Arrested Development

Dysfunctional family navigates business woes and complicated relationships

Watch on Netflix
About Arrested Development

Released: 2003

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 5 Seasons

Cast
Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Ron Howard

About Arrested Development

Explore:

About

Arrested Development is an award-winning TV show that first aired in 2003. It is a hilarious comedy series that follows the dysfunctional Bluth family, a wealthy family who falls from grace after the patriarch, George Bluth Sr., is arrested for fraud.

The show is known for its unique storytelling style and clever humor. Each episode is filled with fast-paced dialogue, recurring jokes, and intricate plot twists that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

The Bluth family consists of various eccentric characters, including Michael Bluth, the responsible son who tries to hold the family together; Gob Bluth, the bumbling magician; Lindsay Bluth-Fünke, the self-centered activist; George Michael Bluth, Michael's awkward and socially awkward son; and many more.

Making / Production

Arrested Development was created by Mitchell Hurwitz and produced by Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television. The show was praised for its unique mockumentary format, which included a narrator (Ron Howard) who provided humorous commentary on the events unfolding in each episode.

The series was known for its highly talented ensemble cast, including Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, and Jessica Walter, among others. The show's writing and character development were highly regarded, thanks to its clever wit and complex story arcs.

Actors

  • Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth - the responsible son who tries to hold the family together.
  • Portia de Rossi as Lindsay Bluth-Fünke - the self-centered activist.
  • Will Arnett as Gob Bluth - the bumbling magician.
  • Michael Cera as George Michael Bluth - Michael's socially awkward son.
  • Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth - the manipulative matriarch of the family.
  • David Cross as Tobias Fünke - Lindsay's eccentric husband.
  • Alia Shawkat as Maeby Fünke - Lindsay and Tobias' rebellious daughter.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Arrested Development was praised for its use of foreshadowing and intricate details throughout the series. Many jokes and plot points are subtly set up in earlier episodes and pay off later, rewarding attentive viewers.
  • The show gained a dedicated cult following despite initially low ratings during its original run. This led to a revival on Netflix for its fourth and fifth seasons.
  • Jessica Walter won critical acclaim for her portrayal of the manipulative Lucille Bluth, earning her several award nominations.
  • Many famous guest stars made appearances on the show, including Henry Winkler, Liza Minnelli, and Ben Stiller.

Awards

Arrested Development has received numerous awards and nominations throughout its run, including several Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series. The show's writing, acting, and overall production have been widely recognized in the industry.

Quotes

  • "I've made a huge mistake." - Gob Bluth
  • "I'm afraid I just blue myself." - Tobias Fünke
  • "I've got the worst (bleep)ing attorneys." - George Bluth Sr.

Music

The show features a catchy opening theme song composed by David Schwartz, which sets the tone for the quirky and comedic nature of the series.

Soundtrack

Arrested Development does not have an official soundtrack release, but various songs are featured throughout the series to complement specific scenes and enhance the comedic moments.