Netflix and Fox revive Arrested Development

Video streaming and delivery service Netflix is teaming with Fox to bring back comedy series Arrested Development.

The half-hour single-camera comedy, starring Jason Bateman and Will Arnett among others, ran on the US Fox network from November 2003 to February 2006 and had a cult following but modest ratings.

Twentieth Century Fox Television and Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s production firm Imagine Television have now struck a deal with Netflix that will see the single-camera comedy, about the dysfunctional Bluth family, return from early 2013.

The cast and number of episode of the new series has not been confirmed, but it is expected to run to ten, half-hour installments.

“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,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer.

“Netflix’s bold entrance into original programming presents an exciting new opportunity for our two companies” commented Peter Levinsohn, Fox Filmed Entertainment’s president of new media & digital distribution. “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.”

The deal marks Netflix’s second move into original content, following a deal announced last year for House of Cards, which will be directed by David Fincher, star Kevin Spacey and be distributed by Sony Pictures Television. The Media Rights Capital-produced series will launch next year.