Arrested Development is leaving Netflix for one of its big streaming rivals
We don’t know what we expected
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Update:Don’t fret, UK-based fans ofArrested Development, for the acclaimed sitcom has found a new streaming home.
Revealed in aDisney Pluspress release, the fan-favorite series will be available to stream onDisney Plus UKfrom Wednesday, March 15. However, users will only have access toArrested Development’s first three seasons. Clearly,Netflixdoesn’t want to sell the rights to the show’s final two seasons, which it developed in-house. The first three seasons onArrested Developmentare already available onHulufor US audiences to enjoy.
Still, while it’ll come as a relief to viewers – on both sides of the Atlantic ocean – thatArrested Developmentwill be streamable somewhere other than Netflix, it’s disappointing that seasons 4 and 5 won’t make their way onto Netflix’s big rivals anytime soon.
Original story follows.
Netflix is preparing to removeArrested Developmentfrom its library – and it’s happening soon.
In a surprise move, the world’sbest streaming serviceis getting rid of the cult classic comedy series, including the two later seasons that were Netflix Originals – developed by streaming giant.
PerVariety,Arrested Development’s five instalments will depart the platform on Wednesday, March 15. TechRadar has verified Variety’s report, with Arrested Development’s landing page confirming it’ll only be available until Tuesday, March 14. If you were planning on streaming the comedy TV show, then, you don’t have long left to do so.
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The news will come as a blow to fans of the celebrated cringe-inducing sitcom, particularly in light of Netflix saving it over a decade ago.
After the series' cancellation by Fox Entertainment Group in 2006, it seemedArrested Development’s time in the spotlight had come to an end. However, six years later, Netflix acquired the rights toArrested Development’s first three seasons.
Despite Netflix’s original programming division being in its infancy at the time, too, the streamer also confirmed it was reviving the series. Two more seasons were subsequently developed by Netflix, with season 4 arriving in May 2013, and season 5 (released in two parts) airing in May 2018 and March 2019.
The fact thatArrested Developmenthas been part of Netflix’s back catalog for over 11 years, as well as its permanent place on ourbest Netflix showslist, makes its impending departure even less palatable. So, why is the streaming company removing it from its suite of content?
Analysis: license to fulfill
The short answer is that Netflix’s licensing agreement, which has allowed it to showArrested Developmentfor over 10 years, is running out very soon.
That multi-year deal officially runs out on March 15, meaning Netflix has to remove the series from its platform whether it wants to or not as things stand. The streaming giant had to do likewise with its line-up ofMarvelTV shows, includingDaredevil,The Punisher, andJessica Jones, when its licensing deal with the comic book giant ended in March 1, 2022. Those superhero shows, plus Netflix’s otherMarvellive-action series, have since moved to Disney Plus.
Netflix doesn’t appear to be putting up a fight to keepArrested Development, either. A Netflix spokesperson toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat the expiration of its licensing deal is the primary reason behindArrested Development’s forthcoming departure, but didn’t state whether Netflix was in talks to extend the agreement.
That could change, of course. In November 2022, Netflix was set to lose Norwegian-American crime drama seriesLilyhammer. However, a last-minute change of heart led to the streaming behemoth renewing its licensing arrangement, which will now keepLilyhammeron Netflix until 2029.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, TechRadar exclusively confirmed thatChristopher Nolan’s Batman movies wouldn’t be leaving HBO Maxafter all. The Dark Knight trilogy was set to leave Warner Bros Discovery’s primary streamer on Saturday, February 11, but a renewal of that licensing deal meant the three films would remain onHBO Max.
There is previous form, then, for streamers (including Netflix) to keep TV shows and movies on their service. Unless Netflix performs a U-turn, though,Arrested Developmentwon’t joinLilyhammerin sticking around on the platform.
For more Netflix coverage, check out everyNetflix cancelled show. Additionally, find out what thebest Netflix moviesandbest Netflix documentariesare.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
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