Arrested Development is one of the best sitcoms in years, but from Empire to Schitt's Creek, what other shows can match it's humor and storytelling?
Arrested Development has been one of the greatest shows in the pantheon of comedy-dramas revolving around dysfunctional families. The first few seasons especially have garnered a cult following and launched the careers of many of it's actors. The basic premise revolves around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his efforts to help his formerly wealthy family as they fall into eccentric personal and business problems every day.
Known for its smart dialogue and meta-elements like handheld camerawork and a voiceover by Ron Howard, Arrested Development transcended typical sitcom tropes to create an engaging satire on the rich.
Succession (2018-)
HBO's Succession is a family drama of Shakespearean proportions. At the center of its premise is an aging businessman Logan Roy, who's concerned with the passing of his company to his scheming children. Through its current two-season run, viewers get a glimpse of the lavish life of the Roys as well as the desperation the people in their circles have to grow their businesses by any means possible.
The show is filled with sarcastic allusions to real-life families like the Trumps or the Murdochs. But deep down, Succession is also a human story exploring the never-ending pursuit of greed and power. Succession also boasts of one of the best acting ensembles in recent times, with the likes of Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and more.
Shameless (2011-)
An adaptation of the British series of the same name, Shameless is the story of a dysfunctional broke family under a dazed and drunk patriarch (William H. Macy). The family learns to fend for itself while Macy's Frank Gallagher spends his days engaging in alcohol-driven misadventures. Even though it's funny on the surface, Shameless does offer a dark portrayal of working-class America with biting social commentary, without romanticizing the family's struggle.
The show has had a good run on TV, with the eleventh and final season set to premiere this December.
Ozark (2018-)
Ozark is Arrested Development alumnus Jason Bateman's second venture around a dysfunctional business family. A dark, dramatic look into the world of money laundering, Bateman and Laura Linney star in Ozark as Marty and Wendy Byrde. The Byrdes led a normal urban life until an incident compelled them to move to the Ozarks and conduct businesses for all sorts of shady clients. Matters turn worse when the Byrdes' children also grow aware of their parents' business.
Aside from being a compelling crime drama, Ozark focuses a lot on the lengths to which one can go to protect a family. A bleak atmosphere and multi-layered characters make Ozark better with every new season.
#blackAF (2020-)
#blackAF is a Netflix original created by and starring Kenya Barris, the writer behind the hit sitcom Black-ish. Barris plays a fictionalized version of himself, a rich screenwriter with a spoilt family. The show relies on some familiar comedic tropes that would impress fans of Black-ish. However, #blackAF also touches upon Barris' insecurities as a rich black man.
The show might not be high art, but it smartly depicts the artist's way of coming to terms with his own success. Rashida Jones also delivers a stand-out performance as his wife, Joya Barris.
Community (2008-2015)
Fans of directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo might be intrigued by their pre-MCU career that involved directing several episodes for Arrested Development as well as Community. The latter is a sitcom set in a community college that breeds all sorts of bizarre characters from all walks of life. In the middle of the quirky college's activities, six strangers form a study group that turns into a close friend circle.
The show also yielded some hilarious satires filled with pop-culture references, an unsurprising turn of events given that Community was the brainchild of Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon.
Archer (2009-)
Archer is an adult animated comedy revolving around secret agent Sterling Archer and his agency's misadventures. A cheeky parody of James Bond, Archer is raunchy, sarcastic humor at its finest. Apart from the lead performance by H. Jon Benjamin, the rest of the voice cast has also become iconic with the show's characters. Jessica Walter from Arrested Development plays another bossy figure in Archer, starring as the agency's head and Archer's mother.
Apart from its running gags and spy parodies, Archer doesn't shy away from its socio-political satire, touching upon how a few crazed people in power (Archer and his troupe in this case) can lead to international collateral damage.
Empire (2015-2020)
Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard lead this hip-hop themed musical drama that delivers a soapy take on internal family conflicts as well as the musical genre. Howard stars as a high-profile music executive who pits his sons against each other to inherit his company. Henson plays the tycoon's ex-wife who returns after a fall from grace to reclaim her share of the music empire.
Empire delivers in terms of original songs, lavish production and costume design, and Henson's portrayal of the outspoken ex-convict Cookie really stands out.
F Is For Family (2015-)
F is For Family incorporates the themes of classic family sitcoms and dramas in the animated format. However, the title shouldn't fool one into thinking that the Netflix production is a family show. In fact, F is for Family touches upon the harsh truths behind a white family from America of the 1970s. Themes like mid-life crisis, parenting, sexism, bullying, and several other serious issues are touched upon with darkly funny storylines.
Bill Burr plays Frank Murphy, a frustrated veteran struggling with his job and raising his family. His wife Sue (Laura Dern) harbors professional dreams of her own while being a housewife, and his children engage in many misadventures.
The Middle (2009-2018)
Just like Michael Bluth's desperate attempts at being the savior of his family, The Middle's protagonist Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton) struggles daily to balance work and home while helping out her family of misfits. All three of her kids are the odd ones out in their peer groups, while her husband is mostly a couch potato.
While satirizing the tropes of working class families, The Middle offers several heartwarming family moments that make it a perfect watch for casual viewing.
Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
Perhaps the show that comes closest to Arrested Development in terms of the premise is the Canadian series Schitt's Creek. The Rose family, just like the Bluths, lose their immense wealth after bankruptcy and relocate to a sleepy town that they own. While adjusting to their new low-budget life, they make new friends and discover life beyond their pampered existence.
The show benefits greatly from a lead cast with great comedic timing. Schitt's Creek is a simple show but has enough heart and character development to make for a binge-worthy experience.
Next: Why Arrested Development Is The Best Comedy Series Ever (& 5 Reasons Community Is Even Funnier)
