Arrested Development

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Season 1
Season #: 5.5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 497 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 467 out of 497
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 497
  3. Negative: 22 out of 497
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  1. brockcheese
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    This is a great season of television that cemented one of the best sitcoms of all time.
  2. ForReals13
    Apr 19, 2022
    10
    Pilot B+. Top Banana A-.
    Bringing Up Buster B+. Key Decisions A-.
    Charity Drive B+. Visiting Ours B+. In God We Trust B+. My Mother The Car B+. Storming The Castle A-. Pier Pressure A. Public Relations B+. Marta Complex A-. Beef Consomme A-. Shock And Aww A. Staff Infection B+. Altar Egos A-. Justice Is Blind A. Missing Kitty A-. Best Man For The Gob B+. Whistler's Mother B+. Not Without    Pilot B+. Top Banana A-.
    Bringing Up Buster B+. Key Decisions A-.
    Charity Drive B+. Visiting Ours B+.
    In God We Trust B+. My Mother The Car B+.
    Storming The Castle A-. Pier Pressure A.
    Public Relations B+. Marta Complex A-.
    Beef Consomme A-. Shock And Aww A.
    Staff Infection B+. Altar Egos A-.
    Justice Is Blind A. Missing Kitty A-.
    Best Man For The Gob B+.
    Whistler's Mother B+.
    Not Without My Daughter A-.
    Let Em Eat Cake A.    … Expand
  3. drlowdon
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    If you were looking to put together a dream cast for a comedy then Arrested Development would come pretty close. Produced and narrated by Ron Howard the show features Jason Bateman and Michael Cera (Juno), Jeffrey Tambor (The Larry Sanders Show), Portia de Rossi (Ally McBeal) as well as the always funny Will Arnett (30 Rock).

    The show itself introduces us to the Bluth Family who, with    If you were looking to put together a dream cast for a comedy then Arrested Development would come pretty close. Produced and narrated by Ron Howard the show features Jason Bateman and Michael Cera (Juno), Jeffrey Tambor (The Larry Sanders Show), Portia de Rossi (Ally McBeal) as well as the always funny Will Arnett (30 Rock).

    The show itself introduces us to the Bluth Family who, with the exception of Michael Bluth and his son, are lazy freeloaders that have never worked a full day in their lives. Following the collapse of the family business however they suddenly have to come to terms with the fact that they may have to curb their expensive habits.

    Shot in documentary style using a single camera the writers make good use of the comic talent at their disposal creating a twisted yet funny environment in which they can operate. Remaining a cult favourite, and thus receiving a Netflix revival, this first season of Arrested Developments remains just as watchable today, and just as funny, as it was back in 2003.    … Expand
  4. harshsb
    Mar 3, 2019
    9
    When it comes to most Sitcoms, the comedy is often very forced, with lame punchlines and simple "jokes" that come off as the exact opposite of funny, you often have a laugh track forced down your throat, making sure to tell you when to laugh. Arrested Development is the complete opposite of this.

    To begin, Arrested Development, unlike the majority of other sitcoms, has an enjoyable,    When it comes to most Sitcoms, the comedy is often very forced, with lame punchlines and simple "jokes" that come off as the exact opposite of funny, you often have a laugh track forced down your throat, making sure to tell you when to laugh. Arrested Development is the complete opposite of this.

    To begin, Arrested Development, unlike the majority of other sitcoms, has an enjoyable, captivating story which linearly progresses episode from the episode. The story is that of Michael Bluth, the son of George Bluth, the owner of a real estate company who is tied up in a fiasco of legal issues. Michael sees himself vow to leave the family with his son yet somehow keeps returning to help out the family in their problems.

    The comedy is top-tier and never forced, there is no laugh-track and signs to laugh, rather it is actually a funny show. The show slowly builds inside joke and often goes for the long-con, the audience often sees things from earlier episodes come back up, building a running-gag.

    Without the comedy even playing a factor, the show still prides itself in being extremely witty and well-produced, with well-shot scenes that each play of-of each other. The dialogue is intelligent, comprehensible and sensible, viewers can find themselves relating to the protagonist and the characters all have their own distinct personalities.

    In the end, Arrested Development is a near perfect sitcom, with endless laughs and brilliant writing and charming characters.    … Expand
  5. Taggerbolt
    Jan 22, 2019
    10
    This was our introduction to the greatest show of all time! So many jokes and even when I watch it for the 5th time, I'm hearing jokes I didn't catch the first time. There needs to be more shows like this on TV.
  6. marcmyworks
    Jul 8, 2018
    9
    Though the first few episodes of season 1 are a bit slow in their humour, overall this is a winning show with a wonderfully fleshed out cast. I was surprised to hear the ratings were so low at the time.
  7. Derringer
    May 27, 2018
    0
    I cant believe there is people who are actually liking this piece of sh**t. First of all, none of the characters never get anywhere through all the seasons. I mean, they tell you literally in every episode that this family is in a serious economical crisis and they need to get out of there or face poverty and financial disaster. Michael, the only competent son tries to fix that, but inI cant believe there is people who are actually liking this piece of sh**t. First of all, none of the characters never get anywhere through all the seasons. I mean, they tell you literally in every episode that this family is in a serious economical crisis and they need to get out of there or face poverty and financial disaster. Michael, the only competent son tries to fix that, but in every episode you have the feeling that thanks to that guy the plot takes one step forward (at least in the first seasons before netflix bought it), but thanks to the rest of the family (who are complete imbeciles, every single one of them) takes 8 steps back.
    So It doesnt really matters what happens in the middle, you all should know this: They always end up in square 1.
    Could be interesting if these setbacks could be due to tragedies or unfortunate events, but the truth is they cant progress due to their deep colective stupidity (thats why its called Arrested Development, I know). If only the characters exist in real life like they were presented in the show, all of them will be strong candidates to appear in the Darwin awards because probably all of them would die killing themselves involuntarily (I leave you the link here to see what Im talking about: http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/). Its just that, at the end nothing happens. They made like 20 episodes or so for every season, but nothing changes and this is why its so painful to watch this morons screwing it up over and over again without getting anywhere.    … Expand
  8. jakehartley88
    Feb 15, 2018
    6
    This is the "Jason Bateman Complains about his worthless family" show. The whole concept of the show is Micheal being disappointed over and over again by everyone, including himself at times. That, and the jokes are only mildly funny and the narration is just plain annoying. I wanted to like this show, but I am having trouble getting into it.
  9. gtwist
    Nov 27, 2017
    10
    This season of this amazing show is so FANTASTIC! So original, creative, and FUNNY! Every line of dialog said in this show comes back at you, and it is brilliant! Arrested Development is a perfect show, and is my favorite EVER!
  10. whipnet
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    Arrested Development was probably the most intelligent humor ever written, but unfortunately that was its demise. It went over the head's of most people. It's not in your face, see for a mile coming comedy. It's subtle, dry humor with no laugh track.

    It's extremely character based and there are countless running jokes that last through-out the series, so watching from the start will    Arrested Development was probably the most intelligent humor ever written, but unfortunately that was its demise. It went over the head's of most people. It's not in your face, see for a mile coming comedy. It's subtle, dry humor with no laugh track.

    It's extremely character based and there are countless running jokes that last through-out the series, so watching from the start will behoove you.

    If you need your comedy spoon-fed to you, don't bother with A-D, but if you like intelligent humor that you get something different from every time you watch it, then I suggest you start your binge now.    … Expand
  11. ArrestedDSucks
    Jun 24, 2015
    0
    This is the shotgun approach to humor, putting out the maximum gags-per-minute. The problem is, none of the gags are funny. THE OFFICE was ridiculous and absurd but it was still quality satire because it's about what really does go on inside a typical office. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT has the ridiculous and the absurd without anything grounding it in reality... which reduces it to humorlessThis is the shotgun approach to humor, putting out the maximum gags-per-minute. The problem is, none of the gags are funny. THE OFFICE was ridiculous and absurd but it was still quality satire because it's about what really does go on inside a typical office. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT has the ridiculous and the absurd without anything grounding it in reality... which reduces it to humorless stupidity. If you're a fan of stupidity for the sake of stupidity, this show is for you. Otherwise, don't waste your time.… Expand
  12. heromoder
    May 11, 2015
    10
    Stunningly funny. The first episode is one of the best pilots I have ever seen. Like, ever. A terrific season of television that is still funny after 300 re-watches.
  13. Henri123
    Feb 21, 2015
    9
    I don't know why this series had low audience. It's well written and very funny. Maybe some people didn't understood the comedy, but had moments that some characters were boring to be heard.
  14. outdoor75
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    This is the funniest show I have ever seen. Thank you for bringing all this laughter to my life! Beyond creative! How do they do it? It has to have been written by a genuis.
  15. mookiewilson34
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    Greatest show in the history of television. Start with episode one season one and watch the entire series. Then do it again.

    Great characters, excellent writing, hilarious jokes.
  16. TheQuietGamer
    May 13, 2014
    6
    It took a while for the show to get going for me, but once I got to know the characters better I got more invested in it. I started caring about the plot lines more and I started to get some real laughs. It's just a shame that over half of the season was gone before it started to get enjoyable. For a while I was largely bored by the show, which shocked me given it's fantastic cast. Still IIt took a while for the show to get going for me, but once I got to know the characters better I got more invested in it. I started caring about the plot lines more and I started to get some real laughs. It's just a shame that over half of the season was gone before it started to get enjoyable. For a while I was largely bored by the show, which shocked me given it's fantastic cast. Still I did eventually start to get some enjoyment out of it and am looking forward to watching the next season. So as it stands my opinion of the first season isn't exactly great, but I am excited for the next season(s). I give it a 6.5/10=Okay.… Expand
  17. Performance
    Feb 24, 2014
    0
    Man, this show had me so excited for something great, but this show is garbage. There is garbage, and then there is this show. SO BAD. I hate this show, so garb, I crie everietiem,
  18. Gotter
    Jan 15, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They all die in the end... :O… Expand
  19. XavierBlaq
    Jan 11, 2014
    10
    Arrested Development is arguably the greatest sitcom of all-time, and I have to say that might be true. The jokes are brilliant and hold-up well after multiple watches, and some sequences of the show are so packed with humor that new jokes can be found almost every time an episode is watched. Every character is acted to perfection and stands out for their own reason, so no one seemsArrested Development is arguably the greatest sitcom of all-time, and I have to say that might be true. The jokes are brilliant and hold-up well after multiple watches, and some sequences of the show are so packed with humor that new jokes can be found almost every time an episode is watched. Every character is acted to perfection and stands out for their own reason, so no one seems unnecessary or overshadowed. I would compare this sitcom to another in order to give people who have not watched Arrested Development an idea of what it is like, but there has never been a show quite like this one, either before or since.… Expand
  20. BiteSizeReviews
    Jan 10, 2014
    9
    This show is an amazing TV series that really makes you want to see more of what The Bluth Family will have to go through after the ending of each episode. With great cliffhangers, on-running gags that only true fans would understand, and clever writing make this a must-watch show.
  21. LuciusMcGibbon
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    Comedic perfection. If you can't laugh at this show, you simply do not know jick shat about comedy. The laughs come in so many layers that you could re-watch an episode 10 times and still catch a joke you missed at first.

    Watching season 4, it's astonishing how little the entire crew has missed a beat after 8 years.
  22. Ulkefaderen
    Nov 23, 2013
    7
    I had the pleasure of watching the whole show on Netflix recently, after having been putting it of for a while. I did not quite love the show that much at first, but after getting to know all the characters it really become massively enjoyable.
  23. Swati
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    One of the greatest comedies I have ever watched. The acting and writing was superb. Started off as Michael being the only likeable character but then slowly introduced us to the different sides of the other characters. The characters of Gob, Lindsay, George and Maeby were the source of much of the humour on the show, and the actors playing them did a terrific job. Jason Bateman carriesOne of the greatest comedies I have ever watched. The acting and writing was superb. Started off as Michael being the only likeable character but then slowly introduced us to the different sides of the other characters. The characters of Gob, Lindsay, George and Maeby were the source of much of the humour on the show, and the actors playing them did a terrific job. Jason Bateman carries the show on his able shoulders for much of the set-up for the comedy, at the same time delivering his lines with a deadpan expression.… Expand
  24. maisie
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    One of the funniest comedies, ever. The overall season arc is so well written and hilarious. The acting is stellar. Everything about this show is excellent.
  25. labonath151
    Jul 21, 2013
    10
    The funniest television show I have ever seen. The first season just proved that something like this could work on television. Perfect cast, perfect scripts, perfect everything. And if you disagree with me... Well excuuuuuuuuuuse me!
  26. sdhanani3
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    This show is hilarious! The fact that the writers throw in so many clever jokes into very blatantly funny (in an ignorant sort of way) characters makes the show all the more entertaining! Its a little slow to start and the beginning of season three is a little disappointing after season 2 (my favorite season yet) but overall, its addicting, and you'll surprise yourself with how many timesThis show is hilarious! The fact that the writers throw in so many clever jokes into very blatantly funny (in an ignorant sort of way) characters makes the show all the more entertaining! Its a little slow to start and the beginning of season three is a little disappointing after season 2 (my favorite season yet) but overall, its addicting, and you'll surprise yourself with how many times you catch yourself laughing. There is a reason everyone is glad its back!!!!… Expand
  27. WorstReviews
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    There are very few shows that actually manage to make me laugh out loud these days. And this does so, while also being dramatically intriguing. This "family" is driving everybody insane and me too. Thats what makes movies, games, tv shows, is the excellence in characters and how actors potray them. Arrested Development has taken the already earned excellence, and made it a pureThere are very few shows that actually manage to make me laugh out loud these days. And this does so, while also being dramatically intriguing. This "family" is driving everybody insane and me too. Thats what makes movies, games, tv shows, is the excellence in characters and how actors potray them. Arrested Development has taken the already earned excellence, and made it a pure masterpiece. This show will be remembered as one of the best forever, especially this first season. 10/10 Amazing.… Expand
  28. BradySmith
    Jun 10, 2013
    8
    A near brilliant sitcom. Perhaps one of the funniest ever made. Most, but not all, of the jokes land, and they're all hillarious when they do. The characters are great and the coincidences written into the show can at times be hysterical. It doesn't quite reach the creative heights of it's always sunny in philladelphia, but it comes closer than almost anything else. However, I don'tA near brilliant sitcom. Perhaps one of the funniest ever made. Most, but not all, of the jokes land, and they're all hillarious when they do. The characters are great and the coincidences written into the show can at times be hysterical. It doesn't quite reach the creative heights of it's always sunny in philladelphia, but it comes closer than almost anything else. However, I don't like the show's mocking attitude towards christianity.… Expand
  29. Greatbeallo
    May 28, 2013
    10
    The best comedy in television history.
  30. Yurfrendenme
    May 27, 2013
    9
    The best way to describe the new Arrested Development season is this: You are all excited about taking a train ride with friends that you haven't seen in nearly 10 years, to somewhere, maybe a vacation of something. After the first hour of the train ride together you realize how slow trains are and start to get board. By the 4th hour though something changes. Whether is be a loose bolt onThe best way to describe the new Arrested Development season is this: You are all excited about taking a train ride with friends that you haven't seen in nearly 10 years, to somewhere, maybe a vacation of something. After the first hour of the train ride together you realize how slow trains are and start to get board. By the 4th hour though something changes. Whether is be a loose bolt on the tracks or a penny on the rails, the train begins to crash. Everything is in turmoil, the one exception is you seat. Your one seat seems to be the only constant on this engine of turmoil and destruction. And you can't. Stop. Watching. By the last 3 hours of this you have completely forgotten about the slow and subtly boring start. You remember that in order for their to be a payoff, there has to be a set up. And it's at about this time that you stop panicking about the series being ruined and the 4th season being a failure. You finally get to appreciate all the set ups, all the subtleties, and you hold on for your life as the story comes to it's highest points. When it's over, you are left with a sense of euphoria and just a little bit of "What the hell just happened". The best part is that once you finish the season, it isn't over. The first episodes become more in depth and clear and are an entirely new experience to watch. You can basically watch the season twice and have two different experiences. The only constant is you, sitting in the middle of a train wreck, with your eyes widened in horror and delight, and you can't. Stop. Watching.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best TV Season of 2003
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2003
2
#2 Most Shared TV Season of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Terry Kelleher
    Jun 28, 2013
    88
    It's the season's best new series, period.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Carina Chocano
    Jun 17, 2013
    100
    I don't know about you, but I'm not used to laughing out loud alone in front of the TV. Honestly, I was startled.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Michael Speier
    May 26, 2013
    90
    With faith in its own inspired goofiness, the net's newest Sunday entry reinvents what works --- and mocks what doesn't --- within the confines of the undernourished sitcom world. Critics and viewers clamoring for something unique since the sesh began back in August finally have something to champion ... and boy, is it funny.
See all critic reviews »