Netflix has confirmed yet another popular show is to be removed from the platform, leaving fans fuming with what they say is “the last straw”. The streaming giant has been having a tough time in recent months; it angered many fans when it cancelled a string of popular shows – including fantasy drama Warrior Nun and the multi-lingual sci-fi 1899 – and subsequently revealed plans to crack down on account sharing.
Netflix has now confirmed yet another popular show will be removed from the platform next month. The company has announced that all five seasons of US sitcom Arrested Development will be pulled on March 15, meaning fans have just weeks to watch it.
The hit comedy follows the dysfunctional and formerly wealthy Bluth family after their patriarch is sent to prison for a series of financial offences – as well as a bit of “light treason”. It is known for its ensemble cast of comedy legends and countless running jokes and catchphrases.
READ MORE: Netflix rolls out account and password sharing restrictions to more countries amid crackdown
It starred Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Tony Hale, David Cross, and the late Jessica Walter. Actor and filmmaker Ron Howard served as the show’s narrator and executive producer.
Arrested Development originally ran for three seasons from 2003 until it was cancelled in 2006 by 20th Century Fox. Netflix revived the show as a Netflix Original for one season in 2013 and again in 2018, yet neither season was as well received as its original run.
Many fans have been surprised at the decision to remove it from the service considering seasons four and five were co-produced by Netflix, Fox, and Imagine after its revival. The decision to remove the show from Netflix reportedly stems from its licensing agreement.
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The deal to move Arrested Development’s first three seasons from 20th Century Studios – formally 20th Century Fox – expires later this year, a decade since Netflix dropped the fourth season. The future of the show now seems uncertain, and with season five not available on DVD or any other platform, fans are worried it will simply disappear.
Following Netflix’s announcement that it has begun rolling out its account and password crackdown around the world, many fans have slammed Netflix’s decision to pull Arrested Development as “the last straw”. Some have even threatened to cancel their subscription, taking to social media to voice their frustrations.
On Twitter, @ReallyRisu said: “Okay Netflix this is the last straw. If you remove arrested development I will cancel my subscription. Why on earth would they remove something you literally cannot get anywhere else.”
@MitchTheTweeter echoed: “Smell yuh later @netflix. This with the password crackdown.”
Arrested Development was the reason I initially subscribed to Netflix. This cuts deep. https://t.co/7LatUGPzG2 pic.twitter.com/neAJUzUmzO
— BKS (@gusbeansjr)
@gusbeansjr said: “Arrested Development was the reason I initially subscribed to Netflix. This cuts deep.”
@padataytay added: “Why would they remove content that they themselves made? That doesn’t make any sense.”
The last day to watch Arrested Development on Netflix is March 14, following that, seasons one to four will only be available on DVD, Blu-ray, or to stream on Amazon’s Prime Video.
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