It’s really no surprise that Netflix is interested in making more episodes of Arrested Development. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings told CNBC today, “Arrested is unique, because [whether or not it comes back is] really up to the talent. If the talent were willing to do more, and interested in that, I’m sure we would be willing.” He added that he’s “thrilled with the response” to the show and called it huge. Netflix isn’t releasing the show’s numbers, but Mashable reports that 36% of Netflix traffic on one DSL network on Sunday was from viewers watching Arrested Development.
While Netflix may be interested in another season, creator Mitch Hurwitz’s plan has long been to follow Season 4 up with a movie. A movie has yet to be greenlit, but the new season’s Netflix popularity should help to sway film execs into ponying up cash for the film, which Hurwitz has said he considers to be Acts 2 and 3 to the new season’s Act 1. If a movie deal doesn’t come through, Hurwitz and company might opt to continue the story on Netflix, but one major obstacle is getting the cast – many of whom are busy with thriving TV and movie careers – back together. Season 4’s unique structure (giving each character one or two episodes of their own) was partly in response to scheduling difficulties and green screen was even used to glue some actors together in scenes. While it’ll be tough to get the whole cast assembled again, they were able to do it for the new season, so it should be possible for the upcoming movie or another Netflix season.