Santa Clarita Diet: Timothy Olyphant’s Underrated Netflix Gem

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Santa Clarita Diet is a unique and entertaining show that cleverly mixes horror, comedy, and heartfelt drama. The series stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as Sheila and Joel Hammond, a couple whose lives are completely upended when Sheila experiences a bizarre transformation – she seemingly dies, then comes back to life with a craving for human flesh.

Timothy Olyphant usually plays more serious characters, but this is a delightful surprise. The show is essentially a horror story cleverly hidden within a family comedy, and it manages to be excellent at both.

Santa Clarita Diet Is the Most ‘Normal’ Zombie Show Out There

At its heart, Santa Clarita Diet is about chaos, staying alive, and being frightened. However, the show surprisingly gives its main character, Sheila, a very normal, everyday suburban life.

What I really loved about Santa Clarita Diet is how Sheila’s family just rolls with things – they don’t question it, they just accept it. And honestly, the show trusts you to do the same! Netflix doesn’t bother explaining how or why Sheila came back, and I appreciated that. It’s a really smart balance too, because every funny moment is quickly followed by something tense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. But at its heart, the show isn’t about the zombie stuff – it’s about family and how they navigate everything together, and that’s what really made it special.

Timothy Olyphant Is Funny and Vulnerable in Santa Clarita Diet

Joel is the opposite of polished and put-together. He’s openly imperfect – clumsy, worried, and not afraid to show when he’s struggling or making mistakes.

The show Santa Clarita Diet centers on Joel’s devotion to his wife, Sheila. As Sheila embraces a newfound confidence, Joel struggles to cope with her transformation into a zombie and the messy consequences that come with it.

Even when faced with bizarre situations – like getting rid of bodies, dealing with difficult neighbors, or experiencing strange cravings – Olyphant portrays Joel as a relatable and believable person. His skillful comedy and genuine emotions make you genuinely care about what happens to him.

Why Santa Clarita Diet Still Matters

Despite only lasting three seasons, Santa Clarita Diet remains a favorite among viewers. It’s one of the streamer’s lesser-known, but highly enjoyable shows that deserves a rewatch or a first-time binge. The show built a dedicated following through positive recommendations, rather than big advertising campaigns, and once people discovered it, they really connected with it.

Drew Barrymore not only excels at physical comedy, but also delivers surprisingly heartfelt performances when the story allows. Her character, Sheila, could easily have become a one-dimensional stereotype, but instead, she’s a complex and well-developed partner for Timothy Olyphant’s Joel, creating a truly memorable undead duo.

If you have Netflix, you should definitely check out Santa Clarita Diet if you haven’t seen it yet.

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2026-01-12 07:36