The Most Underrated Show of All Time

Okay, maybe it's not really the most underrated show, but it certainly ranks right up there. I'm talking about Arrested Development. The show lasted only three seasons (which is two longer than Freaks and Geeks...but I won't get into that now), so I'm guessing some people never got to see it.



I was first introduced to the show after two seasons had already aired. One day I was flipping through the channels and FX had a marathon of the first two seasons on. Since I was in college, and had tons of studying nothing better to do, I watched the whole thing. After seeing the first few episodes I became an addict.

So what's this show about, you ask? Well, it centers around Michael Bluth (played by the always adorable Jason Bateman) and his family. His father has been put in jail for defrauding investors, and Michael is left to run the company while his dysfunctional family tries to run it further into the ground.

Actually, dysfunctional doesn't even begin to describe them. First there's Lucille, Michael's mom, who is so used to her decadent lifestyle, she sees nothing wrong with using the company credit card for spa treatments & three martini lunches. Don't forget Michael's siblings - twin sister Lindsay who is just as out of touch as her mother, older brother Gob, a magician illusionist, and younger brother Buster, the professional student.

Then there's the kids - George Michael (Michael's son) and Maeby (Lindsay's daughter). George Michael is played by the awkwardly cute Michael Cera. Check him out because he SHINES in this role.

Some of my favorite lines

Michael Bluth: What have we always said is the most important thing?
George Michael Bluth: Breakfast
Michael Bluth: No...Family
George Michael Bluth: Oh, right. Family. I thought you meant of the things you eat.

Gob: You know, I sorta thought my contribution... could be a magic show!
Michael: Hey, that's great! That's perfect, Gob! Oh, wait, I just remembered, Dad's retiring, not turning six.

Michael: Okay, guys, um... they are going to keep Dad in prison at least until this gets all sorted out. Also, the attorney said that they’re going to have to put a halt on the company’s expense account. [The others gasp.] Interesting. I would’ve expected that after "They’re keeping Dad in jail."

These quotes don't really do the show justice. Most of the funny moments are due to the excellent comedic timing and running gags. So if you're looking for something funny and just a tad inappropriate to watch, this is your show.

Some episodes and clips are available on hulu, so check it out!

Do you have a favorite TV show that was cancelled before it's time?