Santa Clarita Diet

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 3, 2017
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 211 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 168 out of 211
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 211
  3. Negative: 21 out of 211

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User Reviews

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  1. TheKiddy
    Apr 8, 2018
    2
    Timothy Olyphant is one of the sexiest men alive and a very strong actor with star power. None of this is in evidence in Santa Clarita Diet. They must be paying him a huge amount per episode, because this is a huge waste of talent.
  2. Tony1984
    Apr 11, 2019
    5
    Gross out comedy horror starring Timothy Olyphant who has obviously gotten tired of playing cool guys and goes hell for leather as the awkward dork with Drew Barrymore going uber coarse. I've never heard someone called a c**tstick before. A weird concoction that works. Apart from the sardonic teenage daughter. She adds nothing.
  3. reviewfrom19842
    Apr 29, 2017
    6
    Santa Clarita Diet first episode was so awful that I thought the whole show was going to be a disaster but it start to get better and better with each episodes.

    Best Episode Strange or Just Inconsiderate? 7/10
    Worst Episode So Then a Bat or A Monkey 3/10
  4. tinman2621
    Feb 11, 2017
    4
    Disappointing.

    I had high hopes for this show, but it most definitely fell short. Unfortunately for the viewer, there are but a few good jokes in this series, which proves to be both, poorly written and poorly executed.
  5. juxtaposed
    Mar 25, 2018
    3
    The Santa Clarita Diet does for your entertainment what the Taco Bell diet does for your body. Your appetite may feel satisfied, but once it has run its course you are essentially left with 30% satisfaction and 70% manure. In the first episode of this series, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant were out to seemingly set the bar lower than a contortionist's limbo record. Viewers are forceThe Santa Clarita Diet does for your entertainment what the Taco Bell diet does for your body. Your appetite may feel satisfied, but once it has run its course you are essentially left with 30% satisfaction and 70% manure. In the first episode of this series, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant were out to seemingly set the bar lower than a contortionist's limbo record. Viewers are force fed the predictable conflicts and characters are introduced in a nonchalant yet annoying way. Thankfully, with the bar set that low, the rest of the series steadily gets 'better'. I put that in quotes because the acting and writing remain at a level just above unbearable. This show attempts B-horror shoddiness and cringe humor, but does neither well. Olyphant and Barrymore were meant for bigger and better dining than what the Santa Clarita Diet offers them. The copious amounts of blood and gore are less disturbing than the contrived bad acting and blatantly lazy writing. Like watching two feral dogs doing it in an alleyway, you're grossed out and think to turn away, but something ugly in the deep core of your humanity makes you want to see it through.… Expand
  6. Rtheom
    Feb 5, 2017
    7
    It's a fun little show with some decent humor moments, but I wouldn't necessarily call it the best thing out there. Would I watch more? Yes. Would I watch what I just did again? No.

    There's nothing really new or clever here, the characters kinda work together, but they don't ever feel quite like they really know each other, but it kinda melds okay. Unfortunately, this is definitely only    It's a fun little show with some decent humor moments, but I wouldn't necessarily call it the best thing out there. Would I watch more? Yes. Would I watch what I just did again? No.

    There's nothing really new or clever here, the characters kinda work together, but they don't ever feel quite like they really know each other, but it kinda melds okay. Unfortunately, this is definitely only half of a season. The entire thing ends so abruptly I was certain there was more. I'll come back to watch the second season, but I'm also pretty likely just to forget this even exists by the time that happens.

    In the end, it's a fun little diversion if you don't have anything else really burning on your watch list, but there's a lot better out there too.    … Expand
  7. Iky009
    Mar 2, 2017
    8
    I've never had so much fun with a zombie comedy since Zombieland, and I've never been so bloody shocked since The Walking Dead. Santa Clarita Diet conquers with its acid humor, bloody moments and much, but very disgusting, it is certainly a full plate for fans of the genre, and of course, Drew Barrymore gives a show as the most charismatic living I already saw.
  8. Scario
    Feb 4, 2017
    10
    Weird to see Timothy Olyphant in a dark comedy, but he does pull it off. Drew Barrymore is her usual lovely self and brilliant as the mother. Not a standard zombie killing show, but a well written comedy that has a good story and background. Deserves a second season.
  9. TheCalamity
    Feb 7, 2017
    2
    Lazily written and hammy poor acting. I think they thought they could hide behind the excuse of trying to emulate some b-horror moments. But b horror has a feel that this lacks utterly. This is a poorly executed show that straddles the line between really-bad-conventional-comedy and b-horror-tropes-by-people-that-don't-get-b-horror.

    It's pretty forgettable.
  10. Sojum
    Feb 4, 2017
    6
    I want the show to be better. Better Off Ted was wildly funny and under appreciated. Maybe the focus on star power hinders this one. Drew Barrymore is like a lead weight to Timothy Olyphant's balloon boy schtick. There's no equilibrium and the two really need a combined wackiness that leaves orbit to make this show work fully. Particularly when the comedy is more whimsy and clever thanI want the show to be better. Better Off Ted was wildly funny and under appreciated. Maybe the focus on star power hinders this one. Drew Barrymore is like a lead weight to Timothy Olyphant's balloon boy schtick. There's no equilibrium and the two really need a combined wackiness that leaves orbit to make this show work fully. Particularly when the comedy is more whimsy and clever than laugh out loud funny. But the supporting cast helps keep things interesting and afloat. I'm just not sure for how long. Bringing in BOT's Portia de Rossi in the last episodes made me happy I stuck around even if a bit too little too late.… Expand
  11. ozymandias79
    Feb 6, 2017
    7
    Santa Clarita Diet isn't lol funny but its funny enough to be entertaining. Drew Barrymore is great, and Timothy Olyphant's manic performances are good too. The HDR is also great. All the F-bombs and an even a C-bomb were highly appreciated. Netflix, please continue to produce adult-level entertainment.
  12. Thirdrail
    Feb 6, 2017
    6
    If they'd just given Drew Barrymore's part to The Waitress, this show would be a 9, not a 6. Victor Fresco (the genius who had Byron worship a giant sheep in Andy Richter Controls the Universe) is always funny as hell, and while Timothy Olyphant has a couple of rough scenes, he adapts quickly to the material, and shines by the end of the first episode. Unfortunately, there's just noIf they'd just given Drew Barrymore's part to The Waitress, this show would be a 9, not a 6. Victor Fresco (the genius who had Byron worship a giant sheep in Andy Richter Controls the Universe) is always funny as hell, and while Timothy Olyphant has a couple of rough scenes, he adapts quickly to the material, and shines by the end of the first episode. Unfortunately, there's just no escaping the fact that Drew Barrymore, now sans the puppy dog cuteness that once made her tolerable, is a terrible, terrible actress. She's not funny. She's not endearing. She's just awful; a problem which is only exacerbated by having her play opposite people as talented as Olyphant and The Waitress. I can't not recommend a Victor Fresco show, but, at the same time, the pain and discomfort of watching Barrymore soil the bed scene after scene after scene means that this one comes with a much higher price tag than usual.… Expand
  13. Sheils1234
    Mar 13, 2017
    10
    Very entertaining and different. Drew Barrymore never disappoints. All the characters are great and the storyline cracks me up. Love it and can't wait for season 2.
  14. vishalgoradia27
    Feb 4, 2017
    8
    Let me get two things straight
    1. The writing is amazing. It's funny and dark as hell. 4 episodes in, and I am thoroughly in love with the story.
    2. The miscast is visible. And I mean it's visible. The writing keeps things good; but on some instances, you really do end up wishing if only it were someone else cast as the leads. [PS. I can't help but wonder how absolutely amazing it    Let me get two things straight
    1. The writing is amazing. It's funny and dark as hell. 4 episodes in, and I am thoroughly in love with the story.
    2. The miscast is visible. And I mean it's visible. The writing keeps things good; but on some instances, you really do end up wishing if only it were someone else cast as the leads.

    [PS. I can't help but wonder how absolutely amazing it would have been if it were Nathan Fillion who was cast as the male lead.]    … Expand
  15. discodirk46
    Feb 5, 2017
    0
    I'm a big fan of horror films, love comedy, love horror/comedy, love Drew. That being said I almost couldn't get through the first episode, not because of the gore but I just didn't find it funny. It veered into dumb territory and I like Timothy Olliphant but I don't think he works. #fail
  16. JorgeLestre
    Feb 3, 2017
    6
    'Santa Clarita Diet' triumphs when combining humor with gore but it starts to lose grip while coming to the end of the season. Also is great to see Drew Barrymore returning to comedy but the humoristic talent of Timothy Olyphant sucks... big time!
  17. illuminatiprimu
    Feb 12, 2017
    10
    This is one of the best comedies that I've seen in a very long time. It's entirely original and manages to have an unpredictable plot without falling into any of the usual TV tropes that I've come to know and loathe. I'm not really into gory stuff so that definitely wasn't a draw for me, but the dialogue is just so weird and brilliant that my partner and I spent huge chunks of timeThis is one of the best comedies that I've seen in a very long time. It's entirely original and manages to have an unpredictable plot without falling into any of the usual TV tropes that I've come to know and loathe. I'm not really into gory stuff so that definitely wasn't a draw for me, but the dialogue is just so weird and brilliant that my partner and I spent huge chunks of time laughing uncontrollably. Barrymore and Olyphant are incredible in this, particularly Olyphant who is apparently new to comedy but I think has nailed it. We binged through the show in two sittings and we can't wait for more! I can't recommend this show enough.… Expand
  18. Poppypuppy
    Aug 8, 2018
    0
    This show needs serious writing improvement, the use of the F-bonb and other language is too much! Drew Barrymore shame on you as a producer and not instill better writing for the show. Being creative and actually writing more than F-bombs, etc.-takes talent. Clean it up and get some talented writers!
  19. arnolevin
    Mar 10, 2017
    0
    I cannot believe that this show even got a single rating above 2. It's awful and absurd! Barrymore's acting also seems awkward and out of place here. Comedy and Horror should stay firmly separate.
  20. metabad
    Apr 29, 2017
    7
    The first 2 episodes were ok, but episode by episode, it got better.
    Halfway through it started having some hilarious scenes in it.
    Much better than I expected. I like the supporting actors and Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant do a great job, especially the latter, playing the terrified, way over his head husband really well.
    Glad, the show got renewed for a second season.
  21. Skeletor71
    Feb 13, 2017
    8
    Pretty funny if you watch it with the wife and two bottles of wine. It was actually quite a pleasant surprise for us as my wife hates zombies and anything zombie-related.
  22. Seppo
    Feb 6, 2017
    8
    Thought this was an absolute treat. Drew's performance was a little lacking in the beginning but grew over time. To see Olyphant in a comedic role was a surprisingly fun ride. I binged it in two days and absolutely enjoyed it.
  23. IJL711
    Mar 18, 2017
    9
    I went in not knowing what to expect, but I came out the other end really loving this new series; I hope it continues as a series, at any rate. I will admit that the first couple episodes are extremely heavy on the exposition and it just kind of jumps before you really get a handle of the personalities of the main characters. After that, though, I really got hooked. More than anything,I went in not knowing what to expect, but I came out the other end really loving this new series; I hope it continues as a series, at any rate. I will admit that the first couple episodes are extremely heavy on the exposition and it just kind of jumps before you really get a handle of the personalities of the main characters. After that, though, I really got hooked. More than anything, I love the delivery of so many of the jokes/laughs. As opposed to many current and past sitcoms, the delivery seems more organic compared to the campy delivery of other shows (anyone say "Friends").
    I would say that the characters themselves seem about as unreal as a fully cognizant zombie; everyone seems really okay with murder and cannibalism. If you can handle the whiplash of the speed at which the show jumps in as well as a little gore, then I would say most comedy enthusiasts could get into this.    … Expand
  24. sonder
    Feb 6, 2017
    8
    The Santa Clarita diet is entertaining, funny, and easy to binge watch. I would be disappointed if there isn't another season, but there will be. The creators of the underrated and under-watched "Better of Ted" have finally returned to television! I almost didn't watch this series because I hate zombie shows almost as much as I hate cop dramas, but this show puts a refreshing andThe Santa Clarita diet is entertaining, funny, and easy to binge watch. I would be disappointed if there isn't another season, but there will be. The creators of the underrated and under-watched "Better of Ted" have finally returned to television! I almost didn't watch this series because I hate zombie shows almost as much as I hate cop dramas, but this show puts a refreshing and self-aware twist on the genre, and I luckily gave a single episode a half-hour chance.

    Timothy Olyphant is being slammed by users on metacritic, but he plays the role of a metaphorically impotent lead actor. This is almost a more believable role for the actor than his alpha-male gunslinger roles in the fantastic Deadwood, and over-rated Justified. Those mainstream critics born before 1970 are way off on their reviews of this show, acting like a little little blood stains the integrity of the show.

    I'm writing this review because the favorable user-submitted metacritic reviews are fair, while the mainstream critic and rotten tomatoes reviews are not. I commend Netflix for bringing back "Better of Ted" and then giving the creators a second chance at a new and original show. Please Netflix, keep it up!    … Expand
  25. night4
    Apr 22, 2018
    8
    This is extremely entertaining. To those whining about the "gore"... if the show didn't have that gimmick, it wouldn't be a show. Period.

    Anyway, this is one of the funniest shows I've watched in *years*, literally.
  26. Cristiancritic
    Feb 6, 2017
    10
    i love the serie
    aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  27. itshanhh
    Mar 6, 2017
    8
    It is very different compared to the shows I usually watch. I was a tad bit grossed out at first, but somehow Drew Barrymore makes even the weirdest, grossest things to be funny. I actually ended up really enjoying the show after 3 episodes.
  28. adamofthebread
    Apr 3, 2017
    10
    a really good show the acting great the story great if i where to rate it i would give it a home cooked Panini out of 10. Timothy Olyphant is my favourite man and favorite actor i hope to have a sandwich with him and his seens was a meatball marina sandwich out of 10
  29. PrettyGood
    Sep 13, 2017
    6
    Enjoyable, at best. It had potential, but the result is disappointing. Of course, there are people who would worship this type of show. This is not for you if you're looking for a horror comedy, or even a romantic comedy.
  30. MallRat15
    Jul 18, 2018
    8
    A surprisingly hilarious dark comedy show, laughed many times while watching this season. Show flows very well and uses humor at great times. Wasn't expecting it too be so dark before watching it but I am glad it took that route. The two leads in the show Barrymore and Olyphant carry the show where as the supporting cast isn't great but they have their moments for sure. A very well writtenA surprisingly hilarious dark comedy show, laughed many times while watching this season. Show flows very well and uses humor at great times. Wasn't expecting it too be so dark before watching it but I am glad it took that route. The two leads in the show Barrymore and Olyphant carry the show where as the supporting cast isn't great but they have their moments for sure. A very well written story that continues from episode to episode. A great late night watch if your looking to get a good laugh from a show.… Expand
  31. WorldofLucky
    May 3, 2018
    8
    Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star in this Netflix-original series as married realtors, Sheila and Joel, who are living a quiet life, raising their teenage daughter in Santa Clarita, Calif. Their world unexpectedly changes when Sheila dies and becomes a zombie, a cute hungry and sometimes feral zombie.

    The show is a lot better then I would expected. I wouldn't have thought that    Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star in this Netflix-original series as married realtors, Sheila and Joel, who are living a quiet life, raising their teenage daughter in Santa Clarita, Calif. Their world unexpectedly changes when Sheila dies and becomes a zombie, a cute hungry and sometimes feral zombie.

    The show is a lot better then I would expected. I wouldn't have thought that either actor would do well in a 30 minute comedy based on keeping the wife fed, looking for a cure (thanks Serbia) and from being discovered. The show can be gory, can be crass but is almost always funny. There are a ton of guest stars as well, all in memorable roles. I am looking at you Nathan Fillion (GARY!).

    The show is even good enough that I enjoy the teenager subplots involving their daughter and daughter's geeky best friend. The show also kept what made it good in the second season and improved it. I am looking forward to season 3 already.

    Pros: Great writing, acting and humor.

    Cons: Starting to get a lot of secondary characters, I hope they don't keep up increasing it in Season 3.    … Expand
  32. Maxine_Space
    Mar 25, 2018
    7
    Directed by:
    Marc Buckland...(4 episodes, 2017-2018)Ken Kwapis...(3 episodes, 2017-2018)Steve Pink...(3 episodes, 2017-2018)Ruben Fleischer...(2 episodes, 2017)Tamra Davis...(1 episode, 2017)Dean Parisot...(1 episode, 2017)Lynn Shelton...(1 episode, 2017)Craig Zisk...(1 episode, 2017)Adam Arkin...(1 episode, 2018)Jamie Babbit...(1 episode, 2018)Jaffar Mahmood...(1 episode, 2018)    Directed by:
    Marc Buckland...(4 episodes, 2017-2018)Ken Kwapis...(3 episodes, 2017-2018)Steve Pink...(3 episodes, 2017-2018)Ruben Fleischer...(2 episodes, 2017)Tamra Davis...(1 episode, 2017)Dean Parisot...(1 episode, 2017)Lynn Shelton...(1 episode, 2017)Craig Zisk...(1 episode, 2017)Adam Arkin...(1 episode, 2018)Jamie Babbit...(1 episode, 2018)Jaffar Mahmood...(1 episode, 2018)

    Written by:
    Aaron Brownstein ... (20 episodes, 2017-2018)
    Victor Fresco ... (created by) (20 episodes, 2017-2018)
    Simon Ganz ... (20 episodes, 2017-2018)
    Ben Smith ... (10 episodes, 2017)
    Clay Graham ... (3 episodes, 2017-2018)
    Leila Cohan-Miccio ... (1 episode, 2017)
    Chadd Gindin ... (1 episode, 2017)
    Michael A. Ross ... (1 episode, 2017)
    Sarah Walker ... (1 episode, 2017)
    Romi Barta ... (1 episode, 2018)
    Melissa Hunter ... (1 episode, 2018)

    Actors:
    Drew Barrymore Drew Barrymore ...
    Sheila Hammond18 episodes, 2017-2018
    Timothy Olyphant Timothy Olyphant ...
    Joel Hammond18 episodes, 2017-2018
    Liv Hewson Liv Hewson ...
    Abby Hammond18 episodes, 2017-2018
    Skyler Gisondo Skyler Gisondo ...
    Eric Bemis
    18 episodes, 2017-2018

    Year:
    2017-

    Online Stores:
    Netflix

    Summary:
    Sheila and Joel are married real estate agents in Santa Clarita, California. When Sheila dies, their lives take a dark turn.

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Review:

    I know I should be into Santa Clarita Diet, but I am not.
    (And I found the reason why)

    Santa Clarita Diet season 2 has just been released on Netflix. I know I should love it since there is this combination of gore and smiles that I cherish a lot. The same combination that made "Clockwork Orange" unforgettable to me. Remember this "I am singing in the rain" while raping a girl, or this manipulative look while drinking a pure white milk... well those gave the work an outstanding aestheticism... However, in SCD, there is just something off about it.

    Everything is just too easy. I mean I get that it is suppose to be a comedy, and that they want to bring us into this funny and trashy climate. Although, since they manage to put this in the actual world, in which we are leaving, it shouldn't be that easy. There is simply too much murders, too much people knowing about it and too much people cool with it.

    It's like if they would have made the insertion of "Edward Scissorhands" into the suburbians, easy.

    Incorporating Zombies within "Desesperate Housewives" microcosm, is a tricky thing that must be perfectly executed. Sadly, they missed the equilibrium point by so little that you just keep asking
    yourself "Why does it feels so wrong?" while watching it. ________________________________________________________________________________ Rating: Questionable although entertaining Pros: Acting is great; The overall idea is good; Gore moments are very well executed; Housewives vibe fully present. Cons: Inadequate addition of zombies into the housewives micro-universe; Shallow persona; Unbelievable reactions; Climate similar to every housewives show. RATING: Story: 6/10 Actors Performance: 9.5/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Soundtrack: 7/10 Overall rating: 7/10 ____________________________________________________________    … Expand
  33. bbrmoraes
    Apr 14, 2018
    8
    It's not the best show of all time, but it's one of the most different comedy series of all time, and believe me: It works. You feel anxious to see what's going to happen in the next episode, and time flies while you're watching.
  34. ortonath
    Dec 4, 2018
    10
    This is absolutely the most funny TV series I've ever watched I've laughed from start to finish even the drama was entertaining please please please make more seasons of this I don't even leave movie reviews this was so darn good I had to make one
  35. comicstudybuddy
    Apr 4, 2019
    4
    This show should be retitled never marry Drew Berrymore...a deeply narcissistic woman who goes on a killing spree and the spineless man who supports her rather than leave his murderer crazy wife and do what's best for your family.

    Or how unstable parents create an unstable daughter who uses her beauty to hurt an innocent young gifted boy and ruins his future NOT SURE HOW THIS PREMISE    This show should be retitled never marry Drew Berrymore...a deeply narcissistic woman who goes on a killing spree and the spineless man who supports her rather than leave his murderer crazy wife and do what's best for your family.

    Or how unstable parents create an unstable daughter who uses her beauty to hurt an innocent young gifted boy and ruins his future NOT SURE HOW THIS PREMISE HAS LASTED 3 SEASONS so basic and Drew is soooo annoying    … Expand
  36. AWESOM-0
    Jun 29, 2020
    8
    A good creative show that keeps you interested. The cast is great but Timothy Olyphant is just awesome. It's nice to see him play this kind of role, I always have been a big fan of his and it's nice to see this side of him.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
52
#52 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Nick Allen
    Nov 29, 2017
    50
    Santa Clarita Diet is a project with its curiosity factor driven solely by narrative motion, not striking comedy or worthwhile performances.
    Read full review
  2. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Feb 9, 2017
    83
    The gore level is playful, not scary, and the idea that true love conquers all, even a craving for human flesh, permeates the show. Sheila, Joel and Abby can still live the American dream, it will just taste a bit odd.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Caroline Framke
    Feb 6, 2017
    70
    Once everyone settles into a rhythm of absurdity, Santa Clarita Diet sharpens right up. It just takes a few episodes for everyone to figure things out.
    Read full review
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