Santa Clarita Diet (2017)

Overview

Santa Clarita Diet arrived in 2017 as one of Netflix's most original productions, blending dark comedy with fantastical elements. Created by Victor Fresco, the series follows an ordinary real estate agent family whose lives are suddenly turned completely upside down. Set in the sunny Californian suburb of Santa Clarita, the story takes the classic American family comedy mold and adds a bloody, absurd, and thoroughly entertaining twist.

Starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, the show ran for three seasons and quickly gained a cult following. One of the series' most notable elements is the neighbor character Dan Palmer, played by British actor Dominic Burgess. Burgess manages to become one of the most memorable names among the show's supporting cast, crafting a portrait of a character who is socially awkward, odd, and yet endearing all at once. His performance holds an important place in the comedic subplots that run alongside the main story.

The production stands apart from other comedy-drama hybrid shows of its time, both in visual style and script structure. It adopts a tone that never shies away from bloody scenes but also never takes them seriously.

Plot

At the center of the story are Sheila and Joel Hammond. This married couple, working as ordinary real estate agents, leads a peaceful but somewhat monotonous suburban life with their daughter Abby. But everything changes when Sheila's body undergoes an unexpected transformation. This change turns the family's normal routine upside down, and Joel's efforts to support his wife as a loyal husband only make matters more complicated.

The series uses this fantastical transformation not as a horror element, but as a vehicle for addressing family dynamics, marital crises, and midlife struggles through a comedic lens. While trying to keep their new "condition" secret, the Hammond family must still appear to be a normal family to their neighbors, coworkers, and their daughter's school life. Neighbor characters like Dan Palmer, played by Dominic Burgess, become part of the story as elements that make this secrecy even harder to maintain, adding unexpected comedic twists to the plot.

As the seasons progress, the story explores the family's process of adapting to this new lifestyle, their moral dilemmas, and the ever-growing dangers. Each episode presents an interconnected narrative that stays tied to previous events.

Why Watch It?

Santa Clarita Diet stands out for its bold script that breaks away from conventional comedy formulas. Productions that use dark comedy this freely and without boundaries are not something you come across often in the world of television. The series manages to frame disturbing imagery within a comedic structure without ever shying away from it.

Drew Barrymore's energetic performance and the comedic-romantic chemistry she builds with Timothy Olyphant form the foundation of the show's appeal. Alongside them, the supporting cast, led by Dominic Burgess, keeps injecting freshness into the story. Dan, played by Burgess, stands out as a strange yet sympathetic figure who reinforces the show's commentary on everyday suburban life.

Another element that makes the series so watchable is that its fast-paced, absurd plot never reaches a dull point. Every episode offers a new crisis and a new search for a comedic solution, which keeps pulling the viewer into the next episode.

Who Is It For?

This is an ideal production for viewers who love dark comedy, are open to boundary-pushing humor, and enjoy stories that integrate fantastical elements into everyday life. Those who are curious about content that explores family dynamics and marital relationships from an unconventional perspective will also enjoy this series.

Viewers who are uncomfortable with scenes involving blood and violence should proceed with caution, as the series uses these elements frequently and directly. However, since these scenes are always presented in a comedic context, they offer a different experience for those expecting a classic horror genre.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. The harmonious and energetic acting performances of Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant.

2. The richness and comedy that the supporting cast, including Dominic Burgess, brings to the story.

3. A bold and original script structure that breaks conventional comedy molds.

Cons:

1. The bloody and disturbing scenes may be too intense for some viewers.

2. Ending after just three seasons leaves some storylines feeling unfinished.

Genre and Tone

The series blends the genres of dark comedy, fantasy, and family drama. In terms of tone, it strikes a balance that is extremely relaxed and never takes itself too seriously, while still making room for emotional moments from time to time. Even the violent scenes are generally presented in a comedic context, inviting the viewer to laugh rather than feel tense.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The series consists of a total of three seasons, with each episode running around 30 minutes. These short episode lengths make it easy for the show to create that "just one more episode" feeling. Offering a structure well-suited for a weekend binge, Santa Clarita Diet has a fast-paced yet easy-to-follow narrative.

Similar Productions

• iZombie

• Wilfred

• What We Do in the Shadows

• Dead Like Me

• Santa Diablo (for those seeking a similar dark comedy tone)

• The Good Place

Final Assessment

Santa Clarita Diet offers an original television experience by blending the conventional suburban comedy formula with fantastical and dark comedy elements. The performances of Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant are further strengthened by the contributions of supporting characters like Dominic Burgess. It's a production that's absolutely worth trying for viewers who love boundary-pushing humor and are open to a different, entertaining story.