Another Netflix-Funded Season Of ‘Arrested Development’ In The Works

Netflix resurrected the defunct Fox television show Arrested Development for an all new 15-episode, fourth season, which debuted all at once on the pay platform on May 26, 2013. The show’s cult status among its devotees coupled with an incredibly clever series of publicity stunts helped build a significant amount of buzz in anticipation of the program’s return from its seven-year hiatus.

Despite all the hype, critics were divided over the quality of Arrested Development’s new installments. Fatiguing lulls in the comedic action and a general sense of “underwhelmingness” cited by some entertainment professionals pulled down the program’s score on Metacritic to a lackluster 71.

But despite the critical reception of the new season of the series, Netflix just may order another.

Arrested Development’s fourth season was originally intended as a one-time ramp up to an Arrested Development theatrical release. But according to Cliff Edwards at Bloomberg, the show’s Executive Producer Brian Glazer said at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference

in Idaho earlier this week that he and his partners are in talks with Netflix for another season. And the distribution platform is interested. The remarks align with what Arrested Development creator Mitchell Hurwitz said on a conference call with reporters back in early June:

“Give us the canvas and let’s see what we come up with. If it were a movie canvas, we would absolutely tailor to that, but the life of the family does seem to play out episodically, so I think there’s an argument for both things. Really, whoever wants it.”

Netflix CEO Reed is very bullish on Netflix’s slate of original series and has previously noted to the press that Arrested Development exceeded viewing expectations. He also told CNBC back in May he’d be willing to fund another season if the talent was interested.

There’s no official word yet on the status of the future of Arrested Development. But you can satisfy an binge-watching cravings in the mean time with Netflix’s latest original Orange is the New Black. It’s so hot right now.