Arrested Development

Arrested Development has become a cult sitcom due to its unrivaled ability to cram multiple jokes (verbal, visual, and self-referential) into a single line, making every episode a comedic gold mine. This has allowed it to be revived for a highly anticipated fourth season that bravely reinvented the genre by letting the plot unfold through the timely intersection of characters that led to confusion, chaos, and hilarity.

The Bluth family, whose reputation has been damaged by claims of embezzlement and (light) treason against the patriarch, battles to regain its former glory, led primarily by the honorable son Michael (Jason Bateman), as they all, in their individual brands of selfishness, fail to face the harsh realities of their actions. The play exhibits dysfunction on many fronts, from binge drinking to a lack of ability to imitate a chicken. Each cast member is revealed to be completely detached from the world around them, allowing the show to make the most of their absurd foolishness, especially when they think they are connecting on a deep level.

Years: 2003-2006, 2013-2019
Creator: Mitch Hurwitz
Stars: Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Tony Hale, David Cross, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Alia Shawkat, Ron Howard
Networks: Fox, Netflix