Arrested Development

From TeeVeePedia, the Internet TV Encyclopedia.

Arrested Development was a compelling Fox documentary series about infamous, controversial California developer George Herbert Walker Bluth, and the trials and misadventures of his loyal family following his long incarceration. Narrated by Ron Howard and starring Jason Bateman as the fictional Michael Bluth, a composite character created by producers to provide a point of view into the Bluths' lives, it was the first documentary series to become a runaway hit and a ratings powerhouse. Critics never quite understood the appeal of the show (or the Bluth family), but viewers embraced the series, citing its easy-to-follow plotlines, self-contained episodes, and relatable characters.

Though many viewers believe that Fox's Anguish division was responsible for the show's cancellation, the plug was actually pulled on the series' third season by the network's Sandwich divison, over concerns about its rapidly ballooning catering budget. The cable network Showtime reportedly intended to pick up the series, provided it could secure a sufficient supply of imported prosciutto and fine deli cheeses. However, executive producer Mitchell Hurwitz declined to continue the show, citing high cholesterol and "extreme fullness." As a result, Arrested Development reruns ended up not on Showtime, but on the beloved G4 cable channel.