Let me tell you about my favorite show.

I was recently rewatched the sitcom "Arrested Development" (2003-2019) with my roommate, who's eyes had never graced the show before.

I found myself catching quick and witty remarks I had missed even in my years of binging, that felt like watching it in a whole new way. Each joke and character trait are intentional, which makes this show feel richer than the rest. Not to mention, the hilarious narration throughout the entire series from Hollywood legend Ron Howard.

I think new and impressive sitcoms are difficult to find today. As culture constantly shifts, so do the rules for what is allowed to be said in a comical sense and what is actually deemed offensive or off-putting. That is why I find myself revering back to older sitcoms like Seinfeld or The Office, and particularly, Arrested Development.

Arrested follows the Bluths, a wealthy family from southern California, who’s patriarch, played by Jeffrey Tambor, was arrested and left the mess that is their family real estate development in the hands of the most responsible Bluth, Michael, played perfectly by Jason Bateman. Michael is pictured as the only level-headed and wise member of the family. He is left to care for his teenage son, three adult siblings, egocentric mother, delinquent niece, and wildly strange brother-in-law. He is constantly the one to bail them out of the latest chaos they’ve ensued and has most of them living with him in one of the company’s model homes.

What I think makes this comedy a diamond in the rough is the insanely clever and intelligent level of writing from head writer Mitch Hurwitz. There isn’t just one or two funny characters, but the entire cast is hilarious in their own ways, with flaws bizarre careers heavily emphasized.

Gob, the eldest sibling played by Will Arnett, is an aspiring magician obsessed with women who often reflects on how he is neglected by their father. Lindsay, played by Portia de Rossi, is a spoiled brat who only complains about her husband Tobias and does anything but work or care for her daughter Maeby, played by Alia Shawkat. Maeby does anything to try and score her parents’ attention and drags Michael’s son, George Michael, into her devious schemes. George Michael, played by a young Michael Cera, is a well-mannered kid who simply wants to make his dad proud. Tobias (my personal favorite) is portrayed by David Cross, a psychiatrist who recently lost his medical license and is in pursuit of an acting career. The youngest sibling, Buster, played by Tony Hale, is well into his thirties and living with their mother Lucille, despite her bullying him, and his dating her best friend (played by Liza Minnelli). Lucille, played by Jessica Walters, persecutes each of her children and is the epitome of a stereotypical rich, Californian white woman, who only cares about herself and vodka. The cast feed off each other’s lines in such an organic way, in perfect timing, that makes you hold onto every word.

Arrested has been labeled as controversial or offensive in the past, which I find to be misconstrued. The characters are intentionally caricatured to be bad and arrogant people (other than Michael and his son) and any distasteful, hateful comments are meant to solidify those horrendous traits in each character. I think more shows could benefit from “pushing the line” from a comedic stance. Too many shows play it safe in fear of media criticism, which has created a seemingly endless cycle of cutesy comedies that lack substance --- and viewership.

So do yourself a favor: pop a pizza in the oven, pour a glass of pinot, and kick back on the couch to the genius and originality that is Arrested Development. I hope you find a joy and novelty in it like I do.