Update: Don’t worry British fans of it Arrested developmentas the acclaimed sitcom has found a new streaming home.
As announced in a Disney Plus press release, the fan-favorite series will be available to stream on Disney Plus UK from Wednesday, March 22. However, users can only access Arrested developmentthe first three seasons. It’s clear that Netflix doesn’t want to sell the rights to the last two seasons of the show, which it developed internally. The first three seasons are over Arrested development are already available on Hulu for the US public to enjoy.
Still, while it will come as a relief to viewers – on both sides of the Atlantic – that Arrested development can be streamed anywhere other than Netflix, it’s disappointing that seasons 4 and 5 won’t be making their way to Netflix’s major rivals any time soon.
Original story follows.
Netflix is preparing to remove Arrested development from the library – and it’s happening soon.
In a surprising move, the world’s top streaming service is removing the cult classic comedy series, including the two later seasons that were Netflix Originals – developed by streaming giant.
By variety (opens in new tab), Arrested developmentThe five episodes of s will leave the platform on Wednesday, March 15. BingoTingo has verified Variety’s report, and the Arrested Development landing page confirms that it will only be available until Tuesday, March 14. If you were planning on streaming the comedy TV show, then , you don’t have long to do so.
The news will come as a blow to fans of the celebrated cringe sitcom, especially in light of the fact that Netflix bailed it out more than a decade ago.
After the cancellation of the series by Fox Entertainment Group in 2006, it seemed Arrested developmentThe spotlight’s time had come to an end. Six years later, however, Netflix acquired the rights to Arrested developmentthe first three seasons.
Despite Netflix’s original programming division also being in its infancy at the time, the streamer also confirmed that it was reviving the series. Subsequently, two more seasons were developed by Netflix, with season 4 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, and its permanent place on our list of the best Netflix shows makes its impending departure even less appetizing. So why is the streaming company removing it from its content pack?
Analysis: license to fulfill
The short answer is that Netflix’s license agreement, which made it possible to show Arrested development for over 10 years, running out soon.
That multi-year deal officially expires on March 15, meaning Netflix will have to remove the series from its platform whether it wants to or not. The streaming giant also had to make do with its lineup of Marvel TV shows, including Daredevil, The punisherAnd Jessica Joneswhen the licensing deal with the comics giant ended on March 1, 2022. Those superhero shows, plus Netflix’s other live-action series, have since moved to Disney Plus.
Netflix doesn’t seem to be fighting to stay Arrested development, or. That says a spokesperson for Netflix to The Hollywood Reporter (opens in new tab) that the expiration of the license agreement is the main reason Arrested development‘s imminent departure, but did not specify whether Netflix was in talks to renew the deal.
That can of course change. In November 2022, Netflix would lose the Norwegian-American crime drama series Lilyhammer. However, a last-minute change of heart led the streaming giant to renew its licensing deal, which is now upheld Lilyhammer on Netflix until 2029.
Meanwhile, BingoTingo exclusively confirmed earlier this month 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, Feb. 11, but an extension to that licensing deal meant the three films would remain on HBO Max.
So there is an earlier form for streamers (including Netflix) to keep TV shows and movies on their service. However, unless Netflix makes a U-turn, Arrested development will not participate Lilyhammer by hanging on the platform.
For more Netflix coverage, check out every Netflix canceled show. In addition, find out what the best Netflix movies and best Netflix documentaries are.