Arrested Development
(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Where to watch: Fox, Syndicated, DVD, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Arrested Development was written by Marjorie Kase
Parents need to know that despite its brilliance, this show is wholly inappropriate for kids. The show features mature issues that include lying, stealing, cheating, adultery, implied nudity, drinking, pill-popping, driving under the influence, prison breaks, kissing cousins, embezzling, illegitimate children, jokes at the expense of gay men, Christians, people of color, and the disabled, and all around crooked behavior.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about recent changes in primetime television content. Increasingly, critically acclaimed shows feature very adult themes and material. Why do you think it's difficult to find a family-friendly show as creative and funny as this one on network television? How does cable play a role in this trend?
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More on Arrested Development
What’s the Story?
When George Bluth (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to jail for embezzling millions from the family's real estate venture capital firm, levelheaded son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes control of the company and the family. He does his best to placate his drunk mother Lucille (Jessica Walter) and his needy siblings: Buster (Tony Hale), Gob (pronounced like "Job" in the bible) (Will Arnett); and twin sister Lindsay (Portia de Rossi). The rest of the family requires less of his attention, but are as equally screwed up. His 13-year-old son George Michael (Michael Cera) is in love with Lindsay's daughter Maebe (Alia Shawkat). Maebe's sexually confused father Tobias Fünke (David Cross) sports cutoffs in the shower. Guest stars include Henry Winkler as the family's inept attorney and Liza Minelli as Lucille's vertigo-stricken neighbor and arch nemesis Lucille Austero, who has an Oedipal-like affair with Buster.
Is It Any Good?
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT is rightfully the most critically acclaimed show on television. The plotlines are incredibly bizarre, unique, and hilarious. The acting is superb and the direction allows for subtlety not possible on a standard three-camera sitcom. Unfortunately, despite its multiple Emmy awards and industry praise, the show continues to draw poor ratings. With any luck, the appearances this season of Charlize Theron and Scott (keeping it in the Happy Days family) Baio as Winkler's replacement will increase the show's popularity.
Parents should know that this show is definitely NOT for kids. Much of the humor is so quick and subtle it is most likely to go over your children's heads. However, aside from George Michael, the lack of good will in any of the show's characters makes this show unsuitable for kids.
Our Members Say
See all 26 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
OK For Teens and Older
I am 13 and I love this show! Some people may not understand some of it, but most teens will understand the main plot. And probably all adults will. Some messages are bad and I am concerned about getting drunk. There are some sex but it is mainly just references. Some messages may be inappropriate, but mainly from people besides the main character. Legal loopholes and getting around the law is an issue. But overall this is a good show for teens.
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
for the right tweener and older
My son, then 11, and I watched the whole series. Both of us really enjoyed it. I thought it was a bit dark but ok for him. It's very funny and well done.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
Best tv show. very clever and and funny.
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
Smart Comedy
I saw this show the first time it hit the air (03) and have loved it since. If your 13 year old can enjoy this hsow then congratulations: you've raised quite a culturally sophisticated kid. Some sexual humor but nothing to explicit. Swearing is bleeped for the most part. Great odd-ball characters.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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