaim.
In the final episode, Sheila bites her husband, Joel, in an attempt to turn him into a zombie after he is attacked by a flesh-eating spider.
Season 4 would have explored Joel's new life as a zombie and its effects on his relationship with Sheila, as well as the relationship between the Hammonds' daughter Abby and neighbour Eric.
There is a possibility of the show being revived if the viewership makes it seem worthwhile, as Netflix has revived shows in the past based on audience demand.
Fans of the show have expressed disappointment and created online petitions for a fourth season. Some have also shared their own theories and ideas about what could happen in a potential fourth season.
