Netflix bringing back Arrested Development

Netflix has scored a big coup in bringing back one of the most critically acclaimed (but little-watched) TV comedies of the past decade. Variety reported that the streaming service finalized a deal with 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television to create new episodes of Arrested Development. Netflix later confirmed the deal on Twitter.

Details are scarce, but the parties are looking to introduce new episodes of the series in early 2013, Variety reports. How many episodes would be produced, and how many of the original cast members would be involved, remains unknown. Currently, Arrested Development stars Will Arnett and Portia de Rossi are both working on series at NBC.

Netflix has long been rumored to be in the bidding for a Arrested Development revival. It’s also been widely expected to at some point bring back one popular cancelled show or another, whether it be Arrested Development or maybe Friday Night Lights.

The company, which has about 24 million subscribers in the U.S., is increasingly seeking to differentiate itself with original and exclusive programming. Earlier this year, it announced a major deal to license two seasons of the David Fincher-Kevin Spacey project House of Cards, and is reportedly in talks for a new series from Weeds creator Jenji Kohan.

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