Netflix just can't get enough of the Bluths. Maybe.
While “Arrested Development” producer Brian Grazer recently indicated that the streaming service is full steam ahead on a fifth season of the comedy, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos seems a little more reticent — though optimistic.
At today's TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour, Sarandos said that Netflix is in “negotiations” now to bring the show back.
“We are plugging along,” Sarandos said. “It”s a very long complex deal to make for these guys, both because the talent is very busy and working on other shows, but also because the show is owned by Fox… It is our intent to have a new season of 'Arrested Development.' All the negotiations are underway.”
The fourth season was plagued by complex scheduling problems due to the stars' hectic professional lives, so similar complications may be slowing the train a bit.
Fans had a mixed response to the series' new format on Netflix, which focused on one character at a time rather than the insane antics of the Bluths as a whole. From the sound of it, continuing scheduling conflicts may prohibit a return to ensemble form.
“Arrested Development” stars Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica Walter.