In an effort to revamp its existing comedy lineup, Netflix has cast Hollywood heavyweights Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant to star in a new original series, Santa Clarita Diet.
The new show is set to debut in 2017 with the help of writer Victor Fresco (Better off Ted) and executive producers Aaron Kaplan, Tracy Katsky, Chris Miller, and Ember Truesdell. Santa Clarita Diet focuses on Joel and Sheila, a married couple and realtors looking to spice up their mundane lives in Santa Clarita, Calif. Soon Sheila experiences a drastic change that positively spins their lives out of control, although with unforeseen consequences.
“The genius casting of Timothy and Drew combined with Victor’s unique comedic sensibility will delight, and definitely surprise, our members around the world,” Netflix VP Cindy Holland commented.
This marks Olyphant’s return as a series regular after the hit FX show Justified ended its run in April 2015. The actor’s resume expands to other notable series including Deadwood, The Grinder, among various half-hour sitcom appearances.
Barrymore, on the other hand, will debut as a series regular in Santa Clarita Diet after decades of starring and working on big-budget films. Her credits partially include E.T., Charlie’s Angels, 50 First Dates, and Fever Pitch.
While Netflix has found success in the action and drama realm with the likes of Daredevil and Jessica Jones, it is actively looking to explore and expand its comedic side as well. The new comedy will be part of a growing list of family-friendly originals, as the streaming service is reportedly investing $5 billion on original programming throughout the year. Similar series already on-air include Master of None, Fuller House, and Judd Apatow’s Love.