Fans of ‘Arrested Development’ had mixed emotions Monday as many think they have seen the last new episode in the show’s history.
Despite a best comedy series Emmy and massive critical praise, the series about a wildly dysfunctional Southern California family has been to bring in decent ratings.
In fact, ratings for the show have dipped in its second season. For the year to date, the show has drawn an average 5.9 million weekly viewers, compared to the 6.2 million it averaged for the 2003-04 season.
A Fox management change also could directly relate to the future of “Arrested Development,” which was developed and given a second chance under Fox entertainment chief Gail Berman.
Berman left for a Paramount Studios job and it’s uncertain if her replacement, Peter Liguori, will have the same affection for the show. Fans should have an answer when Fox unveils its 2005-06 lineup in May.
The series features Jason Bateman, who won a Golden Globe for his role as the atypically normal Bluth son Michael. Others in the ensemble cast are Jeffrey Tambor, Portia de Rossi and Jessica Walter.
Sunday’s half-hour ended with scenes from the next episode, the one that would open the fall season. Fans can only hope the optimism isn’t misguided.
Credit: Yahoo/AP
