"2000s Comedy on Hulu: ‘It’s a Metastasizing, Messy, and Hilarious’ Family Affair"
The early 2000s were a golden era for comedy, with a plethora of iconic sitcoms and TV shows that continue to delight audiences today. One such gem, " Arrested Development," has just been made available on Hulu, and it’s a perfect time to revisit this quirky, lovable, and yes, dysfunctional family’s shenanigans.
For the uninitiated, "Arrested Development" is a single-camera mockumentary-style sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz, which originally aired from 2003 to 2006. The show follows the Bluth family, a formerly wealthy and influential family who have fallen on hard times, as they navigate their personal and professional struggles in the fictional California coastal town of Newport Beach.
At its core, "Arrested Development" is a comedy about family, and what a mess they are. The show’s patriarch, George Bluth (Jean Smart), is a narcissistic, egotistical, and often cruel individual who can’t accept his family’s decline. His wife, Lucille (Jessica Walter), is a controlling and manipulative socialite who frequently enables her husband’s selfishness. Their children, Michael (Jason Bateman), Gob (Will Arnett), Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), Tobias (David Cross), and George Michael (Michael Cera), each embody their own set of neuroses, making them inherently unlikable at times.
Yet, despite their numerous flaws, the Bluths somehow manage to become relatable, endearing, and even lovable. It’s a testament to the show’s clever writing, which balances witty humor with genuine heart. The characters’ quirks and flaws make them human, and their relationships with one another are authentic, tender, and sometimes cringe-worthy.
The show’s popularity can be attributed to its clever use of running gags, multi-layered humor, and a talented ensemble cast. Jason Bateman’s deadpan delivery and awkward reactions provide plenty of comedic gold, while Will Arnett’s over-the-top performances as the eccentric Gob often steal the show. Jenna Fischer, who played Pam Beesly in "The Office," also makes a memorable appearance in the show’s early seasons as a love interest for Michael.
While "Arrested Development" was initially cancelled by Fox after three seasons, its cult following and critical acclaim led to a fourth season, which arrived on Netflix in 2013. The latter season may not be as strong as the initial three, but it’s still an improvement over the show’s initial cancellation.
With its arrival on Hulu, new fans have the opportunity to discover why "Arrested Development" is a beloved classic. Manipulative, selfish, and sometimes despicable, the Bluth family may not be the most traditional or functional family, but they’ve become a staple of 21st-century television. As the show’s slogan goes, "It’s not a family, it’s a business. But don’t get us wrong, we love it.
"Arrested Development" is currently available to stream on Hulu. So, grab a bag of Cinnabons, settle in, and get ready to laugh and cringe at the Bluth family’s antics. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
