10 Shows and Movies Like Arrested Development (2003)

Description: Both 'Curb' and 'Arrested Development' feature wealthy, socially awkward protagonists who create their own problems. The shows share cringe humor and improvised dialogue (though 'Curb' is more improvisational). Both use circular storytelling where small lies snowball into major disasters.

Fact: The show is largely improvised from outlines. Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself. It's a spiritual successor to 'Seinfeld', which David co-created.

Description: Like 'Arrested Development', 'Always Sunny' features terrible people making bad decisions, with humor derived from their narcissism and incompetence. Both shows use cutaways and flashbacks for comedic effect, though 'Always Sunny' is darker and more chaotic in tone.

Fact: The show was originally rejected by multiple networks before FX picked it up. Danny DeVito joined the cast in Season 2, boosting its popularity. The gang's bar, Paddy's Pub, is based on a real Philadelphia bar.

Description: '30 Rock' shares 'Arrested Development's' fast-paced, joke-dense writing style and absurdist humor. Both shows feature dysfunctional workplaces/families and satirize their respective settings (TV industry vs. wealthy family). Tina Fey's Liz Lemon has parallels to Michael Bluth as the 'sane' one surrounded by chaos.

Fact: The show is loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences at 'Saturday Night Live'. Alec Baldwin's role as Jack Donaghy was initially meant for a different actor. The show won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: While 'Parks and Rec' is more optimistic than 'Arrested Development', both shows share a mockumentary style and feature eccentric, well-developed characters. The humor in both comes from character quirks and absurd situations, though 'Parks and Rec' leans more into heartwarming moments.

Fact: The character Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person. The show initially struggled with comparisons to 'The Office' but found its own voice in Season Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which was written into the show.

Description: Like 'Arrested Development', 'Community' is known for its rapid-fire jokes, meta-humor, and intricate callbacks. Both shows feature dysfunctional groups (the Bluth family vs. Greendale study group) and employ a similar style of layered, self-referential comedy that rewards attentive viewers.

Fact: The show was created by Dan Harmon, who also created 'Rick and Morty'. The character Abed often references pop culture, similar to how 'Arrested Development' is filled with cultural nods. The show was almost canceled multiple times but gained a cult following.

Description: 'Archer' shares 'Arrested Development's' sharp, reference-heavy dialogue and features similarly dysfunctional characters. Both shows employ callbacks and running gags, and Jessica Walter voices matriarchal figures in both (Malory Archer and Lucille Bluth). The animation allows for even more visual gags.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a live-action series. It's known for its anachronistic mix of Cold War-era spy tropes with modern technology. H. Jon Benjamin voices Sterling Archer despite not being able to draw the character's physique.

Description: 'Veep' shares 'Arrested Development's' cynical humor about incompetent people in positions of power. Both feature rapid-fire dialogue and characters whose narcissism and pettiness drive the comedy. The political setting provides similar opportunities for satire as 'Arrested Development's' business/family dynamics.

Fact: The show was created by Armando Iannucci, known for UK political satire 'The Thick of It'. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won 6 consecutive Emmys for her role. The dialogue includes extensive improvisation.

Description: While more upbeat, 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' shares 'Arrested Development's' ensemble cast chemistry and joke density. Both shows feature running gags and callbacks, though 'B99' has more heart. The workplace setting allows for similar character-driven humor dynamics.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after 5 seasons but revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher's deadpan delivery as Captain Holt became a fan favorite. The writers consulted real NYPD officers for authenticity.

Description: Like 'Arrested Development', 'Silicon Valley' satirizes a specific subculture (tech industry vs. wealthy families) through the lens of dysfunctional characters. Both shows feature business-related humor and protagonists trying (and often failing) to be the voice of reason in chaotic situations.

Fact: Many tech entrepreneurs have said the show accurately portrays Silicon Valley culture. The show's opening theme is composed by the same musician who did 'Game of Thrones'. Some tech jargon used was invented by the writers.

Description: 'The Good Place' shares 'Arrested Development's' clever writing and moral ambiguity (though with more philosophical depth). Both use unconventional storytelling structures and feature characters growing (or failing to grow) from their mistakes. The shows balance humor with more serious themes.

Fact: The show's philosophy consultant was a Harvard ethics professor. The twist at the end of Season 1 was kept secret from most of the cast. Ted Danson had never done a multi-cam sitcom before this role.