Buckle up, Lucille, Arrested Development is back from the dead.
Creator of the short-lived but much loved series Mitch Hurwitz announced the good news at the New Yorker Festival last night: The cult comedy will return to the silver screen for a single season.
The rub: The show won't return until 2012.
But before you get depressed and attempt to join the Blue Man Group (or start self-medicating with Teamocil), remember that in the five years since we bid adieu to Michael, Gob, Lucille(s), and company, the cast members have kept busy with other projects. Some have been funny, some have sucked (we're looking at you, Jason Bateman), and some probably didn't make a blip on your radar.
Since we have a whole year to prep for new Arrested Development episodes, we've picked five movies and shows featuring Arrested Development actors that'll soothe the twitch.
5. Up All Night
Gob -- ahem -- Will Arnett stars with Christina Appelgate in this new NBC comedy about a used-to-be cool couple who've recently had a baby. Nobody expected much from Up All Night, but it's been a surprise critical hit thanks to snappy writing and relatable relationship woes. Also, it's pretty fun seeing Arnett play someone who isn't a total bozo/jerk. Catch it during the death slot that is Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. and maybe it'll stick around for a few seasons.
4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim, this visually innovative Michael Cera vehicle brings the comic to life. Cera plays to type starring as Pilgrim, a nerdy guy lusting after an uber cool girl. Sound familiar? Here's the twist, in order to date the desirable Ramona Flowers, Pilgrim must defeat all of herd past paramours, including an ex-GF played by Mae Whitman who devoted AD fans will recognize as Ann Veal.
3. Horrible Bosses
Jason Bateman's black comedy blockbuster about attempting to murder unlikable work supervisors is probably the funniest in his latest batch of goofy movies (which includes The Change-Up and The Switch -- both pretty terrible). Bolstered by fellow funny men Charlie Day, of It's Always Sunny, and SNL alum Jason Sudeikis, Bateman plays the straight man perfectly in a role that was written specifically for him.
2. Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
David Cross has appeared in three episodes of this disgusting, hilarious, and sometimes disturbing sketch comedy show. Think Mighty Boosh meets '80s public access meets trippin' balls. Five seasons have been released on DVD, plus a must-watch Christmas special. Even though Cross only makes guest appearances, it's in your best interest that you watch every episode. For your health, courtesy of Dr. Steve Brule.
1. Archer
The whammy of all whammies. This animated FX show about a dickish James Bond-esque secret agent (played by the inimitable H. Jon Benjamin) features voice work from Jessica Walter (playing a mother who's striking similar to Lucille 1), Jeffrey Tambor, David Cross, and Judy Greer (Kitty!). The first season of the witty raunchfest is streaming on Netflix, and this cartoon has the same endless re-watching potential as Arrested Development.
