7 Years Ago, One of Netflix’s Best Original Shows Ended on a Massive Cliffhanger (We’re Still Waiting on More)

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Netflix became the leader in streaming thanks to its limited-run series. Shows like Stranger Things brought back the feeling of everyone watching the same thing, and Squid Game became a worldwide hit, even for those who didn’t speak the language. Before that, Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards proved that streaming services could offer serious, high-quality drama like cable TV. While these shows faced challenges with creative direction, cast changes, and what audiences wanted, Netflix let them finish their stories. Unfortunately, other deserving shows weren’t given the same chance. The OA was canceled mid-story, and 1899 was scrapped after just one season, even though it had a very complex and promising plot. The cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet was particularly frustrating, as it was due to a confusing issue with the show’s contract.

The Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet first appeared on February 3, 2017. Created by Victor Fresco, it starred Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as a couple whose ordinary life is turned upside down when Sheila unexpectedly returns from the dead as a zombie with a craving for human flesh. The show also featured Liv Hewson as their daughter, Abby, and Skyler Gisondo as Eric, a neighbor who becomes a key confidant as the Hammond family keeps increasingly dangerous secrets. Though centered around a zombie storyline, Santa Clarita Diet was really about a marriage that became more open, passionate, and risky after Sheila’s death freed her from social constraints. The horror-comedy ran for three seasons of ten episodes each – the second season arrived on March 23, 2018, and the third on March 29, 2019. Unfortunately, Netflix canceled the show just a month after the third season was released, intentionally leaving some plot threads unfinished.

Why Did Netflix Cancel Santa Clarita Diet?

Over its three seasons, Santa Clarita Diet steadily improved in quality, even as Netflix became less willing to invest in it. The show started with a respectable 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting its unique blend of suburban life and horror. By season two, the rating jumped to 89%, as reviewers praised the show’s more mature writing and compelling characters. The final season earned a perfect 100% score, with critics highlighting its darkly funny and surprisingly touching portrayal of a marriage. Despite this critical success, Netflix canceled Santa Clarita Diet due to its internal financial practices.

In an interview with The Guardian, former Netflix executive Fresco explained a built-in cost structure that often leads to shows being canceled after three seasons. Netflix contracts include increasing bonus payments for each season, making fourth and fifth seasons significantly more expensive. This system is designed to attract creative talent with the promise of future earnings, but Fresco says Netflix rarely delivers on those promises, typically ending shows after three seasons. He explained that contracts have a clause which financially discourages ordering additional seasons, stating, “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.” Essentially, unless a show becomes as popular as Stranger Things, Netflix’s financial model considers three seasons a natural endpoint.

To make matters even more upsetting, Fresco didn’t receive any advance warning about Netflix’s decision to cancel Santa Clarita Diet. He was actively editing Season 3 when a producer came in with the news that Netflix staff were already on set to take down the props and scenery. “That was how I found out for sure the show wasn’t continuing,” he explained.

When Netflix hinted that Season 3 would be the last, the people who made the show intentionally ended it with a cliffhanger. They hoped this would pressure Netflix to order another season, believing an unfinished story would make it harder to cancel. According to creator Fresco, they refused to edit the season to provide a clear ending. Fresco had already planned out Season 4 and knew how the cliffhanger would be resolved, but they kept the story open to highlight the abruptness of the cancellation. He explained, “We didn’t want to make it easy for them to cancel us.” Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t respond as they’d hoped, and the planned Season 4 will likely never be made.

Santa Clarita Diet is currently available to stream in its entirety on Netflix. 

Okay, let’s talk Santa Clarita Diet. Seriously, does this show deserve another season? I’m still holding out hope, and I’d love to hear what you all think! Head over to the ComicBook Forum – you can find the link here: https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/netflix-shows-cancelled-too-early-santa-clarita-diet-american-vandal/ – and let’s discuss whether Netflix should bring Sheila and Joel back for more zombie shenanigans!

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2026-03-29 19:18