"Arrested Development" is an award-winning sitcom that aired for three seasons on Fox beginning in 2003, and then was picked up by Netflix for a fourth season in 2013, and then again for a final season in 2018.
However, it seems to remain one of the world's most underrated and under-appreciated shows of all time. Although this article alone won't be enough to skyrocket the show to Netflix's top 10, I hope that it will open people's eyes to the value and quality of the show.
1. The extended storyline
Unlike most sitcoms, the plot of "Arrested Development" develops with each episode, with more complications and events unraveling as the season goes on. I find this to be one of the greatest parts about the show, because there are so many long-running jokes that reoccur in later episodes that the show feels like an extended private joke that you are in on.
2. The random sound effects
The show really maximizes its use of sound effects and songs to add layers of humor. For instance, a sequence of Charlie Brown's "Christmas Time is Here" song plays whenever one of the characters is sulking off, mirroring Charlie Brown's behavior. Additionally, "The Final Countdown" plays every time another one of the characters tries to (unsuccessfully) perform a magic trick. This might not sound funny to you, but trust me. It is.
3. The humor
The humor of the show is truly unique. It is so absurd, fast-paced, and brilliant that there is hardly ever a dull moment in the densely layered gags that make up the show.
4. The family
The Bluth family is truly such a mess, but that is what makes them so lovable. Their dysfunction and incompetence is so absurd that you can't help rooting for them as their lives spiral out of control.
5. Tobias.
All you need to know is that he is a never-nude, which means he always wears a pair of denim cutoffs. Always.
