Netflix Cancels ‘Santa Clarita Diet’

There was a time where Netflix was seen as the last bastion of hope for TV programs that were cancelled on network television.  Even now they still swoop in occasionally and give a cancelled show like “Lucifer” one more season on their service.  However, these days it seems like Netflix is the one doing most of the cancelling.

The streaming service revealed this weekend that they were giving the axe to zombie comedy series “Santa Clarita Diet.”  The show starred Drew Barrymore as a woman trying to maintain a normal life after becoming a zombie.  It also featured Timothy Olyphant as her well meaning, but doopey, husband.

The cancellation comes after three season and at a time when the show seemed to be gaining popularity.  As Deadline points out the cancellation is likely due to the contract Netflix has with its original shows.   The deals are apparently written in such a way that the cost of production and payouts drastically increase for Netflix after the third season.  So unless a show is an absolute ratings monster, it doesn’t behove them to keep producing new seasons of the show. Which, if that were the case, maybe it would be a good idea to the let the creators know so they can create a proper conclusion?

But hey, I’m sure burning the creative people that create content for  your service won’t be an issue down the line.