Cast and Crew of Arrested Development

Arrested Development

In the critically acclaimed television series "Arrested Development," viewers are introduced to a diverse and eccentric cast of characters, led by Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, the show's reluctant protagonist. Michael, once an ambitious executive, finds himself stepping into the role of family patriarch after his father, George Bluth Sr., is arrested for conducting shady business deals. Despite his initial reluctance, Michael becomes the glue that holds the dysfunctional Bluth family together, often struggling to maintain his sanity amidst their chaotic antics.

Portia de Rossi delivers a standout performance as Lindsay Bluth Fünke, Michael's shallow and self-absorbed twin sister. Despite her affluent upbringing, Lindsay repeatedly attempts to reinvent herself as an activist and champion of social causes, often with disastrous results. Her superficial and materialistic tendencies create tension throughout the series, as she frequently clashes with Michael's practical and grounded sensibilities.

"Arrested Development" weaves an intricate narrative that follows the Bluth family's misadventures as they navigate life after losing their vast fortune. The show's tagline, "The story of a wealthy family that lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together," perfectly encapsulates the series' premise. As Michael strives to uphold his family's crumbling empire, viewers are treated to a hilarious examination of privilege, family dynamics, and the absurdity of navigating life's unexpected challenges. With its witty writing, memorable performances, and a cast of unforgettable characters, "Arrested Development" has earned its reputation as a beloved and influential television comedy.

Ran for 6 seasons.

Main Cast of Arrested Development

Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth

Jason Bateman

Michael Bluth
Fans of Jason Bateman will particularly enjoy his role as Michael Bluth in the TV show 'Arrested Development' because it showcases his signature dry wit and impeccable comedic timing, highlighting his ability to balance a grounded character amidst a wildly dysfunctional family. This role is often considered one of his most iconic performances, emphasizing his strengths in both comedy and subtle emotional depth. Interestingly, Michael Bluth's character was originally envisioned to be more sarcastic and abrasive, but Bateman's portrayal brought a more relatable and earnest quality, which significantly shaped the show's tone and appeal.
Portia de Rossi as Lindsay Bluth Fünke

Portia de Rossi

Lindsay Bluth Fünke
Portia de Rossi portrayed Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the TV series 'Arrested Development,' a role that showcased her comedic timing and ability to play a satirical, spoiled socialite with depth and nuance. This performance marked a distinctive shift from her earlier work, which often included more dramatic or conventional roles. Lindsay's character was integral to the show's unique blend of quirky humor and dysfunctional family dynamics, allowing de Rossi to explore a more exaggerated and comedic side. This role stands out in her career because it brought her widespread recognition and critical praise within the comedy genre, highlighting her versatility as an actress and cementing her status in a cult-favorite series that contrasted notably with her previous work in dramas or less comedic parts.
Will Arnett as Gob Bluth

Will Arnett

Gob Bluth
Will Arnett delivers a hilariously over-the-top performance as Gob Bluth in "Arrested Development," perfectly capturing the character's delusions of grandeur and comedic timing. His portrayal stands out from his other roles, such as the voice of Batman in "The Lego Movie," where he adopts a more deadpan and sarcastic tone. A notable trivia fact is that Arnett originally auditioned for the role of Michael Bluth, but was cast as Gob, a role that became iconic for his blend of buffoonery and vulnerability.
Michael Cera as George Michael Bluth

Michael Cera

George Michael Bluth
Michael Cera played the role of George Michael Bluth in the critically acclaimed TV series 'Arrested Development.' His portrayal of the awkward, innocent, and somewhat naive teenager was widely praised for its genuine charm and subtle comedic timing, which perfectly captured the show's offbeat humor. What made his performance unique was his ability to embody the character's earnestness without slipping into caricature, often conveying complex feelings through his understated expressions and pauses. A lesser-known fact about Cera's involvement is that much of his character's awkwardness was inspired by his own experiences as a teenager, which he discussed with the creators, adding an authentic layer to George Michael's persona on screen.
Alia Shawkat as Maeby Fünke

Alia Shawkat

Maeby Fünke
Alia Shawkat delivers a standout performance as Maeby Fünke in 'Arrested Development,' embodying the cunning and rebellious teenage daughter with a perfect blend of wit and sarcasm that adds a unique charm to the dysfunctional Bluth family. Her portrayal is notably different from her roles in dramatic projects like 'Search Party,' where she explores darker and more complex characters, showcasing her versatile acting range. A fun trivia fact is that Maeby's character was originally intended to be much younger, but Shawkat's audition impressed the creators so much that they aged the character to fit her distinctive style.
Tony Hale as Byron "Buster" Bluth

Tony Hale

Byron "Buster" Bluth
Fans of Tony Hale will enjoy his role as Buster Bluth in the TV show 'Arrested Development' because it perfectly showcases his talent for portraying quirky, socially awkward, yet endearing characters. Compared to his iconic performance as Gary Walsh, the loyal and overly attentive assistant in 'Veep', Buster is a more eccentric and vulnerable character with a complex personality. One interesting detail is that Tony Hale originally auditioned for the role of Gob Bluth, but the creators ultimately cast him as Buster, a role that has become a fan favorite due to his unique blend of innocence and neurosis.
David Cross as Tobias Fünke

David Cross

Tobias Fünke
Jeffrey Tambor as George Bluth Sr.

Jeffrey Tambor

George Bluth Sr.
Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth

Jessica Walter

Lucille Bluth
Ron Howard as Narrator

Ron Howard

Narrator

Crew of Arrested Development

Full backstage crew list →