Watch Arrested Development

Arrested Development is a quirky, offbeat comedy series created by Mitchell Hurwitz that premiered on Netflix in 2003. The show ran for five seasons, with the final season premiering in 2018. The show is a satirical take on the dysfunctional Bluth family, who find themselves in a series of absurd and hilarious situations.

At the center of the show is Michael Bluth, played by Jason Bateman, who is the level-headed son of the Bluth family. After his father, played by Jeffrey Tambor, is arrested for fraud and embezzlement, Michael must keep the family together and save their failing real estate business. Along the way, Michael must contend with his manipulative mother, played by Jessica Walter, his eccentric siblings, including the narcissistic Gob (Will Arnett), the sweet but naive Buster (Tony Hale), and the rebellious Maeby (Alia Shawkat).

What sets Arrested Development apart from other sitcoms is its use of unconventional storytelling methods, such as flashbacks, split screens, and narration by producer Ron Howard. The show also frequently breaks the fourth wall, with characters directly addressing the camera or making meta-jokes about the show's production.

Throughout the series, the Bluths navigate a variety of bizarre situations, such as housing a tame seal in their penthouse, faking a heart attack to get out of work, and staging a fake Iraq War to boost business for their model home. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including a British family with a penchant for incest, a lawyer played by Henry Winkler who is perpetually trying to jump over things, and a group of shady individuals known as the "Bluth Company."

The show's humor often relies on pop culture references, wordplay, and callbacks to jokes from previous episodes. Fans of Arrested Development often watch the show multiple times to catch all of the subtle jokes and references. Despite its offbeat style, the show has a devoted fanbase and has been praised for its sharp writing, unique characters, and clever humor.

Over the course of the series, various guest stars have appeared on the show, including Charlize Theron, who played Michael's love interest in Season 3, and Seth Rogen and Kristen Wiig, who appeared in Season 4. The show has also been praised for its diverse cast, which features performers of various ethnicities and backgrounds.

In 2018, the show was renewed for a fifth season, which saw the return of the entire cast. The new season continued to explore the Bluth family's antics, including Gob's magic career, Michael's attempts to win back his son's love, and the family's attempt to make a movie about their own lives. The final episodes of the show aired in March 2019, and fans were left wondering if there would be any continuation or follow-up.

In summary, Arrested Development is a beloved comedy series that has earned a cult following for its unconventional storytelling, clever humor, and memorable characters. With a talented cast and sharp writing, the show stands out as a unique and innovative addition to the world of sitcoms.

Arrested Development is a series that is currently running and has 20 seasons (132 episodes). The series first aired on November 2, 2003.