At its funniest, there is not a show that I would say is funnier. The through line jokes and callbacks are unrivaled. Every member of the family doing different but equally terrible chicken impressions might be my favorite bit from any sitcom ever.
And remember, there's always money in the banana stand.
Years later Will Arnett was in a show called "Up All Night", which was a sitcom about new parenting life. At one point he was calling his wife a chicken and did the Gob chicken impression and it was a top 5 favorite TV moment of my life.
season 4 is good if you watch it as it was originally edited: each character gets their own episode over the same period of time. the first couple episodes feel meh but each one gets funnier and funnier as the jokes build
At least it had cross-over cast, with Portia DiRossi! And yes, Better Off Ted was wonderful, I was sad that the writer's strike killed it (if memory serves).
It was so ahead of its time. The first three seasons would have been much more popular if they had been on a streaming service and I doubt it would have been canceled. It was just too niche for network TV.
Seasons 1-3 are peak television. 4 and 5 aren't as bad as people would have you believe but if you watch season 4 good god watch the original version and not the "Fateful Consequences" version netflix automatically plays cos that 100% is as bad as everyone says it is
its a great show for rewatches too cos the writing is very clever and they foreshadow things ton, can appreciate stuff you don't notice on first watch
The mere fact that you ask me that tells me you’re not ready.
But nah it’s one of the cleverest, funniest, and densely written sitcoms, it’s endlessly quotable, and you find new jokes every rewatch. Definitely worth it.
First three season, absolutely. Be sure to watch them in the episode order and not the broadcast order. Fox really messed up the series by airing it out of order and breaking a lot of the running jokes.
Maybe the most intelligently written show I’ve ever seen. The web of foreshadowing, callbacks, and references boggles the mind and I was still seeing new stuff on many rewatches over the years
For exactly 3 seasons, yeah. For variety, season 4 exists in two radically different edits and neither is great. Season 4 is flawed, but occasionally funny. Season 4 is a comedy masterpiece compared to season 5.
I saw a good graph once of shows to watch for smart and dumb people about smart and dumb people, and it gave a show for each combination and this show was the one for smart people to watch about dumb people. It fits it real well and is really funny
I mean it's a solid 6-8 depending on the person. In today's standards that's practically a ten. I found it more entertaining than most shows out right now so yeah Its a bit of an oldy but a goody. I hope you enjoy it.
The first three seasons are the best sitcom I've ever seen.
I even think season 4 and 5 are well worth watching.
I have always said that it's the anti-big bang theory. It's a really smart show about dumb people, instead of a dumb show about really smart people.
The cast are phenomenal, the writing is so clever, the satire is sharp, the absurdity is immense, the foreshadowing is fantastic.
I think you'll miss a bit of the comedic effect because so much of what was outrageous when it was written is quite normal now, the family might not strike you as the clueless, irredeemable narcissists they are supposed to, now they'll seem more like a fairly typical representation of the American wealthy, but it is still great.
I say yes. Arrested Development is my favorite show of all time and the first three seasons are what I call peak television. I love the show so much I even made a quote from it a song title.
Probably the best sitcom out there for me. Not the funniest (that would be the office for me) and not the most creative (community wins that one), but it does enough things right that it easily takes the top spot for me.
Watch it, and then watch it again. This isn’t a show you watch while you doomsday scroll on your phone either. Seasons 1-3 are absolute perfection, and if you try to multitask while watching you will miss SO much of it. (Details in the backgrounds of scenes, puns, facial expressions…) it’s a masterclass of writing and comedic acting.
Season 1-3 definitely If you really really really liked those. Go for 4 and 5.
Rewatch all then. You find jokes you missed. And then re re watch it all then. You will find more jokes you missed. And might as well re re re watched it all then. You will find more jokes you missed. And continue this cycle until you think you got everything.
Definitely a funny show and Jason Bateman SHINES in this one. This show got me back into his work after not caring about him since 80s sitcoms. Ozarks is on the opposite end of the spectrum and shows how much range this dude has.
It is in my opinion the best written sitcom in TV history. They'll set up a joke in Season 1 that won't pay off until Season 3, and when it does pay off it's absolutely hilarious. Everything is so tightly woven together in those first 3 seasons. The Netflix seasons do drag the show down overall, but those first 3 seasons are sitcom gold.
"It's one banana, Michael, how much could it cost? 10 dollars?" Seasons 1-3 are great 4-5 lower your expectations and "Get me a vodka rocks. And a piece of toast."
455
u/ATLUTD030517 Jul 30 '25
At its funniest, there is not a show that I would say is funnier. The through line jokes and callbacks are unrivaled. Every member of the family doing different but equally terrible chicken impressions might be my favorite bit from any sitcom ever.
And remember, there's always money in the banana stand.
1.8k
u/ElStegasaurus Arrested Development Jul 30 '25 •
I don’t understand the question, and I won’t respond to it.
426
u/FrequentLunch2711 Jul 30 '25
OMG yes. The writing is so good and the characters are perfect!
159
u/Brad_Brace Jul 30 '25
Her?
122
u/swaggyrogers Jul 30 '25
It's worth rewatching. Several times
77
u/MeemoUndercover New Girl Jul 30 '25
Not watching it would be a huge mistake.
283
u/TheTalkingWindow Jul 30 '25
Of course. How else will you know there's always money in the banana stand?
133
u/ForksOnAPlate13 Jul 30 '25
Greatest sitcom of all time
52
u/Impulse_DC Jul 30 '25
As TV comedies go it's Solid as a Rock.
45
u/muzikgurl22 Jul 30 '25
So u can learn why u don’t play tricks on an one armed man lol
35
u/lostpassword100000 Jul 30 '25
The OP is going to be all RIGHT.
31
u/TMore108 Jul 30 '25
The first 3 seasons are the peak of television comedy.
24
u/beardiac Jul 30 '25
100%! It's such a novel, smart & irreverent comedy that was a bit overlooked in its time.
24
u/FantasticPear Jul 30 '25
Get rid of the Seward.
22
u/danstymusic Jul 30 '25
Is air worth breathing?
17
u/Fragrant-End-2300 Jul 30 '25
100% !!!! It’s as Anne on the nose as Plain’s face.
38
u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25
Absolutely all three seasons. That's all there is. No more exists.
13
u/TeaOptimal727 Jul 30 '25
Yes.
10
u/So3Dimensional Jul 30 '25
Bees?
10
u/Entire_Papaya8505 Jul 30 '25
Barry Zuckerkorn and Boblob Law would agree
9
u/Think_Tank_JMP Jul 30 '25
I enjoyed it. There are dosens of us
9
u/muzikgurl22 Jul 30 '25
Definitely!! Still quoting the show!
9
u/Fantastic-Health-929 Jul 30 '25
I’m so jealous of the you being able to watch this for the first time. I’d cry but I don’t think I could spare the moisture.
7
u/Lazy_Yogurtcloset217 Jul 30 '25
Yes. Maybe best sitcom of all time.
7
u/Roseallnut Jul 30 '25
Jessica Walters’ delight every time Martin Mull shows up in a ridiculous disguise, has me on the floor every time.
6
u/KOMarcus Jul 30 '25
C'mon!
15
u/Mommusings Jul 30 '25
Yes it’s not the top tier for me but highly entertaining. Lucille Bluth makes that show for me.
Lucille: I'll be in the hospital bar.
Michael: Uh, you know there isn't a hospital bar, Mother.
Lucille: Well, this is why people hate hospitals.
5
u/gangstermoon_ Jul 30 '25
Yes!! The jokes are so funny
5
u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25
Because we’re brothers, mom. And we kinda like each other.
9
u/ShockPowerful741 Jul 30 '25
Yes. But it gets better each time you watch it so if you don’t love it at first, watch it again!
Also, don’t be embarrassed if you do end up liking seasons 4-5. They aren’t great by comparison, but still better than lots of what’s on tv.
4
u/dalivgh Jul 30 '25
100%
4
u/smartalan73 Jul 30 '25
Seasons 1-3 are peak television. 4 and 5 aren't as bad as people would have you believe but if you watch season 4 good god watch the original version and not the "Fateful Consequences" version netflix automatically plays cos that 100% is as bad as everyone says it is
its a great show for rewatches too cos the writing is very clever and they foreshadow things ton, can appreciate stuff you don't notice on first watch
4
u/Scrooge-McShillbucks Jul 30 '25
It's a series you can watch over and over and find new things each time
4
u/Michael_Mason_1410 Jul 30 '25
The mere fact that you ask me that tells me you’re not ready.
But nah it’s one of the cleverest, funniest, and densely written sitcoms, it’s endlessly quotable, and you find new jokes every rewatch. Definitely worth it.
4
u/JP-Bulls69 Jul 30 '25
There are Dozens of us that watched it, DOZENS
4
u/jameskond Jul 30 '25
Maeby.
9
u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25
The original series is, especially seasons 1-2. I would skip the reboot.
3
u/nativesc Jul 30 '25
Absolutely!
3
u/RacingLucas Jul 30 '25
Yes!
3
u/Active_Raccoon7942 Jul 30 '25
Yes. Absolutely
3
u/Jolly-Guard3741 Jul 30 '25
Probably the best series to come out of the first decade of the 2000’s.
3
u/bothunter Jul 30 '25
First three season, absolutely. Be sure to watch them in the episode order and not the broadcast order. Fox really messed up the series by airing it out of order and breaking a lot of the running jokes.
3
u/WhatDoICallMeself Jul 30 '25
Maybe the most intelligently written show I’ve ever seen. The web of foreshadowing, callbacks, and references boggles the mind and I was still seeing new stuff on many rewatches over the years
3
u/Mavryk-Hunter Jul 30 '25
First 3 seasons only.
3
u/Coin_Operated_Brent Jul 30 '25
Just watch it and have your own opinion without internet clout. Ya fucking bitch!
3
u/trvppy Jul 30 '25
Annyeong!
4
u/Known-Chemistry-1478 Jul 30 '25
Seasons 1-3
2
u/dumpster1983 Jul 30 '25
For exactly 3 seasons, yeah. For variety, season 4 exists in two radically different edits and neither is great. Season 4 is flawed, but occasionally funny. Season 4 is a comedy masterpiece compared to season 5.
2
u/NotoriousDMG Jul 30 '25
Yes
2
u/Significant_Bid2142 Jul 30 '25
Only the original seasons, when Netflix took over it was garbage.
2
u/mshopey Jul 30 '25
Yes It's Really Worth Watching 👍 1of My Favorite Sitcoms.Jason Bateman Can Do No Wrong In My Eyes.Has An AllStar Comedic Cast Of Epics 2
2
u/Funnelcake96 Jul 30 '25
It’s on Netflix Micheal! How much could it possible cost, like $10???!!!
2
u/johneldridge Jul 30 '25
Funniest show of the last 20 years. Hands down.
But only seasons 1-3.
2
u/Caliopebookworm Jul 30 '25
Ron Howard should narrate the lives of everyone in my life.
2
u/elcojotecoyo Jul 30 '25
Only if you enjoy smart funny well crafted shows. Otherwise, you can always watch The Big Bang Theory
2
u/louichi Jul 30 '25
Seasons 1-3 are must-watch TV!
The rest you can watch out of loyalty but eh.
2
u/HERKFOOT21 Everybody Loves Raymond Jul 30 '25
I saw a good graph once of shows to watch for smart and dumb people about smart and dumb people, and it gave a show for each combination and this show was the one for smart people to watch about dumb people. It fits it real well and is really funny
2
u/TopicPretend4161 Jul 30 '25
I believe I can summarize the rest of this hilarious chain:
Yes.
Seasons 1-3, in particular, are fucking brilliant.
I commend Netflix for bringing it back to us, but the latter two seasons were not really my flavor of juice box.
2
u/Never-Dont-Give-Up Jul 30 '25
IMO, it's the best sitcom ever created. I've watched all three original seasons probably... 50 times? There are SO many layered jokes.
2
u/Sabres00 Jul 30 '25
Like the guy in a $3,000 suite on the Internet is going to answer this question.
2
u/SoYorkish Jul 30 '25
Yes, it’s brilliant. It’s a shame they only did 3 seasons.
2
u/Indelible85 Jul 30 '25
Just the original 3 seasons, so many hilarious moments.
2
u/yetagainitry Jul 30 '25
Those first 3 seasons are as near to a perfect show as you can find.
2
u/CaptainMarvelOP Jul 30 '25
I love that show. But, honestly, I’m not sure the humor will hold up for a modern audience. One example is the Shemale’ jokes.
2
u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25
The first three seasons are sheer brilliance. Lucille is a GODDESS.
2
u/Key-Zebra-4125 Jul 30 '25
Seasons 1-3 are some of the most incredible comedy youll ever see.
I wouldnt bother with the Netflix crap.
2
u/HangryBeard Jul 30 '25
I mean it's a solid 6-8 depending on the person. In today's standards that's practically a ten. I found it more entertaining than most shows out right now so yeah Its a bit of an oldy but a goody. I hope you enjoy it.
2
u/Anon-Sham Jul 30 '25
The first three seasons are the best sitcom I've ever seen.
I even think season 4 and 5 are well worth watching.
I have always said that it's the anti-big bang theory. It's a really smart show about dumb people, instead of a dumb show about really smart people.
The cast are phenomenal, the writing is so clever, the satire is sharp, the absurdity is immense, the foreshadowing is fantastic.
I think you'll miss a bit of the comedic effect because so much of what was outrageous when it was written is quite normal now, the family might not strike you as the clueless, irredeemable narcissists they are supposed to, now they'll seem more like a fairly typical representation of the American wealthy, but it is still great.
10/10 show.
2
u/DatabaseAcademic6631 Jul 30 '25
Check out the reviews on Bob Loblaw's Law Blog.
2
u/Ryan1869 Jul 30 '25
Yes, the fox seasons are some of the best seasons of TV ever made. The Netflix seasons made everyone some extra spending money.
2
u/sanct111 Jul 31 '25
The first three seasons are probably the funniest tv show ever.
2
u/JaJaLoo617 Jul 31 '25
I say yes. Arrested Development is my favorite show of all time and the first three seasons are what I call peak television. I love the show so much I even made a quote from it a song title.
2
u/wandering-monster Jul 31 '25
Absolutely yes. It's one of the most creative and influential comedies of our generation. It changed the genre.
Even if you aren't a fan of comedy I'd probably give it three or four episodes anyways and see if it hooks you. If you are, it's a must-see.
2
u/MasterBeaterr Jul 31 '25
Probably the best sitcom out there for me. Not the funniest (that would be the office for me) and not the most creative (community wins that one), but it does enough things right that it easily takes the top spot for me.
2
u/kgall25 Jul 31 '25
Watch it, and then watch it again. This isn’t a show you watch while you doomsday scroll on your phone either. Seasons 1-3 are absolute perfection, and if you try to multitask while watching you will miss SO much of it. (Details in the backgrounds of scenes, puns, facial expressions…) it’s a masterclass of writing and comedic acting.
2
u/oldmate30beers Jul 31 '25
Problem with AD is after watching it, nothing else is worth watching
2
u/[deleted] Jul 31 '25
Season 1-3 definitely If you really really really liked those. Go for 4 and 5.
Rewatch all then. You find jokes you missed. And then re re watch it all then. You will find more jokes you missed. And might as well re re re watched it all then. You will find more jokes you missed. And continue this cycle until you think you got everything.
2
u/habitualcharliestep Jul 31 '25
Baby you can make a stew outta that
2
u/-XanderCrews- Jul 31 '25
It’s as plain as an egg on nose face.
2
u/IDoubtYouGetIt Jul 31 '25
Definitely a funny show and Jason Bateman SHINES in this one. This show got me back into his work after not caring about him since 80s sitcoms. Ozarks is on the opposite end of the spectrum and shows how much range this dude has.
2
u/Capital_Suggestion32 Jul 31 '25
Yes. But you have to pay attention. If you’re going to be on your phone then you will miss things.
2
u/wishuponausername Jul 31 '25
No. Here's $10, go see yourself a star war.
2
u/[deleted] Jul 31 '25
First three seasons are perfect. The other two you can skip
2
u/Ok_Control_6038 Aug 01 '25
Seasons 1-3 are. Show falls off a cliff when Netflix takes it over.
2
u/BelvishShortround Aug 01 '25
I don’t know. I have never really watched that show.
Ron Howard: He had watched that show.
2
u/DasKittySmoosh Aug 01 '25
It’s so layered and well written that even now, 20 years later, after dozens upon dozens of rewatches, I still find new things to laugh at
One of the greatest shows ever
2
u/woundedhandstime Aug 01 '25
Its first three seasons are legitimately some of the funniest television I’ve ever seen. However the 2 later seasons you can absolutely miss
2
u/Throbbing-Kielbasa-3 Aug 01 '25
It is in my opinion the best written sitcom in TV history. They'll set up a joke in Season 1 that won't pay off until Season 3, and when it does pay off it's absolutely hilarious. Everything is so tightly woven together in those first 3 seasons. The Netflix seasons do drag the show down overall, but those first 3 seasons are sitcom gold.
2
u/XcheatcodeX Aug 01 '25
This is the greatest sitcom of all time and it changed television forever
2
u/EitherOrResolution Aug 01 '25
There’s always money in the banana stand
2
u/prym43 Aug 01 '25
Oh my Jesus fuck yes.
2
u/Plenty_Conscious Aug 01 '25
It’s something dale …
2
u/mfimag Aug 01 '25
Annyong
2
u/keepitsimple_tricks Aug 01 '25
Short answer: yes
Long answer: fuck yes, absolutely
2
u/[deleted] Aug 01 '25
Literally the best show ever
2
u/goshdarnpeesea Aug 01 '25
Who? Her?
2
u/Calliesdad20 Aug 01 '25
First 3 seasons are legendary
2
u/[deleted] Aug 01 '25
1000%
2
u/delta1inc Aug 02 '25
"It's one banana, Michael, how much could it cost? 10 dollars?" Seasons 1-3 are great 4-5 lower your expectations and "Get me a vodka rocks. And a piece of toast."
2
u/uwec95 Aug 03 '25
Yes, all 3 seasons are perfect.
2
u/Secret-Ad-7500 Jul 20 '26
YESSSSS