TV shows that were great until they were cancelled: Part 1

Arrested Development





What Was it About? George Bluth, who heads both the Bluth company and family, is imprisoned for diddling the books and some 'light treason'. His son Michael, the sole nice guy of the family, steps in and attempts to keep the company, and his irredeemable kin, together.

How Long it Lasted: Three seasons

Why Was it So Great? Arrested Development was hilarious, and hands-down the best comedy to come along in decades. It was smart and cutting and layered endless in-jokes into the script. It skirted farce with emotion and, really, was just unbelievably great.

Best Bits: Lucile convincing her family that wine is only alcoholic if you let it sit to cover her alcoholism, George Michael's forbidden cousin love, Tobias living as a nevernude [unable to remove his denim cutoffs] and joining the Blue Man Group, GOB's dismal failure as a magician: "They're called illusions dad, a trick is something a whore does for money", chicken dances. The final episode, which is a mirror of the first. The final run of episodes, when cancellation looms, does some wonderful things with meta-humour, as the Bluth family tries to get people to like them. Tobias' ability to misspeak: "Even if it means me taking a chubby, I will suck it up."

What Went Wrong? Despite its hilarity, the main characters had few redeeming qualities, and were generally bastards. Discerning viewers see this as a novelty and intrinsic to the shows humour and brilliance. Idiots - many of them running television networks - saw it as a flaw the audience could never overcome. Also, uh, no-one except critics seemed to watch.

Should I Still Watch It? Definitely. While the show rushes to a climax, it was able to construct a final episode that provides a fitting ending. The show as it is works as a unit. The series is incredibly rewatchable given the way jokes happen in the background and build upon each other. You'll always find something new.