It was announced that Season 4 of "Arrested Development" could be released on Netflix on May 4th. Netflix is denying that timeframe right now, but the rumors continue. All 14 episodes will be released at that time.
What is Season 4 About?
Slate outlines how season 4 is shaping up:
Unlike the episodes in its original three-season run, the new Arrested Development installments will not necessarily include all of the featured ensemble members together. Instead, creator Mitch Hurwitz has envisioned these new episodes as a way to catch up with each of the characters individually—the first episode, for instance, is simply titled “Michael.” They will finally come together at the end of what is rumored to be a 10 to 13 episode run. (The exact number has yet to be confirmed.)
The fourth season may not be the last. There are talks of following up with a fifth and sixth season, though the Netflix deal is geared toward moving the Bluths to the big screen in a full-length feature. That planned film has not yet been sold.
CraveOnline has the episode list that bears out the character focus:
1: Michael 1
2: Michael 2
3: George Sr. 1
4: George Sr. 2
5: Lindsay 1
6: Lindsay 2
7: Tobias
8: Gob 1
9: Maeby
10: Lucille
11: Buster
12: George Michael 1
13: George Michael 2
14: Gob 2
Netflix is a Good Fit for the Show
Screen rant outliens why Netflix is a better fit for the show than network television:
If you’re not an established fan of the show: Hurwitz’ comments touch on a truth that has been learned from experience. One reason that Arrested Development didn’t become a smash hit on network TV in the mid ’00s (besides being too far ahead of this era of 30 Rock and Office-style comedy), is that it was not really a good fit for episodic viewing – not to mention the constant hiatuses and breaks that FOX imposed upon it (to make way for other shows, sporting events, etc).
When AD really caught on with people was after it had been canceled and was available on DVD, streaming services like Hulu, or cable syndication – i.e., where viewers could watch it in larger blocks and truly keep up with the carefully-stacked reoccurring jokes and semi-serialized storylines. I say all that to say: marathon-style viewing has always been the best way to approach this show.
The Best 200 Quotes
Here's a great video compliation of the beset 200 quotes from the first 3 seasons. My favorite is "Ta da" which Job says after escaping prison by being put in the hospital