‘Arrested Development’: How Ron Howard was pivotal in changing contemporary comedy
Although movie directors crossing from the silver screen to television is a rare occurrence, when such a thing does happen, fans are usually treated to long-form artistry from some of their favourite ever filmmakers. For example, when Steven Spielberg created Band of Brothers for HBO, he made one of TV’s greatest-ever mini-series, and when Ron Howard took it upon himself to make Arrested Development, he inextricably changed the course of American comedy.
Having steadily risen to industry success, Howard was enjoying the very pinnacle of his career at the dawn of the new millennium, having released such hits as How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey and 2001’s A Beautiful Mind, which had just won the director ‘Best Picture’ among a host of other Oscars. Beloved in his field, Howard had created a number of big hitters, though few of them delved into the realms of comedy.
So, when Howard proposed the idea of creating a comedy series that would be inspired by reality TV but with a whacky, energetic script, many industry leaders were a little puzzled. Yet, after several discussions with the right people, including Mitchell Hurwitz, who is credited with creating the series, Arrested Development was born, and 21st-century comedy was set on a new course of success.
A wild, eccentric comedy show, the basis of the series followed Michael Bluth, who is forced to take over the family business after his father is arrested. Yet, having been spoiled over the years by the good management of the company, the family is dysfunctional and jaded, making for endless chaos and comedy as Michael attempts to whip them into shape while each member tries to battle against their questionable morals.
Despite the quality ratings from critics, Arrested Development simply didn’t get the viewership it needed to survive, however, and after just three years and three seasons of existence, the show was cancelled in 2006. Frequently described as well ahead of its time, the series was later championed by modern comedy fans, and it’s no surprise either, with many contemporary shows of the same genre using the same successful formula.
Indeed, with its quirky voiceover, quick cutaway skits and meta humour, Arrested Development was a unique beast, with the idiosyncrasies of the show steadily finding themselves in some of modern comedy’s finest achievements. When it comes to self-referential nods, Howard’s show set the standard for other modern classics like Community and The Office to follow, while It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia no doubt nicked its joyous mean-spirited streak.
Speaking about the release of the show back in 2003, Howard stated that the time is right for a show like Arrested Development, “There’s something going on right now…Our economic stability is in flux, and nobody feels 100 per cent secure,” and that the downfall of the Bluths was a “relatable fear” for many. Sadly, over two decades later and things remain much the same, explaining why the essence of Howard’s show still lives within the self-referential pessimism that pervades modern comedy.
From the series that have passed, like The Office and Community, to Rick and Morty and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia that continue to thrive, pick apart the DNA of each one, and you’ll find a morsel of the Bluth family.