Arrested development

Arrested Development is an American television sitcom that originally aired on Fox from November 2, 2003, to February 10, 2006. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, the show centers on the Bluth family, a formerly wealthy, habitually dysfunctional family, and is presented in a continuous format, incorporating handheld camera work, narration, archival photos, and historical footage.

Premise

The show's storyline centers on the Bluth family, a formerly wealthy family that continues to lead extravagant lives despite their changed circumstances. The patriarch of the family, George Bluth Sr., is arrested for fraudulent business practices, leaving his son Michael Bluth to run the family business and keep the family together.

Characters

The main characters of Arrested Development include:

• Michael Bluth: The show's protagonist, Michael is the only member of the family with any sense of normalcy and often serves as the voice of reason.

• George Bluth Sr.: The patriarch of the Bluth family, George Sr. is arrested in the first episode for fraudulent business practices.

• Lucille Bluth: The matriarch of the Bluth family, Lucille is manipulative and has a strong hold over her children.

• Gob Bluth: The oldest Bluth son, Gob is a part-time magician with a lack of business acumen.

• Lindsay Bluth Fünke: Michael's twin sister, Lindsay is materialistic and often clueless about real-world issues.

• Tobias Fünke: Lindsay's husband, Tobias is a former psychiatrist turned would-be actor with a lack of self-awareness.

• George Michael Bluth: Michael's son, George Michael is a well-meaning teenager often caught in the family's antics.

• Maeby Fünke: Lindsay and Tobias's daughter, Maeby is a rebellious teenager who seeks attention from her neglectful parents.

Reception

Arrested Development has been widely regarded as one of the defining shows of the 2000s, known for its distinctive narrative style, complex characters, and layered humor. Despite its critical acclaim, the show struggled with ratings during its original run, leading to its cancellation after three seasons. However, it has since gained a cult following and was revived by Netflix for a fourth and fifth season.

Legacy

The influence of Arrested Development can be seen in many subsequent television comedies, particularly those that feature dysfunctional families or use a documentary-style format. The show's unique blend of high and low comedy, as well as its innovative narrative structure, have made it a touchstone in the evolution of television comedy.