Fans have been asking for a fifth season of Netflix’s hit original series Arrested Development ever since the fourth season debuted on the premium streaming service in May 2013. The platform’s CCO Ted Sarandos stated in August 2014 he was certain the comedy series would return, but little has been revealed in terms of the show’s production progress since then. Now, thanks to Arrested Development executive producer Ron Howard, we have a production status update.
Howard appeared on Good Morning America for a press tour surrounding his film In the Heart of the Sea. According to a report from Deadline, GMA Host Amy Robach asked Howard about where Netflix was at with developing Arrested Development season five. “Well, Mitch Hurwitz the creator of the show is working with writers now,” responded Howard, whose production company Imagine Entertainment helps produce Arrested Development. “Netflix is behind it, 20th Century Fox is behind it.”
While Howard said production is “hopeful,” the Oscar-winning director was careful to point out the complicated development path Arrested Development has had to deal with over the last few years. “What has happened is that the cast has become so freakin’ in demand and busy,” Howard explained. “Everyone wants to do it. Fans want it. I would be saddened if we didn’t achieve it. I’m the announcer and the narrator, and I have to get back to that microphone.”
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Netflix originally picked up Arrested Development for a fourth season in 2011, after the show had run for three seasons on Fox from 2003-2006. Fifteen episodes of the comedy series’ fourth season premiered on Netflix in May 2013 to mixed reviews. However, Netflix heard the pleas of Arrested Development fans and said in July 2013 the platform would work to bring back the show for a fifth season.
More recently, Arrested Development’s Brian Grazer, who co-executive produces the show alongside Howard, revealed they were working on 17 new episodes for the upcoming season. Now, we just have to wait for confirmation from Netflix before we can start rejoicing at the show’s official impending return.
