Arrested Development is to go back into production – with content exclusively available on Netflix.
The award-winning series about dysfunctional family the Bluths was cancelled by the Fox network five years ago.
Now, though, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine Television are to start shooting new episodes next summerfor what will be Netflix’s first foray into original programming. The shows will be made avialalbe to subscribers in 2013.
“Netflix’s bold entrance into original programming presents an exciting new opportunity for our two companies,” says Peter Levinsohn, Fox Filmed Entertainment’s president of New Media & Digital Distribution.
“Bringing a classic show back to production on new episodes exclusively for Netflix customers is a game changer, and illustrates the incredible potential the new digital landscape affords great content providers like Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine.”
Arrested Development ran between 2003 and 2006. It was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time, and won the Emmy award for Outstanding Comedy Series after its first season on air.
“Of all the projects we’ve been involved with over the years, we probably get more questions about Mitch Hurtwitz’s brilliant ‘Arrested Development’ than any other – everyone, ourselves included, seems to feel like the Bluths left the party a bit too soon,” say
Imagine Entertainment co-founders Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
“Bringing a series back from cancellation almost never happens, but then, ‘Arrested’ always was about as unconventional as they get, so it seems totally appropriate that this show that broke the mold is smashing it to pieces once again.”
If all goes well, the deal is likely to be just the first of many.
“This innovative deal with Netflix represents a new business model that is extremely exciting and opens the door for a wide range of new collaborations,” comment 20th Century Fox TV chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman.
