"Santa Clarita Diet," a unique blend of horror and comedy, quickly garnered a dedicated following and critical acclaim. The series, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, revolved around the Hammond family navigating the challenges of Sheila's transformation into a zombie. However, despite its initial success, Netflix canceled the show after three seasons, leaving fans and creators alike "blindsided." This article delves into the reasons behind the cancellation, examining Netflix's business model, the show's creative direction, and the broader context of content strategy.
A Promising Start
"Santa Clarita Diet" offered a fresh take on the zombie genre, mixing suburban satire with gore and dark humor. The show followed Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore), a realtor who suddenly becomes a zombie, and her husband, Joel (Timothy Olyphant), as they try to maintain a semblance of normalcy while dealing with Sheila's new appetite for human flesh. The series was praised for its witty writing, strong performances, and inventive premise.
The Cliffhanger Ending
The third season concluded with a major cliffhanger: Joel also became a zombie. This twist set the stage for a potentially exciting fourth season, exploring the dynamic of two undead partners navigating life together. Creator Victor Fresco had plans for Season 4, envisioning a scenario where Joel and Sheila were "in the same boat," exploring how Joel's personality and approach to life would change as a zombie. Fresco suggested that Joel could develop a "different attitude" and that it would be interesting "to see him with that unleashed and what he turns into. So not just who he kills and how he kills, but what kind of person he becomes."
However, these plans were never realized. Fresco revealed that he was in the editing suite for season three when he learned that the sets were being dismantled, signaling the show's abrupt end.
Netflix's "Cost-Plus" Model
One of the primary reasons for the cancellation was Netflix's "cost-plus" business model. According to Deadline, this model involves Netflix covering all production costs for a show, plus an additional 30% premium. While this arrangement gives Netflix ownership of most licensing rights and future revenue opportunities, it also means that production costs increase with each season.
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As Cindy Holland, Netflix's head of original content, explained at an INTV conference, Netflix decides how much to invest in a show based on the audience that will show up. If the audience doesn't show up, they rethink investing in something that doesn't do as well as they had hoped.
Fresco also pointed out that Netflix includes annually-increasing bonuses in most contracts. "If you look closely at your deal, you’ll see that there’s a huge disincentive for them to order seasons four and five," he explained to The Guardian.
In the case of "Santa Clarita Diet," the show's production costs increased from season to season. While the show had a dedicated fanbase and received critical acclaim, Netflix may have determined that the viewership numbers did not justify the rising production costs.
The Three-Season Curse
Back in "Santa Clarita Diet's" day, Netflix was infamous for canceling its shows after three seasons. (GLOW and Locke & Key were also victims of this practice.)
Fresco noted that unless a show is a "monster hit" like "Stranger Things," it typically has a three-year run. This pattern suggests that Netflix may have a predetermined lifespan for many of its original series, regardless of their quality or popularity.
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Creative Frustration and a Swipe at Netflix
Fresco expressed his disappointment and frustration with Netflix's decision. He revealed that the choice to end season three on a cliffhanger was a deliberate attempt to make it harder for Netflix to cancel the show. "We didn’t want to make it easier for them to cancel us," Fresco said.
In a statement released after the cancellation, Fresco and producer Tracy Katsky Boomer praised Netflix for its initial support but also took a swipe at the streaming service. "Netflix took a chance on this odd show and for that we will always be grateful. They were supportive, ever positive, and appreciative of our work. Until about noon today."
The Fan Reaction
The cancellation of "Santa Clarita Diet" sparked outrage among fans, who felt that the show deserved a proper conclusion. Many viewers were invested in the characters and the ongoing storylines, and they were disappointed that the cliffhanger ending would never be resolved.
Drew Barrymore, who played Sheila Hammond, also expressed her love for the show and her character. "Of all of the characters I've ever been, Sheila Hammond is one of my favorites," she said in a statement. "She and Joel were an amazing couple who had shared goals. And I am lucky to have worked alongside Tim Olyphant. It was an honor to get to do something so delightful. Sheila lives forever in me."
The Bigger Picture: Netflix's Content Strategy
The cancellation of "Santa Clarita Diet" reflects a broader trend in Netflix's content strategy. The streaming giant is constantly seeking the next big hit, and it is willing to cancel shows that do not meet its expectations, even if they have a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
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Netflix's focus on quantity over quality has led to a high turnover of original series, with many shows being canceled after just one or two seasons. This approach can be frustrating for viewers who invest their time in a show only to see it disappear abruptly.
The Future of "Santa Clarita Diet"
While the show has been canceled by Netflix, there is still a possibility that it could be revived on another platform. Victor Fresco has expressed interest in continuing the story, and the show's fanbase remains passionate.
However, there are challenges to overcome. Netflix typically includes a clause in its contracts that prevents canceled shows from airing elsewhere for a significant period, potentially as long as five to seven years. This restriction makes it difficult for other networks or streaming services to pick up canceled Netflix shows.
Despite these obstacles, the possibility of a "Santa Clarita Diet" revival remains alive. The show's unique premise, strong cast, and dedicated fanbase could make it an attractive prospect for another platform.
The Algorithm and the "Ideal Customer"
One of the criticisms leveled against Netflix is its reliance on algorithms to determine what shows viewers are offered. According to some, Netflix's user interface is not effective at helping viewers find what they want, particularly if their tastes do not align with the most popular shows.
Shows like "Santa Clarita Diet," which combined elements of sitcom, horror, and dark comedy, may not fit neatly into Netflix's algorithm-driven recommendations. This can make it difficult for these shows to find a wide audience, even if they are well-received by those who do discover them.
The Quest for the Next "Squid Game"
Ultimately, Netflix's cancellation of "Santa Clarita Diet" reflects its ongoing quest for the next global phenomenon. The streaming giant is constantly searching for shows that can attract a massive audience and generate significant buzz.
In its pursuit of these elusive hits, Netflix may be overlooking the value of niche shows that appeal to specific audiences. While these shows may not generate the same level of revenue as a "Stranger Things" or "Squid Game," they can still contribute to Netflix's overall subscriber base and brand image.