“Almost like an animal documentary”: Jason Bateman’s Revelation About What the ‘Arrested Development’ Cast Thought About the Show Makes it Even More Hilarious 

Only a few sitcoms have left their mark on television, and one of those is Arrested Development. Ever since the show’s debut in 2003, it has gradually evolved into a cult classic. The razor-sharp wit, quirky characters, and weird shenanigans are all the elements that brought recognition to the show. The series only found its footing in the later years, although it received a lot of critical acclaim during its original run.

A recent revelation by Jason Bateman might intrigue the fans even more. The actor who played Michael Bluth gave the audience a novel and interesting perspective on the show, adding a new layer to its comedy which only amplifies its iconic status.

Jason Bateman’s Hilarious Revelation About Arrested Development

Jason Bateman is an actor with excellent range who can be a part of a sitcom and a crime drama like Ozark. After watching him play a serious character like Marty Byrde, it’s refreshing to see him talk about his worthwhile comedy projects. 

According to the Emmy-winning actor, the key to the show’s humor was in the characters’ complete lack of self-awareness. Their deranged lives were not funny to them, they rather took it quite seriously. In an interview with The Guardian, Bateman said:

“This is not funny to anybody inside the show. This is a drama to them. Almost like an animal documentary, where you’re watching these freaks, and how they gather their food, and how they make their house. And let’s make sure we all whisper because we don’t want these folks to know how much we’re laughing at them.”

The actor highlighted how the show’s absurdity makes it endearing and how the cast was convinced of being in a drama series. The Bluth family is constantly embroidered in outlandish situations, but everyone treats their lives with utmost seriousness.

Each character is drowning in their delusion and self-importance, not realizing how they’re being unintentionally hilarious. Bateman’s analogy to an animal documentary is indeed spot-on because watching the show truly feels like you’re observing wild creatures who are oblivious to how they appear from the outside. 

The narration by Ron Howard also plays a significant role, reinforcing the documentary analogy. You’ll often see how his omniscient voice contradicts the characters’ actions as he mocks them for their lack of awareness, only adding to the comedic effect. 

The Enduring Legacy of Arrested Development 

Arrested Development has some of the many complex narratives, running gags, and quotable lines that add to its unique style of comedy, often called “smart stupid.” The show’s unconventional approach became a standout quality and resonated with the audience. Moreover, its influence can still be seen in 30 Rock, Schitt’s Creek, and Community.

The sitcom’s rise to the top was slow and gradual. It even suffered with ratings during its initial run which led to its cancellation in 2006. However, Netflix revived the series for two more seasons, which led to some polarizing opinions among fans. The characters’ cluelessness about their absurdities is now a blueprint for many modern comedies. 

Needless to say, the show is a masterclass in comedic storytelling, and as Bateman rightly puts it, the humor lies in the characters’ unwitting participation. Watching the Bluth family scheme and spiral through life, and becoming the punchline to their own jokes is simply amusing and brilliant.