Santa Clarita Diet, the horror-comedy series created by Victor Fresco, has a poignant story behind its cancellation. Premiering in February 2017 and concluding after three seasons on Netflix, the show centers on Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore) and her husband, Joel (Timothy Olyphant). Their seemingly ordinary life takes a dark turn when Sheila develops an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Despite its unique premise and a dedicated fanbase, the series ultimately faced cancellation—a situation not uncommon in the era of streaming.
In an insightful feature for The Guardian, Fresco shared the emotional moment he discovered the show was being canceled, highlighting the challenges faced by creators in the current entertainment landscape. Fresco consciously chose to end Santa Clarita Diet on a cliffhanger, motivated by a sense of impending cancellation.
“We didn’t want to make it easier for them to cancel us. We thought ‘Why are we doing their work for them?’”
Fresco vividly recalls feeling “blindsided”by the decision, explaining that he found out about the cancellation while he was finalizing edits for season three. This revelation came from an assistant producer who informed him that the sets were being dismantled. This sudden news underscored the precarious nature of creative projects in the streaming era. Fresco elaborates on the difficulties of securing a fourth season, emphasizing how financial structures can disincentivize extended runs for shows that, like Santa Clarita Diet, may cater to niche audiences rather than mainstream appeal.
“It was explained to us that you don’t have to be popular with everybody. This was one of the appeals: just find a niche audience.”
“You really have, at best, a three-year run [unless you’re a] monster hit. If you look closely at your deal, you’ll see that there’s a huge disincentive for them to order seasons four and five because they’re really making a big payout then.”
Insights from Fresco on Santa Clarita Diet & TV Show Cancellations
The Ongoing Challenges of TV Show Cancellations
The issue of show cancellations is not new, and while some might argue it’s a recurring theme in TV history, the complexities of today’s viewing landscape introduce significant differences. Unlike traditional broadcast networks, which typically operate within limited time slots and thus provide shows with a fair shot at capturing an audience, streaming platforms like Netflix present a doubling of the challenge.
With over 500 new titles released by Netflix in 2024 alone, standing out becomes increasingly difficult. Even a well-received series like Santa Clarita Diet, praised by critics and boasting a fervent fanbase, struggled to gain the traction necessary for renewal in a sea of content. This phenomenon highlights the pressing issue of how mid-tier shows can sustain their longevity, contrasting sharply with the established networks like CBS, ABC, and NBC, which more often nurture their shows beyond three seasons.
Reflections on Santa Clarita Diet’s Cancellation
What to Watch for in Netflix’s 2025 Slate
As Netflix prepares for notable returns in 2025, including beloved series like Wednesday, The Night Agent, and the concluding episodes of Squid Game and Cobra Kai, it’s crucial to observe their strategy towards accommodating a diverse range of shows. Will Netflix continue to support modest series that, while less mainstream, cultivate a dedicated audience? Reflecting on Santa Clarita Diet’s cancellation, it raises questions about whether the streaming giant has truly embraced its promise to elevate hits of all sizes, particularly when they aren’t capturing headlines as often as their blockbuster counterparts.
For further insights, visit The Guardian.
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