In 2006, televisions everywhere lost a hidden gem. Despite superb writing, hilarious acting and all-over wonderfulness recognized by the Emmys, poor ratings plagued Fox’s secret hit. It has been five years since the dysfunctional Bluth family has graced our TV sets in a new episode of Arrested Development.
Even though the show was pulled from the air after three seasons because of poor viewership, critics were in awe of this twisted family. Soon after, thanks to DVD sales and Internet sites like Netflix and Hulu, Arrested Development became a cult hit.
Arrested Development tops the ranks of “TV shows cancelled before their time” with others like Freaks and Geeks, Pushing Daisies and My So-Called Life. The only thing that separates theses shows from Arrested Development is that AD fans will get closure.
Coming back for ten episodes and a movie, Arrested Development will finally return. Stars Jason Bateman (who plays Michael Bluth, the most down-to-earth member of the family who tries to keep everyone in line) and Will Arnett (who plays the oldest Bluth son Gob, short for George Oscar Bluth II, an eccentric magician with a flair for the outrageous and Segways) broke the news on their twitter feeds earlier this October.
The family will film nine or ten episodes and a movie, says Mitchell Hurwitz, the show’s creator. Each episode will focus on a different member of the family, including George, Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor’s role as a ex-convict who put the Bluth family company into jeopardy), his wife, children, and two grandchildren. However, those wishing for the new project to come out next year will have to wait. Bateman tweeted that they will be released in early 2013.
While the majority of fans are rejoicing over the news with frozen bananas and chicken dances, others are worried. No word has been announced if there is a television network on board to air the show. Reportedly, there have been talks of bringing the show to a network like Showtime, or even Netflix.
Fans are also wondering if any of Arrested Development’sfamous guest stars will be returning for the episodes or movie. Frequently recurring characters were played by Liza Minnelli, Judy Greer, Henry Winkler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Charlize Theron. Most of the guest stars, as well as most of the cast, are busy with their own film and television careers.
Since Arrested Development’s end in 2006, Bateman has starred in Juno, Horrible Bosses, The Change-Up and several other films. Portia de Rossi worked on another “gone before its time” show, Better Off Ted.Arnett has appeared on 30 Rock and also stars in a new NBC show Up All Night with Christina Applegate. Bateman’s TV son, Michael Cera, has really grown up post-Arrested in Juno, Superbad and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. De Rossi’s TV husband, David Cross, just landed a recurring role on ABC’s hit comedy, Modern Family.
Despite all of the logistical questions, fans everywhere are excited for the reunion of their favorite family. They cannot wait to see an adult George Michael, as well as the crazy antics that Buster, Tobias and Gob have in store on the next Arrested Development.
Sources:
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/10/arrested_development_revival_s.html?imw=Y&f=most-viewed-24h5
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/mitchell-hurwitz-promises-an-arrested-development-movie-and-new-tv-episodes/
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/10/02/netflix-or-showtime-who-will-nab-the-new-arrested-development-limited-series/