Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Arrested development

Arrested Development is an American satirical sitcom created by that originally aired on from 2003 to 2006. The series centers on the dysfunctional Bluth family, a once-wealthy real estate dynasty whose empire crumbles after patriarch George Bluth Sr. () is arrested for and , forcing his level-headed son Michael () to manage the chaotic remnants of the business and keep his eccentric relatives together. Narrated by , who also executive produced the show, Arrested Development is renowned for its mockumentary-inspired style, featuring handheld camera work, voice-over exposition, rapid-fire dialogue, and layered running gags that reward multiple viewings. The ensemble cast includes as Michael's self-absorbed twin sister Lindsay, as her immature magician husband G.O.B., as Michael's awkward son , as Lindsay's rebellious daughter Maeby, as the overprotected youngest son Buster, as the failed actor Tobias Fünke, and as the scheming matriarch Lucille. Despite critical acclaim and a for its sharp wit and innovative storytelling, the series struggled with low ratings during its run, leading to its cancellation after three seasons comprising 53 episodes. However, its influence endured, earning six , including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2004, along with multiple nominations for writing, directing, and performances. In 2013, Netflix revived Arrested Development for a fourth season of 15 episodes, reuniting the original cast in a that advanced the story several years. A fifth and final season followed in 2018–2019, split into two parts totaling 16 episodes, though it received mixed reviews for shifting dynamics and production challenges. The Netflix eras expanded the show's scope with new characters and callbacks while maintaining its signature humor, solidifying 's legacy as a pioneering single-camera that influenced later series like and .

Creation and production

Development

Mitchell Hurwitz conceived Arrested Development drawing from his own family experiences in , where he grew up in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, incorporating elements like his father's business lessons and a childhood cookie-selling venture with his brother that mirrored the Bluth family's frozen banana stand. He also found inspiration in real estate and corporate scandals, particularly the collapse, which informed the show's "riches to rags" narrative of a facing financial ruin due to . In the third quarter of 2002, Hurwitz, in collaboration with and , pitched the concept to networks amid a bidding war between and , ultimately securing a put pilot deal with . By June 2003, greenlit an initial order of 13 episodes for a midseason premiere, positioning the series as a single-camera family despite its unconventional, dense humor style. The network expected to appeal as a traditional family-oriented comedy, but production faced budget constraints typical of Fox's sitcom slate, prompting Hurwitz to resist demands to simplify the script and broaden its accessibility. To manage costs, the team adopted efficient filming techniques, including digital video. Key to early production was hiring as an , who also served as the uncredited narrator to provide expository framing the family's chaotic dynamics.

Casting

Jason was cast as , the beleaguered straight man of the dysfunctional family, after creator overcame initial reservations about the actor's string of failed pilots in the early 2000s. Hurwitz, who initially viewed Bateman through the lens of those unsuccessful projects, was swayed by his audition, where Bateman delivered a performance marked by dry wit, intelligence, and comedic reliability that perfectly anchored the ensemble. This casting drew on Bateman's established reputation as a child star from 1980s sitcoms like and , which showcased his early knack for portraying level-headed everymen amid chaos. Portia de Rossi was selected for the role of Lindsay Bluth Fünke, the self-absorbed socialite daughter, due to her ability to balance unlikable traits with an inherent appeal, as noted by Hurwitz. Her dramatic background, particularly from playing the sharp-tongued on , allowed her to infuse Lindsay with a mix of cold detachment and underlying warmth that elevated the character's vapid . Hurwitz praised de Rossi's versatility in portraying complex, flawed women, making her ideal for Lindsay's blend of phoniness and occasional vulnerability. Will Arnett landed the part of Gob Bluth, the pompous illusionist brother, leveraging his improvisational prowess and quick comedic timing honed in his dramatic stage work, having recently come from a dark Irish play in . Hurwitz was impressed by Arnett's ability to deliver spontaneous, character-defining lines during auditions, such as ad-libbed banter that captured Gob's entitled yet insecure demeanor without veering into caricature. Arnett's transition from more dramatic roles to bold comedy further suited Gob's over-the-top illusions and sibling rivalries. Tony Hale was chosen as Byron "Buster" Bluth, the pampered and awkward youngest son, drawing on his theater training to embody the character's neurotic man-child qualities. Prior to Arrested Development, Hale was relatively unknown outside stage work and a memorable dancing chicken commercial, but his audition highlighted a natural awkwardness and vulnerability that aligned with Buster's perpetual state of fear and dependence. Hurwitz valued Hale's ability to portray Buster's childlike innocence amid family dysfunction, informed by Hale's background in improvisational and dramatic theater at Boston University. Casting the younger Bluth relatives presented unique challenges, particularly in finding teen actors who could navigate the show's layered humor and rapid-fire dialogue. Alia Shawkat, who portrayed scheming teenager Maeby Fünke, was cast early as one of the first in the ensemble, bringing a precocious edge from her child acting experience in films like . Michael Cera, as the shy George Michael Bluth, was selected from video tapes and flown in for a network audition; his innate awkwardness blurred the line between and , which both charmed and tested directors during early reads. These selections required balancing youthful energy with the ability to handle the series' intricate, improv-heavy scenes.

Writing process

The writing process for Arrested Development centered on creator leading a collaborative typically comprising 10-12 writers, where ideas were pitched and refined democratically to build intricate narratives. This team-oriented approach, involving key contributors like and Dean Lorey, focused on embedding layered jokes and callbacks that rewarded attentive viewing, drawing inspiration from shows like to pack multiple levels of humor into each scene. Running gags, such as G.O.B. Bluth's repeated utterance of "I've made a huge mistake," emerged organically from early drafts and were intentionally woven throughout the series to create continuity and escalating comedy. These elements were developed through iterative discussions in the , where subtle setups in one would pay off in later ones, enhancing the show's interconnected storytelling. In Season 1, the team adapted to network constraints on by tightening scripts to fit the 22-minute runtime, resulting in denser narratives that incorporated more rapid-fire dialogue and visual gags to maintain pacing under limited creative notes. This process contrasted with broader network interference on other projects, allowing Arrested Development to retain its ambitious structure while addressing broadcast demands. For the Netflix revival in Seasons 4 and 5, Hurwitz's writing shifted to exploit the streaming platform's format, enabling longer character arcs that spanned years and converged in a narrative. The process incorporated fan feedback indirectly through awareness of and online discussions, prompting the writers to subvert expectations and protect surprises to delight longtime viewers. This freedom from network oversight allowed for experimental , with episodes structured more like chapters than standalone installments.

Filming techniques

Arrested Development utilized a with handheld , primarily handled by director of photography Greg Harrington, to evoke a aesthetic that lent the series a raw, observational quality akin to a . This approach departed from the multi-camera format prevalent at the time, allowing for fluid, intimate shots that captured the Bluth family's chaotic dynamics with an air of immediacy and irony. The technique contributed to the show's innovative visual rhythm, blending scripted action with subtle environmental details to heighten comedic tension. Ron Howard's voiceover was integrated during , serving as an omniscient guide that delivered ironic commentary on the characters' misguided decisions and the unfolding . This layer not only clarified the rapid-fire plot developments but also amplified the satirical edge, often underscoring the gap between the family's self-perception and reality through Howard's deadpan delivery. Recorded separately from , the narration became a hallmark of the series, enabling precise timing that enhanced the humor without disrupting the on-set flow. The production frequently employed on-screen text, freeze-frames, and cutaways as stylistic devices to convey exposition and punchlines efficiently. These elements—such as explanatory captions appearing over actions or paused shots revealing hidden jokes—rewarded attentive viewing and rewarded rewatches, turning visual gags into integral parts of the storytelling. Cutaways to prior scenes or hypothetical scenarios further propelled the narrative's non-linear feel, providing context for running jokes while maintaining a brisk pace. Filming occurred primarily on location in the area, with sites like Marina del Rey substituting for the fictional Balboa Peninsula to depict the Bluths' coastal environment, including exteriors for the family's model home. This choice grounded the show's satirical take on affluent life in authentic urban and suburban backdrops, while studio interiors at Fox in handled much of the domestic scenes. The blend of real locations and constructed sets reinforced the series' blend of and exaggeration.

Cast and characters

Bluth family members

, portrayed by , serves as the de facto patriarch and reluctant leader of the dysfunctional Bluth family following his father George Sr.'s for corporate . As the responsible in a household of eccentrics, Michael often attempts to instill order and morality amid the family's chaos, though his own frustrations and ethical compromises highlight his evolving role from a burdened caretaker to a more reconciliatory figure seeking family unity. George Michael Bluth, played by , is Michael's awkward and morally upright teenage son who often grapples with ethical dilemmas, family pressures, and his crush on cousin Maeby. His shy, overachieving nature provides contrast to the family's dysfunction, frequently positioning him as the voice of reason while navigating and identity issues. Maeby Fünke, portrayed by , is Lindsay's rebellious teenage daughter and George Michael's cousin, known for her scheming personality and tendency to impersonate others for personal gain. Her witty independence and disregard for authority add layers of mischief to the family dynamics, evolving into more complex cons and self-discovery in later seasons. Lucille Bluth, played by , embodies the sharp-tongued matriarch whose manipulative tendencies and underpin the family's facade and interpersonal tensions. Her biting wit and control-freak demeanor mask deeper insecurities, driving much of the Bluths' comedic dysfunction while portraying a facade of high-society elegance. George Sr. Bluth, portrayed by , is the scheming founder of the Bluth Company whose fraudulent business practices, including illegal activities tied to international ventures, lead to his and unravel the 's wealth. His authoritarian presence and moral ambiguity continue to influence the dynamics even from behind bars, revealing layers of and desperation in his attempts to maintain control. Lindsay Bluth Fünke, played by , and her husband Fünke, portrayed by , represent the couple grappling with a failing marriage marked by mutual incomprehension and crises. Lindsay's superficial and quest for purpose often clash with Tobias's delusional aspirations as a failed and enthusiast, amplifying their comedic detachment from reality and straining ties. George Oscar "Gob" Bluth II, performed by , is the eldest son whose amateurish illusions as a symbolize his broader pattern of failed ambitions and sibling rivalries, particularly with . Gob's flamboyant yet insecure persona leads to a series of ill-conceived schemes that exacerbate family conflicts, underscoring his role as the perpetual showman seeking validation. Byron "Buster" Bluth, played by , is the youngest son whose extreme dependency on his mother Lucille fosters social awkwardness and arrested emotional growth, culminating in the infamous "hook hand" incident that becomes a pivotal symbol of his vulnerability. Buster's childlike naivety and overprotected life contrast sharply with the family's cutthroat dynamics, often providing unwitting through his obliviousness.

Supporting and recurring characters

Ann Veal, portrayed by , serves as George Michael's girlfriend and a recurring figure in the show's romantic subplots, often depicted as bland and unremarkable, earning her the nickname "Bland Ann" from the Bluth family. Her character embodies a devout Christian background that contrasts with the dysfunctional Bluth dynamics, frequently overlooked or dismissed in interactions that highlight the family's self-absorbed tendencies. Kitty Sanchez, played by Judy Greer, functions as George Bluth Sr.'s former assistant and mistress, introducing elements of obsession and workplace intrigue into the Bluth family's legal and personal entanglements. Her unrequited affections and erratic behavior, including a notable confrontation with , underscore the show's themes of hidden secrets and comedic misunderstandings within the family's orbit. By season 5, she has advanced to an executive role at , further complicating professional ties to the Bluths. Bob Loblaw, portrayed by , emerges as the Bluth family's new defense attorney after the of their prior counsel, bringing ineptitude and professionalism to the ongoing legal woes. His character is defined by a self-promotional law blog and a name designed as a playful , amplifying the absurdity of the Bluths' battles and financial scandals. Maggie Lizer, played by , appears as a prosecutor in the first season's legal storylines, feigning her to gain an edge in cases against the Bluths, which leads to romantic tension with . Her deceptive persona and manipulations heighten the satirical take on and , influencing key developments around the family's corruption charges. Henry Winkler guest stars as Barry Zuckerkorn, the original bumbling attorney for the Bluth family, whose incompetence exacerbates their legal predicaments through mishandled defenses and comical errors. As an underqualified prone to distractions, such as misinterpreting signs from , he embodies the show's mockery of professional inadequacy and returns in later seasons to stir further chaos.

Episode structure

Season 1 (2003–2004)

The first season of Arrested Development comprises 22 episodes, airing on Fox from November 2, 2003, to June 6, 2004, and centers on the rapid unraveling of the Bluth family's real estate empire following the arrest of patriarch George Bluth Sr. for securities fraud. The pilot episode introduces the core premise: George Sr., having built the Bluth Company through questionable housing developments, is indicted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for defrauding investors by using company funds for personal luxuries, including a model home and lavish parties. This arrest leaves the family in financial disarray, forcing eldest son Michael Bluth, previously overlooked for promotion, to assume the role of CEO and navigate the company's impending bankruptcy while managing his dysfunctional relatives. Throughout the season, the frozen banana stand—a quirky roadside originally opened by George Sr. and his wife Lucille—serves as a central symbol of the family's faded prosperity and a frequent site of comedic failure. In the second , "Top Banana," the investigation intensifies as federal agents seize company assets, including the stand, prompting Michael to reopen it under his son George Michael's management to instill responsibility, though it quickly devolves into absurd mishaps like Gob's failed magic tricks and Buster's accidental destruction. Key events underscore escalating family tensions: George Sr.'s imprisonment leads to Lucille's manipulative schemes from , Gob's immature escapades, and Buster's overdependence on his mother, all while Michael struggles to enforce fiscal discipline. A pivotal involves teenager Maeby Fünke, who in "Public Relations" begins deceiving her parents by skipping high school to work unpaid at the Bluth model home, forging notes and exploiting family chaos to avoid education, which amplifies the generational rifts. The season establishes several enduring running gags that highlight the Bluths' oblivious dysfunction, such as the "chicken dance," a bizarre ritual where members flap their arms and cluck to taunt one another, despite Michael's exasperated question, "Has anyone in this ever even seen a ?" This gag debuts in "Staff Infection," where G.O.B. performs it to mock Michael, and recurs as each Bluth—from Gob's flamboyant version to Lucille's sarcastic flap—uses it to mock Michael's authority. Similarly, the show introduces recurring sessions, often botched by Tobias Fünke's delusional expertise as a failed actor-turned-"," as seen in episodes like "Bringing Up Buster," where his sessions devolve into enabling the family's neuroses rather than resolving them. These elements weave through the narrative, blending sharp with layered callbacks that reward repeat viewings. The season culminates in the finale, "Let 'Em Eat Cake," with a major revealing the Bluth Company's total , far worse than previously admitted, as uncovers hidden debts from George Sr.'s schemes. Desperate to save the , attempts to sell the business to a rival developer, but the deal unravels when George Sr., under , fakes a heart attack to evade further scrutiny and secures house arrest, leaving the Bluths' legal and financial woes unresolved for the next . This setup solidifies the season's focus on initial collapse and simmering tensions, portraying the Bluths as a once-wealthy clinging to denial amid inevitable downfall.

Season 2 (2004–2005)

The second season of consists of 18 episodes, which aired on from November 7, 2004, to April 17, 2005. Building on the initial family conflicts from the first , the narrative escalates the Bluths' legal entanglements, particularly George Sr.'s charges of "light treason" for the Bluth Company's role in constructing model homes in under a with Saddam Hussein's . This international scandal intensifies scrutiny on the family, forcing to navigate corporate audits, investor distrust, and federal investigations while attempting to keep the business afloat. Key subplots delve into individual character arcs amid the chaos. Gob's efforts to rebrand the company through elaborate magic performances repeatedly backfire, such as when his illusions expose family secrets or alienate potential clients during ill-fated shows. Buster, seeking to assert independence from his overbearing mother Lucille, enlists in the U.S. Army; his military training near a sanctuary leads to the loss of his left hand in an attack by a "loose seal," birthing the season's recurring gag of frantic warnings about escaped and tying into a minor environmental over the army's disruption of the area. Meanwhile, grapples with his "never-nude" psychological condition—stemming from childhood trauma—through awkward sessions and misguided attempts, including costumed that blurs his identity further. The season's central tension peaks with George Sr.'s escape from , as he hides in the model home attic and flees to , prompting a trip in search of him. Believing him deceased after the family yacht Seaward catches fire and explodes during a botched rescue attempt, the Bluths hold a mock , only for the to later prove staged as part of George Sr.'s evasion tactics. These events underscore the 's deepening isolation and moral compromises, culminating in Michael facing his own arrest for related corporate misdeeds, setting up unresolved threads for future conflicts.

Season 3 (2005–2006)

Season 3 of consists of 13 episodes that aired on from September 19, 2005, to February 10, 2006. This final season of the original run builds on the Bluth family's escalating dysfunction, focusing on the resolution of lingering mysteries while amplifying the show's signature blend of corporate intrigue, family deception, and absurd humor. The narrative arc centers on the Bluths navigating legal clearances, business revivals, and personal reinventions, culminating in a chaotic family reunion that ties up key threads from earlier seasons. A major focus is the resolution of the frozen banana stand's origins, a central symbol of the family's shady empire; it is revealed that Lucille Bluth stole the frozen banana formula from Annyong's late father, prompting Annyong to betray her to the in revenge. George Sr.'s survival is confirmed and expanded upon, as he returns from , gets cleared of treason and charges through Michael's advocacy, but ultimately goes into hiding again by stowing away on G.O.B.'s bound for . These resolutions provide partial closure to the legal themes carried over from prior seasons, emphasizing the family's pattern of evasion and manipulation. Key character-driven plots drive the season's momentum. Michael's mayoral run in Newport Beach exposes the Bluths to , as he campaigns amid family scandals only to withdraw after clearing his father's name, ultimately earning a "risky" on a financial show. Maeby escalates her cons by forging documents to become an executive at Tantamount Studios, where she pitches a semi-autobiographical movie about her life to , blending her rebellious schemes with mockery. The family collectively attempts to open the model home as a legitimate venture, but it devolves into , including a built in that mirrors their property. The season introduces inventive set pieces that heighten its satirical edge, such as the "tiny town"—a scale-model development hastily constructed by G.O.B. to dupe Japanese investors into believing the Bluth Company's projects are advancing, poking fun at . It also weaves in religious through George Sr.'s post-trial exploits, where his self-aggrandizing survival story and the family's pseudo-spiritual rationalizations for their crimes mimic and messianic delusions. Other arcs include Buster's heroic with the that bit him and Lindsay's discovery of her , adding layers to the Bluths' interpersonal chaos. The , "Development Arrested," brings the together for a disastrous party, resolving George Sr.'s clearance but leaving Lucille facing charges and the business tenuously saved under new ownership. However, the ends on unresolved notes, including the ongoing mystery of the series narrator's identity and the Bluths' perpetual cycle of dysfunction, as and George set sail for only to find George Sr. aboard. canceled the series abruptly after this season due to persistently low viewership despite critical praise, cutting short planned storylines and contributing to its cult status.

Season 4 (2013)

Season 4 of Arrested Development marked the series' revival on Netflix after a seven-year hiatus, with the original cast reprising their roles as the Bluth family members. Originally released in 2013 as 15 episodes that span a four-year period following the events of season 3, it was re-edited and re-released as 22 episodes in 2018; the season employs a non-linear narrative structure characterized by time-jumping and flash-forwards extending 30 years into the future. This experimental format, designed to accommodate the actors' scheduling conflicts, dedicates early episodes to individual character spotlights with minimal family interaction, gradually converging the storylines in the later installments. Narration is primarily provided by Ron Howard, with occasional shifts to family members for added perspective, enhancing the puzzle-like unfolding of events. The central plot revolves around the Bluth family's entanglement in a fraudulent border wall scheme, orchestrated amid their persistent financial desperation and legal entanglements, which ties into broader themes of and family dysfunction. Interwoven with this are individual life updates for each Bluth, detailing their separate post-trial trajectories: grapples with failed business ventures, G.O.B. pursues illusory careers, Lindsay experiments with and , and others navigate personal absurdities like Tobias's pursuits and Buster's dependency issues. These arcs culminate in revelations connecting the family's scattered paths, including George Sr.'s influence on the border project stemming from his altered personal circumstances. Innovations in the season include a murder mystery subplot centered on Buster in the distant flash-forwards, which introduces suspense and ties into the family's long-term consequences, as well as Lucille's high-profile trial in for her role in international scandals. These elements leverage the non-chronological timeline to build intrigue, with the Australian trial serving as a pivotal legal thread that implicates multiple Bluths and echoes the series' penchant for courtroom . Critics noted the season's ambitious structure often resulted in a disjointed feel, as the siloed character episodes limited comedic interplay and delayed narrative payoff, making it "functionally different" from prior seasons. However, it received praise for its dense callbacks to the original series, such as recurring gags involving illusions and family secrets, which rewarded longtime fans and preserved the show's signature wit despite the fragmented delivery.

Season 5 (2018–2019)

The fifth season of comprises 16 episodes, released in two parts of eight episodes each by , with the first part premiering on May 29, 2018, and the second on March 15, 2019. The storyline picks up several years after the events of Season 4, with the Bluth grappling with the fallout from their ill-fated ventures, particularly a pentagon-shaped development project in designed to mimic a wall from an aerial view, which spirals into a major involving illegal funding and political intrigue. The narrative weaves together multiple subplots, including investigations into the disappearance of longtime family associate Lucille Austero (), Buster's imprisonment, George Michael's struggles with his Fakeblock app, and Lindsay's political ambitions, all while the family attempts to evade legal consequences and maintain their dysfunctional unity. Central to the season's resolutions are revelations that undermine Michael's long-held identity as the family's ethical anchor, exposing his complicity in manipulative schemes to protect the Bluth legacy, including selling Fakeblock to foreign interests amid escalating crises. Gob's arc revolves around his signature illusions, particularly a botched closet switcheroo with rival Tony Wonder intended to divert attention from the scandal, which ultimately contributes to chaotic cover-ups and family confrontations. The season culminates in a flash-forward to , illustrating the enduring dysfunction and scattered fates of the Bluths years after their trials, emphasizing themes of deception and inheritance. The production faced challenges with casting, notably considerations to recast Jeffrey Tambor following sexual misconduct allegations from his role on Transparent, though he ultimately reprised his dual portrayals of George Sr. and Oscar Bluth after consultations with creator Mitchell Hurwitz and the cast. New guest stars included Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam, who portrayed younger versions of Lucille and George Sr. in flashback sequences, replacing Kristen Wiig and Seth Rogen from Season 4. The series finale, "The Fallout," directly engages fan theories accumulated over the revivals—such as the culprit behind Lucille 2's demise, revealed as an accidental act by Buster during a wall unveiling—and incorporates meta-commentary on the show's original Fox cancellation and Netflix iterations through an extended Ron Howard narration recapping prior events and a spoof true-crime documentary format unpacking the family's deceptions.

Broadcast and release

Original airing on Fox

Arrested Development premiered on on November 2, 2003, airing in the Sunday night time slot at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT immediately following . Despite initial buzz from critics, the show's early episodes drew low ratings, prompting to experiment with scheduling adjustments in subsequent seasons, including a shift to Monday nights for the third season premiere. The first season received a full 22-episode order and aired weekly on Sundays from November 2003 through June 6, 2004, with occasional preemptions for holiday specials and sports events. For the second season, Fox reduced the episode order to 18 amid ongoing concerns over viewership, with the season running from June 13, 2004, to February 13, 2005, primarily on Sundays but interrupted by summer hiatuses and network preemptions for programming like NFL games. The third season faced even greater challenges, premiering on Monday, September 19, 2005, and limited to just 13 episodes due to persistent low ratings and frequent schedule disruptions, including a winter break that delayed the final four episodes until their airing as a two-hour block on February 10, 2006. These preemptions and shifts contributed to viewer confusion and further eroded the audience, which hovered around 4-6 million per episode across the run. To counter the ratings woes, Fox promoted the series through high-profile lead-ins, including slots following major events like the , which temporarily boosted exposure in early 2005. Additionally, robust DVD sales of the first season, which outperformed expectations and generated significant word-of-mouth, helped cultivate a dedicated and influenced the network's decisions to renew for additional seasons despite the linear broadcast struggles. Fox announced the curtailment of season 3 production in November 2005 and formally canceled the series in early 2006, ending its original run even as the show's popularity continued to grow via and buzz.

Netflix revivals

Following the cancellation of by in 2006, a persistent fan movement kept the series alive through online petitions, advocacy, and efforts, culminating in renewed interest from streaming platforms. In 2011, announced a deal with 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television to produce and exclusively stream a fourth season, set for release in 2013, crediting the vocal fanbase for making the possible. This agreement marked one of the first major instances of a streaming service resurrecting a canceled show, driven by the demonstrated demand from 's . The fourth season premiered on Netflix on May 26, 2013, with all 15 episodes released simultaneously in an all-at-once "binge" model, a strategy that allowed subscribers worldwide to watch at their own pace and contrasted with traditional weekly broadcasts. Netflix reportedly invested over $3 million per episode in production, reflecting the platform's commitment to high-profile originals amid growing competition for premium content. The revival reunited the core cast, including , , and , under creator , though scheduling conflicts led to a non-linear format focusing on individual character arcs before converging in the finale. Building on the success of season 4, greenlit a fifth and final season in 2017, which adopted a hybrid release strategy to sustain viewer engagement. The first eight episodes dropped on May 29, 2018, followed by the remaining eight on March 15, 2019, allowing time for adjustments and promotional buildup. costs remained elevated, aligning with the prior season's budget scale to accommodate elaborate sets and returning ensemble. However, the process was complicated by allegations against , who had been fired from Amazon's Transparent in February 2018; Tambor retained his role as George Bluth Sr. throughout the season despite the allegations, the controversy led to cancel international press tours and strained cast dynamics during promotion, as evidenced by a tense Times interview where co-stars expressed discomfort.

Home media and streaming availability

The first season of was released on DVD in a three-disc on October 19, 2004, containing all 22 episodes along with bonus features such as deleted scenes and commentaries. A complete series DVD set for seasons 1–3 followed on November 14, 2006, compiling the original run in a bundled edition with additional extras like behind-the-scenes featurettes. Following the Netflix revivals, season 4 became available on DVD as a two-disc set on December 16, 2014, including the 15 episodes and special features focused on the nonlinear production. Updated complete series editions emerged thereafter for seasons 1–4, though season 5 lacks any official physical release. Blu-ray options remain limited to a complete seasons 1–3 set from November 21, 2014, in select regions, with no official Blu-ray editions for the later seasons. As of November 2025, all five seasons stream exclusively on worldwide, following a licensing extension secured in 2023 that retained the rights through at least 2026. Digital purchase and rental options are available internationally via (formerly ), where seasons can be bought episode-by-episode or in bundles starting from 2008 releases, and , offering downloads in regions including the , , and since the early .

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its debut, Arrested Development earned widespread critical acclaim for its witty writing, intricate humor, and innovative storytelling. The first season holds a 100% Tomatometer score on , based on 24 reviews, with critics highlighting its laugh-out-loud quirkiness and audacious originality. described it as "about as good as the good stuff gets," praising the show's sharp ensemble performances and dense, layered comedy that rewarded multiple viewings. Subsequent seasons maintained a reputation for clever, character-driven satire, though the Netflix revivals drew more divided responses. Common praises across the series centered on the dense humor and strong ensemble acting, with reviewers frequently noting the Bluth family's dysfunctional dynamics as a highlight of the writing. However, criticisms often focused on pacing issues in the later seasons, particularly the shift to serialized, non-linear narratives that could feel disjointed. The fourth season received mixed reviews, earning a 79% Tomatometer score on from 147 reviews, with detractors pointing to convoluted plots that prioritized callbacks over coherent character arcs. noted that while the season featured the show's signature interlocking sketches, it struggled to recapture the original's furious pacing and straightforward chronology. The fifth season showed some improvement in coherence compared to its predecessor, achieving a 54% Tomatometer score on based on 52 reviews, though it still faced backlash for uneven pacing and nostalgic overreach. critiqued it as a slow-chasing exercise in recapturing past brilliance, with flashes of the old wit amid a creeping plot that felt more like filler than fresh innovation. Despite these flaws, some outlets appreciated the return to more ensemble-focused episodes in the latter half, restoring a semblance of the original's chaotic family interplay.

Viewership and ratings

During its original run on Fox from 2003 to 2006, Arrested Development struggled with viewership despite critical acclaim, averaging 6.2 million viewers per episode in season 1. The show's audience dipped slightly to an average of 6 million viewers in season 2, influenced by time slot changes from Sundays to Tuesdays and then Mondays, which disrupted consistent exposure. By season 3, ratings continued to decline, averaging 4.3 million viewers, contributing to the network's decision to cancel the series after low overall performance. The show's popularity revived through strong DVD sales, which introduced it to new audiences via home media and word-of-mouth recommendations, building a that pressured networks for a . This momentum carried into the era, where the model amplified engagement; season 4's all-at-once release in 2013 became the platform's biggest TV launch to date, generating three times the traffic of Netflix's prior hit and encouraging complete series marathons among subscribers. Season 5, released in two parts in 2018 and 2019, saw diminished streaming metrics compared to the season 4 resurgence, amid mixed reception and the binge format's challenges with narrative complexity. In 2023, secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights for the series through at least 2026, ensuring continued centralized availability on the platform and sustaining its accessibility to subscribers. As of , the series remains exclusively available for streaming on in the United States.

Awards and nominations

Arrested Development earned widespread recognition from major television awards bodies, particularly for its innovative storytelling and ensemble performances during its original run. The series received 25 Primetime Emmy nominations across its first three seasons, securing six wins that highlighted its creative excellence. In 2004, the show won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, beating established competitors like and . It also claimed the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the pilot episode, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, marking their first major award. Additional 2004 wins included Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series. The following year, the series won for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song "Fikus" from the episode "Staff Infection." In 2013, for the revival season, it received an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score). Despite strong acting nominations—including for in Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2004, 2005, 2009, 2013), in Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2004, 2005), and in Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2005, 2006)—no cast members won Emmys for their performances on the show. Beyond the Emmys, won a Golden Globe Award in 2005 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, underscoring his portrayal of the beleaguered family patriarch . The series also triumphed at the , winning for Episodic Comedy in 2005 for the season 2 episode "Pier Pressure," written by and ; it received additional nominations for writing in seasons 1 and 2. Furthermore, Arrested Development was honored with the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy in 2004, reflecting its critical acclaim as a fresh voice in television humor.

Themes and analysis

Family dysfunction

The Bluth family's dysfunction serves as the central theme of Arrested Development, portraying a wealthy clan whose interpersonal bonds are strained by manipulation, entitlement, and emotional neglect following the patriarch George Sr.'s for . The series highlights how the family's dynamics revolve around Michael's reluctant role as the caretaker, constantly enabling his siblings' self-destructive behaviors despite his growing resentment toward their irresponsibility. This is exemplified in Michael's repeated sacrifices, such as managing the failing Bluth Company and covering up family scandals, which underscore his internalized duty as the "" in a of chaos. The show satirizes the corrosive effects of on familial ties, showing how financial fosters and rather than genuine . George Sr.'s hidden schemes, like embezzling funds for personal luxuries while preaching with phrases like "There's always money in the banana stand," erode trust and prioritize over emotional bonds. Similarly, Lucille's domineering , marked by manipulative tactics such as staging accidents or dismissing with retorts like "If that's a veiled criticism about me, I won't hear it," reinforces a toxic hierarchy that stifles independence among her children. These elements illustrate how affluence enables the Bluths' moral and relational decay, turning potential support systems into sources of perpetual conflict. Across seasons, the portrayal of family dysfunction evolves from overt conflicts and individual antics in the early episodes to more subtle reunions and lingering resentments in later installments. In Season 1, explosive arguments and betrayals dominate, as seen in the siblings' of Michael's efforts to save . By Season 5, the narrative shifts toward tentative family collaborations on schemes like a border wall project, revealing a fragile interdependence rather than outright hostility. Psychological undertones in the series draw from concepts in , emphasizing blurred boundaries and identity confusion within dysfunctional units. Buster's codependent attachment to Lucille, treating her with a mix of filial obedience and romantic idealization—such as renting out his "comatose" body to her—mirrors real-world patterns of where parental control hinders autonomy. Likewise, the 's pervasive deception, including George Sr.'s lies about Buster's parentage, evokes therapeutic discussions of how chronic secrecy perpetuates cycles of mistrust and emotional stunting. Executive producer and narrator has noted that the show aims to "puncture the myth of the functional ," using these to reflect broader truths about relational breakdowns.

Satirical elements

The Bluth Company's fraudulent operations serve as a central vehicle for satirizing corporate greed and the excesses of American capitalism, particularly drawing parallels to the and the 2008 . The family's light construction firm engages in deceptive practices, such as laundering money through poorly built model homes in the Sudden Valley development, which collapse under scrutiny and symbolize the substandard, greed-fueled building boom that preyed on unsuspecting buyers. Political satire permeates the series, especially in the Netflix revivals, where Michael Bluth's ill-fated mayoral campaign mocks the incompetence and performative nature of U.S. electoral politics. Modeled after figures like , Michael's run features bungled speeches, misguided policies, and family interference that expose the hollowness of political ambition. The plotline involving the Bluths' construction of a massive border wall in further lampoons rhetoric and border security debates, prefiguring and parodying Donald Trump's proposed wall as an absurd, self-serving endeavor funded by questionable means.

Narrative style and innovations

Arrested Development pioneered a non-linear narrative structure that employed extensive flashbacks and flash-forwards to gradually reveal layers of information about the Bluth family's dysfunctional dynamics, creating a puzzle-like storytelling experience that encouraged viewer engagement. In the original seasons, "call-forwards" were introduced as brief glimpses of future events that later connected to earlier plot points, such as the Season 1 setup involving model homes that paid off in subsequent episodes. The revivals amplified this technique, particularly in Season 4, where episodes unfolded concurrently from individual character perspectives, using overlapping timelines and retrospective reveals to resolve mysteries introduced across the season, a format enabled by the binge-release model that allowed for non-traditional episode sequencing. The show's callback humor further innovated its density, with recurring motifs and visual gags spanning multiple episodes that rewarded rewatches by unveiling hidden connections and foreshadowing. Examples include the repeated use of blue paint jobs linking and George Sr.'s storylines, or the "" running joke that evolved through subtle escalations, embedding layers of meaning in and visuals that often required multiple viewings to fully appreciate. This approach stemmed from creator Mitchell Hurwitz's emphasis on scripting with four levels of humor per line in later seasons, transforming the into a richly textured akin to a serialized novel rather than standalone episodes. Breaking the fourth wall through Ron Howard's omniscient narration and character asides provided meta-commentary that heightened the show's self-aware tone, often directly addressing the audience to underscore ironic twists or plead for the series' survival. In moments like the Season 3 episode "S.O.B.s," the narration explicitly urges viewers to promote the show, blurring the line between diegesis and reality while commenting on the Bluths' absurd predicaments. This technique extended to visual and verbal asides, such as characters glancing at the camera during malapropisms, enhancing the comedic layering without disrupting the core plot. These innovations influenced subsequent comedies through their emphasis on dense, interconnected scripting and meta-elements, notably shaping shows like , which adopted similar fourth-wall breaks, spoofs, and homage-driven narratives. echoed this style in its use of non-linear reveals, callback-heavy plotting, and meta-deconstructions of narrative tropes, evolving Arrested Development's blueprint into philosophical absurdity.

References

  1. [1]
    Arrested Development (TV Series 2003–2019) - IMDb
    Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job ...
  2. [2]
    Arrested Development - Rotten Tomatoes
    Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr., is sent to prison ...
  3. [3]
    Watch Arrested Development | Netflix Official Site
    It's the Emmy-winning story of a wealthy family that lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together.
  4. [4]
    Arrested Development - Television Academy
    Arrested Development received 25 nominations and 6 Emmys, including nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor and Music Composition in 2013.
  5. [5]
    Here's Why Netflix Is Removing All 5 Seasons Of 'Arrested ... - Forbes
    Feb 13, 2023 · Season 4 aired in 2013 and Season 5 dropped in two installments in 2018 and 2019, making this one of the most bizarrely stretched out shows ever ...
  6. [6]
    'Arrested Development' dipped in humor of creator's O.C. upbringing
    May 24, 2013 · When Mitch Hurwitz created “Arrested Development,” he relied on fond memories of growing up in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach to build such endearing characters.
  7. [7]
    Howard helped develop 'Arrested' - Variety
    Dec 18, 2008 · Howard and Nevins then started meeting with writers and Mitch Hurwitz, whose credits included “The Ellen Show.” Hurwitz came up with an angle ...
  8. [8]
    Arrested Development season four: the return of the greatest sitcom ...
    May 20, 2013 · He hired Mitch Hurwitz to write the show and Hurwitz, inspired by the then-recent Enron scandal, came up with the idea of a once wealthy and ...
  9. [9]
    ABC makes 'House' call - Variety
    Jun 26, 2003 9:19pm PT ... As long expected, Alphabet web officially ordered 13 episodes of the sitcom for midseason. ... Arrested Development” (both co-productions ...
  10. [10]
    'Arrested Development' creator rejected network demand to 'dumb it ...
    Jun 10, 2014 · BANFF, Alta. – “Arrested Development” creator Mitch Hurwitz said he had to fight against network demands that he dumb down the wildly popular ...
  11. [11]
    Mitch Hurwitz, Creator of 'Arrested Development' | Fresh Air Archive
    Feb 10, 2006 · Mitch Hurwitz is the creator and executive producer of the TV series Arrested Development. The FOX show, which has won critical praise for its irreverently ...
  12. [12]
    Mitch Hurwitz on the Creative Process, Casting Jason Bateman, and ...
    Oct 22, 2013 · Last night, Mitch Hurwitz kicked off the ninth annual New York Television Festival, and Vulture had the honor of interviewing him onstage.Missing: inspiration | Show results with:inspiration
  13. [13]
    2013 LA Confidential Portia de Rossi Cover
    Mitch Hurwitz on Portia playing Lindsay. “Portia simultaneously can play very cold and very warm, here's just something very appealing about her, despite how ...
  14. [14]
    Stupidly Handsome. Annoying Tan. Why I Love Will Arnett. - GQ
    Aug 22, 2010 · The Emmy-winning "Arrested Development" creator Mitch Hurwitz ... cast the role of Gob when we were doing the pilot of Arrested Development.
  15. [15]
    'Arrested Development' Star Tony Hale: 'Buster Lives in a State of ...
    May 22, 2013 · Before Tony Hale landed the role of Buster Bluth on Arrested Development in 2003, he was a largely unknown actor best remembered for dancing ...
  16. [16]
    Arresting Performances - Backstage
    Nov 4, 2019 · They play kissing cousins on Fox Television's Arrested Development, but Alia Shawkat and Michael Cera behave a lot more like brother and sister.
  17. [17]
    Arrested Development's Mitch Hurwitz On His Career - NPR
    Dec 25, 2008 · The TV producer and writer talks about Arrested Development, the series he created. Hurwitz has won three Emmy awards for his work.
  18. [18]
    Arrested Development (TV Series 2003–2019) - Full cast & crew
    Troy Miller 31 episodes • 2013–2019, Mitchell Hurwitz 15 episodes • 2013, Joe Russo 10 episodes • 2003–2005, Paul Feig 7 episodes • 2004–
  19. [19]
    I am Mitch Hurwitz, creator of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (among ...
    Jun 17, 2013 · But if the question is, what the inspiration was - Ron Howard came to me with the idea of doing a documentary-style show, or maybe David ...Missing: Enron | Show results with:Enron
  20. [20]
    Mitch Hurwitz Talks ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Season 4 and ...
    Jan 10, 2013 · Mitch Hurwitz Talks ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Season 4 on Netflix, Bringing Michael Cera Into the Writers' Room, and the ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT ...
  21. [21]
    Production Culture: Industrial Reflexivity and Critical Practice in Film ...
    The cinematographer James L. Carter talks about his first experience ... Arrested Development continued this penchant for speeding up the blocking and ...
  22. [22]
    DP Patrick Stewart's path and workflow on Netflix's Arrested ...
    Jul 18, 2018 · With its handheld doc-style camerawork, voiceover narration and quirky humor, Arrested Development helped revolutionize the look of TV sitcoms.Missing: documentary | Show results with:documentary
  23. [23]
    Arrested Development's narrator fact checks a Trump-Clinton debate
    Oct 13, 2016 · As the off-screen narrator of Arrested Development, Ron Howard was never afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant contradicting or ...
  24. [24]
    Arrested Development: TV Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    May 26, 2013 · (You'll definitely want to freeze-frame anything that has printed material in it). In essence, the way the series is constructed rewards ...
  25. [25]
    10 real and not-so-real O.C. references in 'Arrested Development'
    May 24, 2013 · Even the beach at Newport Beach isn't real in “Arrested Development.” It's really Marina del Rey, where the show was filmed.Missing: Peninsula | Show results with:Peninsula
  26. [26]
    Jason Bateman: Matt Damon Pitched Himself for 'Arrested ...
    Feb 26, 2025 · Arrested Development, created by Mitchell Hurwitz, centers on level-headed son Michael Bluth who takes over family affairs after his father is ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    'Arrested Development' Creator Mitch Hurwitz Remembers Jessica ...
    Mar 25, 2021 · One of Jessica Walter's most memorable roles, of course, was the boozy matriarch Lucille Bluth on “Arrested Development.
  28. [28]
    'Arrested Development' Star Jessica Walter Dies At 80 - NPR
    Mar 25, 2021 · Jessica Walter, who played the hilariously incisive matriarch Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, died in her sleep Wednesday in New York City. She was 80 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    The Cast of 'Arrested Development,' Then and Now
    May 29, 2018 · About the dysfunctional Bluth family, whose privileged lifestyles are thrown in turmoil after patriarch George Sr. is suddenly arrested, ...Missing: descriptions | Show results with:descriptions
  30. [30]
    Arrested Development Season 4 - Character Profiles - Fuller Studio
    Everyone in the world of Arrested Development is basically a stereotype, but Lindsay Bluth Funke as the insecure, shallow, vapid, flip-flopping cause-head ...
  31. [31]
    Arrested Development: Meet Tobias Funke - Radio Times
    May 17, 2013 · Arrested Development: Meet Tobias Funke ... Tobias Funke is a character of many, many hidden depths. Played by David Cross, he appears, at first, ...
  32. [32]
    What a character: Why Gob Bluth from Arrested Development is a TV ...
    The dimwit magician who made a lot of huge mistakes, Arrested Development's Gob Bluth. GOB 1. In three words, he's: Hilarious, devious and unreliable. Why he's ...
  33. [33]
    Why Buster Is the Best 'Arrested Development' Character - Flavorwire
    May 24, 2013 · The intricate misfortunes in Arrested Development would be Shakespearean if most of the Bluths weren't terrible people. But it's unmistakably ...
  34. [34]
    https://ew.com/article/2012/10/19/mae-whitman-tinkerbell-secret-of-the-wings-parenthood-arrested-development/
  35. [35]
    https://ew.com/article/2015/10/01/judy-greer-married-memorable-roles/
  36. [36]
    Judy Greer talks learning how to text on '13 Going on 30,' her favorite Bluth in 'Arrested Development,' and more...
    ### Description of Kitty Sanchez from Arrested Development
  37. [37]
    'Arrested Development' season 5: Here's which fan-favorite characters are back
    ### Supporting Characters in Arrested Development Season 5
  38. [38]
    How Bob Loblaw of 'Arrested Development' Got His Name
    Jan 6, 2020 · In Season Three of Arrested Development, the show's writers needed a name for Scott Baio's character, a defense attorney replacing the Bluth ...
  39. [39]
    'Seinfeld' vets to face off - Variety
    Feb 2, 2004 · But, of course, the actress is still best known for her long stint as Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld.” “Arrested Development” comes from Imagine TV ...<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    10 Recent Sitcom Characters That Think They're as Cool as The ...
    Nov 11, 2014 · Barry Zuckerkorn on 'Arrested Development'. We have to finish the list off with the lovably incompetent attorney Barry, whom The Fonz would ...
  41. [41]
    Arrested Development (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
    Aug 8, 2024 · A guide listing the titles AND air dates for episodes of the TV series Arrested Development.
  42. [42]
    "Arrested Development" Pilot (TV Episode 2003) - IMDb
    Rating 8.1/10 (4,607) After his father fails to promote him within the family business, Michael accepts a job in Arizona -- until his dad is arrested for shady bookkeeping.
  43. [43]
    The Chicken Dance - Previously, On Arrested Development : NPR
    NPR's slightly obsessive guide to the running gags on Arrested Development, updated for season 4.Missing: therapy | Show results with:therapy
  44. [44]
    'Arrested Development': Funniest Running Jokes From TV Series
    May 23, 2013 · The Chicken Dance ... "Has anyone in this family ever even seen a chicken?" Michael asks his family at one point, and we must admit, he has a ...Missing: therapy | Show results with:therapy
  45. [45]
    "Arrested Development" Let 'Em Eat Cake (TV Episode 2004) - IMDb
    Rating 8.6/10 (2,844) Let 'Em Eat Cake: Directed by Paul Feig. With Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera. Michael discovers the secret behind his father's ...
  46. [46]
    Arrested Development (TV Series 2003–2019) - Episode list - IMDb
    **Summary of Season 2 of Arrested Development (Source: IMDb)**
  47. [47]
    What Will 'Arrested Development' Be Without the Iraq War?
    May 22, 2013 · The Bluths learn that family patriarch George is being charged with light treason for building model homes for Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.
  48. [48]
    Arrested Development: “Sad Sack”/“Afternoon Delight” - AV Club
    Jun 20, 2012 · In the fifth episode of the second season of Arrested Development, “Sad Sack” has two meanings. Most prominently, it refers to Buster Bluth, ...
  49. [49]
    Arrested Development: “Out On A Limb”/“Hand To God” - AV Club
    Jul 25, 2012 · The characters are skipping church, missing temple, ignoring what their God-clad father asks, and trying to get of a drab relationship with a ...
  50. [50]
    Arrested Development: “¡Amigos!”/“Good Grief” - AV Club
    Jun 13, 2012 · In “¡Amigos!,” a procession of Bluths make their way to Mexico, following a tip from the family's private investigator Gene Parmesan (played by ...
  51. [51]
    Arrested Development, "Good Grief" - AV Club
    Sep 9, 2010 · Up until the moment that he gets distracted, Michael is trying to finally deal with his feelings about his father's death. Earlier in the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  52. [52]
    Arrested Development (TV Series 2003–2019) - Episode list - IMDb
    S3.E1 ∙ The Cabin Show · S3.E2 ∙ For British Eyes Only · S3.E3 ∙ Forget Me Now · S3.E4 ∙ Notapusy · S3.E5 ∙ Mr. F · S3.E6 ∙ The Ocean Walker · S3.E7 ∙ Prison Break-In.
  53. [53]
    Where 'Arrested Development' Left Off at the End of Season 3, Bluth ...
    May 24, 2013 · Thanks to Michael's efforts, George Bluth was cleared of treason and his other charges, and Lucille was revealed to be the one behind all of his ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  54. [54]
    https://www.avclub.com/arrested-development-the-complete-fourth-season-1798176925
  55. [55]
    Arrested Development: The Complete Fourth Season - AV Club
    May 28, 2013 · The biggest issue with the season's structure stems from its time-hopping conceit. Put simply, jumping between past and present, while somewhat ...Missing: summary criticism
  56. [56]
    And Now the Review of One of the Greatest Comedies of All Time ...
    May 28, 2013 · It has become obvious that George Sr., Lucille 1, and Lindsay will never change from being terrible people6, and not ones we want to ever spend ...Missing: plot structure
  57. [57]
    Arrested Development season 5 review: EW gives it a C+
    **Summary of Arrested Development Season 5 Part 1 (EW Review):**
  58. [58]
    'Arrested Development' season 5, part 2 review: The show must not go on
    ### Summary of Arrested Development Season 5 Part 2 (EW Review)
  59. [59]
    'Arrested Development' Season 5 Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    May 24, 2018 · While there's not much of de Rossi in the first seven episodes, Bateman, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, Cera, Jessica Walter, Jeffrey Tambor, David ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  60. [60]
    Arrested Development Recap: Was That The Series Finale? Plus
    Mar 16, 2019 · With George Michael and Gob temporarily incapacitated, Michael goes ahead and sells FakeBlock to the Chinese government. Then, having put ...
  61. [61]
    TV Review: 'Arrested Development' Season 5 on Netflix - Variety
    May 25, 2018 · CAST: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, Portia de Rossi, David Cross and Alia Shawkat. Read ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  62. [62]
    'Arrested Development': Jeffrey Tambor To Appear In Season 5
    May 4, 2018 · Arrested Development co-star Jeffrey Tambor will appear in the cult comedy series' upcoming fifth season on Netflix, a spokesperson said.<|control11|><|separator|>
  63. [63]
    https://ew.com/tv/2019/03/07/arrested-development-season-5-cobie-smulders-taran-killam/
  64. [64]
    'Arrested Development': THR's 2003 Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    Sep 2, 2015 · 'Arrested Development': THR's 2003 Review. On Nov. 2, 2003, the Bluth family was introduced to Fox television audiences at 9:30 p.m..
  65. [65]
    Why Arrested Development Ended When It Did - SlashFilm
    Apr 29, 2022 · According to Ad Savvy, much of the issue could be attributed to Fox's Luddite attitude. Like many networks, it paid far too much attention to ...
  66. [66]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/episodes?season=1
  67. [67]
    https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/R-I-P-Arrested-Development-critics-fave-2500890.php
  68. [68]
    Why Arrested Development Was Originally Canceled - CBR
    Nov 26, 2020 · Due to the first season's low ratings, Fox moved Arrested Development to Sundays after The Simpsons and cut the initial episode order down to 18 ...
  69. [69]
    Low-rated shows struggle to hang on
    Feb 16, 2005 · With the truncated run for “Arrested Development,” it seems unlikely that Fox (which gets points for bringing it back after the first low ...
  70. [70]
    DVDs help keep `Arrested' on the air - Chicago Tribune
    Oct 23, 2005 · Strong DVD sales alone would not keep the show alive, though it's one of many factors in “Arrested's” favor, according to Craig Erwich, ...Missing: Bowl | Show results with:Bowl
  71. [71]
    A huge mistake: Arrested Development cast criticise Fox's 2006 ...
    May 24, 2013 · A huge mistake: Arrested Development cast criticise Fox's 2006 cancellation. Alia Shawkat and Jeffrey Tambor hit out at the network while ...
  72. [72]
    Arrested Development: The Complete Series DVD (Seasons 1-3 ...
    730-day returnsArrested Development: The Complete Series DVD Release Date November 14, 2006 (Seasons 1-3 Bundle). DVD reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots.
  73. [73]
    Arrested Development: Season 4 DVD - Blu-ray.com
    730-day returnsArrested Development: Season 4 DVD Release Date December 16, 2014. DVD reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots. Cheap DVD movies and deals.
  74. [74]
    Arrested Development: The Complete Seasons 1-3 Blu-ray
    730-day returnsArrested Development: The Complete Seasons 1-3 Blu-ray Release Date November 21, 2014 (Die Kompletten Staffeln 1-3). Blu-ray reviews, news, specs, ratings, ...Missing: media | Show results with:media
  75. [75]
    Arrested Development - streaming tv show online - JustWatch
    Rating 92% (11,539) Currently you are able to watch "Arrested Development" streaming on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads or buy it as download on Amazon Video, Apple TV, ...
  76. [76]
    ‎Arrested Development - Apple TV
    Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job ...
  77. [77]
    Watch Arrested Development Season 1 | Prime Video - Amazon.com
    Rating 4.7 (2,135) Moments after Michael Bluth decides he's leaving the family business because he was passed over for a promotion, his father is arrested for shady bookkeeping.Missing: iTunes | Show results with:iTunes
  78. [78]
    Season 1 – Arrested Development - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 100% (24) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Arrested Development: Season 1 on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!
  79. [79]
    Arrested Development: Season One - AV Club
    Oct 11, 2004 · And Arrested Development is about as good as the good stuff gets. No doubt winning all those Emmys has helped the sitcom's chances of survival, ...
  80. [80]
    Arrested Development: Season 4 | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    The plotlines are incredibly bizarre, unique, and hilarious. The acting is superb, and the direction allows for subtlety ...
  81. [81]
    Season 4 – Arrested Development - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 79% (147) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Arrested Development: Season 4 on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!Critics Reviews · Audience Reviews · Episodes
  82. [82]
    Arrested Development - AV Club
    Jan 15, 2013 · A series of interlocking character sketches, focusing on one member of the Bluth family at a time, while telling a story that won't come together fully until ...
  83. [83]
    Season 5 – Arrested Development - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 54% (52) Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr., is sent to prison ...
  84. [84]
    Review: 'Arrested Development' Chases Its Past, Slowly
    May 28, 2018 · Michael (Jason Bateman) is entangled in an investigation into the disappearance of family friend Lucille Austero (Liza Minnelli). Various family ...
  85. [85]
    Arrested Development: Season 5 | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    Better than the fourth season -- which isn't saying much, admittedly -- with lots of pleasures, and some padding, too. Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 5 ...
  86. [86]
    Football carries ABC Monday - Variety
    Dec 6, 2005 · Also for Fox, an original episode of laffer “Arrested Development” at 8 was at its season average (2.1/6 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) ...
  87. [87]
    TV Ratings: Are We Looking At Them All Wrong? | HuffPost Culture
    Aug 16, 2011 · When it aired on television from 2003 to 2006, "Arrested Development" was a ratings disaster. The beloved Fox comedy's second season ...
  88. [88]
    'Arrested Development' Surpasses 'House of Cards' as Netflix's ...
    May 28, 2013 · 'Arrested Development' Surpasses 'House of Cards' as Netflix's Biggest Hit. The long-awaited fourth season of the cult hit generated three ...
  89. [89]
    Arrested Development's Long, Weird Journey to Season 5 - E! News
    Mar 15, 2019 · A few months after the official season five announcement happened, Tambor was accused of sexual misconduct while working on Transparent. ...
  90. [90]
    It turns out Arrested Development is staying on Netflix after all
    Mar 25, 2023 · The streamer announced on Twitter that the show will remain on the platform after licensing issues nearly resulted in its removal. While Netflix ...
  91. [91]
    Outstanding Comedy Series 2004 - Nominees & Winners
    Outstanding Comedy Series Winner: Arrested Development, FOX, Barbie Adler, Brian Grazer, Executive Producer, Ron Howard, Executive Producer, Victor Hsu.
  92. [92]
    Arrested Development - Golden Globes
    2014 Nominee. Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy · Jason Bateman ; 2005 Winner. Best Performance by an Actor in a Television ...
  93. [93]
    Writers Guild Awards Winners 2005-1996 - WGA
    PIER PRESSURE (Arrested Development), Fox, Written by Jim Vallely & Mitchell Hurwitz. IDA'S BOYFRIEND (Malcolm in the Middle), FOX, Written by Neil Thompson.
  94. [94]
    TCA Awards - Television Critics Association
    2003-04 “Arrested Development” (FOX); 2004-05 “Arrested Development” (FOX); 2005-06 “The Office” (NBC); 2006-07 “The Office” (NBC); 2007-08 “30 Rock” (NBC) ...
  95. [95]
    COVER STORY; Dysfunctional? Yes. But Helpless? Yes
    Nov 9, 2003 · Weird things are right in line with the premise of ''Arrested Development,'' which revolves around George Bluth, a rich but crooked businessman ...
  96. [96]
    [PDF] Arrested Development as Philosophy: Family First? What We Owe ...
    Sep 29, 2022 · Arrested Development suggests that any obligation children have to parents is based on friendship, not just the parent-child relationship.
  97. [97]
    'Arrested Development' Recap: Season 5, Episode 3 - Vulture
    Rating 3.0 · Review by VultureMay 31, 2018 · Full-family scenes in the penthouse were some of the highlights of Arrested Development's original run, allowing the cast to play wildly off ...
  98. [98]
    The Financialization of Domestic Space in Arrested Development ...
    ... greed of the bankers and/or the irresponsible homebuy-. ers who borrowed ... Yet the efforts to get the story right have pointed as much to a crisis of ...
  99. [99]
    Arrested Development Recap: Wall Games - Vulture
    Rating 3.0 · Review by VultureMay 27, 2013 · installment of Arrested Development started out as a political satire of Herman Cain's presidential campaign and ended as a comedy about a Bluth ...
  100. [100]
    'Arrested Development' Cast Says Trump Stole the Bluths' Idea for ...
    May 21, 2018 · 'Arrested Development' Cast Says Trump Stole the Bluths' Idea for the Border Wall (Video) ... comedy drops on Netflix next week and hecatches wind ...
  101. [101]
    TV WEEKEND; All in the (Rich, Dysfunctional) Family
    Oct 31, 2003 · Alessandra Stanley reviews new Fox sitcom Arrested Development, starring Jason Bateman; photo (M)
  102. [102]
    Arrested Development Creator on the Future of TV and Bringing ...
    May 22, 2013 · Wired talked with Hurwitz about how bringing the Bluths to Netflix allowed him to do things that never would have been possible on network TV, ...
  103. [103]
    'Arrested Development' Season 5, Part 1 Review: Familiar, but Faded.
    Jun 1, 2018 · One of the best aspects of this season are the fourth wall breaks when it comes to the voiceover. Ron Howard has been the narrator of the ...
  104. [104]
    Arrested Development S3E9 "S.O.B.s" Recap - TV Tropes
    Breaking the Fourth Wall: The Narrator makes pleas for the audience to ... Ron Howard, Narrating: Please tell people about this show. Pop-Cultural ...
  105. [105]
    Arrested Development: the defining sitcom of our times - The Guardian
    Oct 4, 2011 · The monarch of modern sitcom has influenced a range of shows from 30 Rock to Community. Its return is a cause for celebration.
  106. [106]
    The Good Place is the new Arrested Development | The Week
    Oct 6, 2017 · That's two whole formulas, two perfectly acceptable narrative structures, the show has teased, analyzed, deconstructed, and thrown out. Sign ...Missing: influence Community