New ‘Arrested Development’ Season to Stream on Netflix

The new season of “Arrested Development” will stream exclusively on Netflix. Is this a groundbreaking new deal that shows the power of online TV? Or does it prove that Twentieth Century Fox still doesn’t have any faith in one of the greatest shows of all-time?

Arrested Development went off the air after three seasons in 2006. The critically acclaimed show, which TIME Magazine named one of the greatest shows of all time, will be brought to life in 2013.

Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine Television will produce the show. Netflix did not say how many shows they were ordering, but creator Mitch Hurwitz said in October that he plans to bring “Arrested Development” back for a short season before filming a movie.

The return of “AD” is great news for the show’s fans, but it is also a great PR move by Netflix. Netflix has lost a lot of fans in recent months after a series of poor company decisions. Getting the exclusive rights to “Arrested Development” could entice a lot of people back to Netflix.

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, told Collider:

“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. It’s also a perfect example of how broad and successful our relationship has become with Fox as we work together with their film, television, international and digital divisions on several exciting initiatives.”

Peter Levinsohn, Fox Filmed Entertainment’s President of New Media & Digital Distribution, told Reuters:

“Netflix’s bold entrance into original programing presents an exciting new opportunity for our two companies. Bringing a classic show back to production on new episodes exclusively for Netflix customers is a game changer, and illustrates the incredible potential the new digital landscape affords great content providers like Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine.”

I know you’re excited to have “Arrested Development” back. But what do you think about the new episodes streaming on Netflix?