Arrested Development: Season 1

Arrested Development follows the adventures of the dysfunctional Bluth family after patriarch George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor, in an Emmy-nominated performance) is hauled off to jail. Responsible son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes over, but even he's no match for his crazy siblings and sharp-tongued mom. Jessica Walter, Portia di Rossi, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, David Cross, Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat co-star in Fox's critically praised sitcom.

Feedgeist

» Recommended for 526 people

» Reviewed by 5 people

Yet another grumbling review as in, WHY didn't I watch this show when it was on It being canceled serves us all right for not being fans from the beginning. At least there's a movie coming our way
- KT!

The fact that this show was cancelled is tragic. This is truly one of the best sitcoms ever put on television. The writing is brilliant, the acting is superb, and it is really a show that rewards multiple viewings. In my opinion this is probably the best sitcom since Seinfeld.
- Brody

The beginning of the greatest sitcom of the 21st century. This show had a phenomenal ensemble cast, perfectly put together by producer Ron Howard. Too often on sitcoms the first season is weaker than the more recent seasons, they spend most of the time in the first episodes developing characters into caricatures so that character development becomes a thing of the past. These episodes tend to be a bit drony and boring, slightly over stated and under developed. But the first season of Arrested Development is every bit as good as the next two seasons. The episodes are so clever and absurd that it’s impossible not to be drawn into the ridiculous characters, the familial ensemble of outcasts, that so perfectly fits our time. Filled with wealthy young adults who haven’t earned anything they have, the media feeds on their misfortunes and they feed into the media. It is hilarious, perfectly timed and overtly political in it’s delivery. Unmistakably one of the most unique shows to ever appear on TV. It’s cancellation still stands as one of the greatest of the myriad mistakes FOX has made…
- Dlukenelson

This completely out there comedy was way ahead of it's time; no laugh track, edgy comedy, serial plot lines and over-the-top wonderfully strange characters. Due to it's ongoing story, it's critical that viewers see these episodes in order to fully appreciate the comedy. And trust me, even if you don't like this right away - it just keeps getting better. Stick with it!
- Creeper

Another television series I never watched until it was off the air. Another mistake as well. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT is a very funny show with a large cast of characters, each of whom is slightly bent in his/her own unique way. Jason Bateman has finally shed his teen idol image in my mind and is a credible leading man type. David Cross is consistently hilarious as Dr. Funke, the brother-in-law who, from the pilot onward, seems to always be on the verge of coming out of the closet. Jeffrey Tambor is nearly flawless as the patriarch of the troubled Bluth family, as he is carted off to jail during the very first episode. This is not necessarily a family-friendly comedy, since it does rely on adult humor, but it is not unnecessarily crude either. Ron Howard provides the uncredited narration to each episode. I have the second season in my queue already and am looking forward to watching it.
- Firewater