‘Arrested Development’ Creator Mitch Hurwitz Inks Deal With Netflix

Mitch Hurwitz brought Arrested Development to Netflix, and he has now struck a deal to continue his partnership with the premium online video platform. Hurwitz has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, through which he will create original programs for the platform and produce several more.

The fourth season of Arrested Development debuted on Netflix last May, ending a seven-year hiatus for the critically-acclaimed comedy. While the new season did not live up to the expectations of most critics, Hurwitz and Netflix have reportedly discussed the possibility of a fifth season. Hurwitz is also working on a film adaptation of the series, which is “moving forward” as of last August.

Through his deal with Netflix, Hurwitz–who also co-created The Ellen Show–will develop several new series while also serving as an executive producer for comedy series helmed by other creators. Deadline calls the deal a “rare pact” for Netflix, which usually enlists high-profile creators for individual TV-quality programs.

“It is incredibly inspiring to get to produce for Netflix, a company that not only doesn’t resist change but is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone in forging it,” said Hurwitz. “The fact that I’m also getting one month of their streaming right to my TV or Xbox free…well, it really takes the sting out of buying that Xbox.”

There’s no timeline for any of Hurwitz’s upcoming productions, but his comedies will join a strong Netflix slate over the next couple of years. The platform is also distributing a group of superhero series with Marvel, a trio of animated series based on DreamWorks characters, and new seasons of hit shows like Orange Is The New Black, among other projects.