Netflix Scores Exclusive Rights To Arrested Development's New Season

Last month we were ecstatic to share the news of Arrested Development making its way to the silver screen, and returning to the small screen with an extra mini-season. This month things progress as Netflix is named the winner of the licensing bidding war to carry the series.

Cult followers were thrown a proverbial bone when main character Jason Bateman, tweeted “We will do 10 episodes and the movie.” From the start Showtime and Netflix were known bidders on the project. This weekend Gawker reported that Hulu had their name in the pot as well.

So was footing the bill for Arrested Development the real reason for Netflix’s 60 percent price increase? If so, the company is likely to see a great return on their investment and win back some of the 800,000 subscribers they lost with those shenanigans.

Chief Content Officer at Netflix, Ted Sarandos for one, was optimistic about the partnership.

“Arrested Development is one of the finest American comedies in TV history and its return through Netflix is a perfect example of how we are working closely with studios and networks to provide consumers with entertainment they love,” he said according to Variety.

But don’t get too excited just yet. Yes the actors have expressed their enthusiasm over the project, but according to Variety, no actual deals have been made. Additionally details of film production are merely rumors heard from unnamed sources.

Slightly reassuring is a statement from producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer showing their commitment to and faith in the show.

“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.”

Like we said last time, our fingers are still crossed.