Common Sense Media Review
Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.
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Arrested Development
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the series is highly regarded for its humor, though it is strictly geared towards adults due to its mature themes and dark comedy. While some feel that it remains a classic, others contend it lost its charm after the second season, expressing concerns about the content's appropriateness for younger audiences.
- adult humor
- classic comedy
- dark themes
- audience age
- mixed opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 52 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a hilarious and clever comedy featuring an outstanding cast, including Jason Bateman and David Cross, that brilliantly combines witty humor with complicated family dynamics. While many appreciate its intricate plotlines and character development, viewers agree it's best suited for mature audiences due to its frequent adult humor, drug references, and complex themes, with a general consensus that teenagers around 13 and older can enjoy it without much concern.
- humor complexity
- adult themes
- character development
- mature audience
- clever writing
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, 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 perpetually drunk mother, Lucille (Jessica Walter), and his needy siblings: Buster (Tony Hale), Gob (pronounced like "Job" in the bible and played by 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 teenage son, George Michael (Michael Cera), is in love with Lindsay's daughter, Maebe (Alia Shawkat). And Maebe's sexually confused father, Tobias Fünke (David Cross), is a "never nude" who even sports cut-offs in the shower. Guest stars include Henry Winkler as the family's inept attorney and Liza Minelli as Lucille's vertigo-stricken neighbor/arch nemesis Lucille Austero, who has an Oedipal-like affair with Buster.
Is It Any Good?
This series was rightfully the most critically acclaimed show on television during its original run on Fox, from 2003-2006 (the show was revived for a fourth season by Netflix in 2013 after attracting a large, devoted fan following over the years). The plotlines are incredibly bizarre, unique, and hilarious. The acting is superb, and the direction allows for subtlety that isn't possible in a standard three-camera sitcom.
All of that said, this show is definitely NOT for kids. Much of the humor is so quick and subtle that it's most likely to go over their head, but aside from George Michael, the lack of goodwill in any of the show's characters (as well as all of the mature story elements) makes Arrested Development best reserved for adults and mature teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why you think so many sitcoms have adult themes and material. Why do you think it's difficult to find a family-friendly show as creative and funny as Arrested Development is? How does cable play a role in this trend?
Are the Bluths intended to be admirable or relatable characters? Does that impact how much you enjoy the show? What about the complicated storylines?
Is there a take-away message? How would you characterize it?
Why do you think Arrested Development has become such a beloved "cult" hit? What gives a show or movie that kind of appeal?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 2, 2003
- Cast : Jason Bateman , Jeffrey Tambor , Jessica Walter , Michael Cera , Portia de Rossi , Will Arnett
- Networks : Fox , Netflix , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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