Netflix is preparing to remove Arrested Development from its library – and it’s happening soon.
In a surprise move, the world’s best streaming service is getting rid of the cult classic comedy series, including the two later seasons that were Netflix Originals – developed by the streaming service.
Per Variety, 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.
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 seemed Arrested Development‘s time in the spotlight had come to an end. However, six years later, Netflix acquired the rights to Arrested 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 that Arrested Development has been part of Netflix’s back catalog for over 11 years, as well as its permanent place on our best Netflix shows list, 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 show Arrested Development for 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 of Marvel TV shows, including Daredevil, The Punisher, and Jessica Jones, when its licensing deal with the comic book giant ended in March 1, 2022. Those superhero shows, plus Netflix’s other Marvel live-action series, moved to Disney Plus soon after.
Netflix doesn’t appear to be putting up a fight to keep Arrested Development, either. A Netflix spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that the expiration of its licensing deal is the primary reason behind Arrested 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 series Lilyhammer. However, a last-minute change of heart led to the streaming behemoth renewing its licensing arrangement, which will now keep Lilyhammer on Netflix until 2029.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, TechRadar exclusively confirmed that Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies wouldn’t be leaving HBO Max after 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 on HBO 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 Development won’t join Lilyhammer in sticking around on the platform.
It’s unclear where Arrested Development might end up following its Netflix departure. Currently, its first three seasons are available on Hulu in the US. All five seasons are available to rent on Prime Video worldwide, too. Could one of Netflix’s rivals agree a deal to show Arrested Development in its entirety after March 15? Maybe but, for now, we’re all in the dark about its streaming future. Here’s hoping it’s resolved quickly so we can continue to watch the dysfunctional Bluth family for years to come.
For more Netflix coverage, check out every Netflix cancelled show. Additionally, find out what the best Netflix movies and best Netflix documentaries are.