Arrested Development season 2

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Contents

Arrested Development
Season 2
Arrested Development S2 DVD.jpg
DVD cover
Starring
No. of episodes18
Release
Original network Fox
Original releaseNovember 7, 2004 (2004-11-07) –
April 17, 2005 (2005-04-17)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 1
Next →
Season 3
List of episodes

The second season of Arrested Development , an American television series created by Mitchell Hurwitz, premiered on November 7, 2004, and concluded its initial airing on April 17, 2005. The eighteen episode season was broadcast on Fox, a U.S. broadcast television network.

Arrested Development, narrated by Ron Howard, follows the Bluth family, which consists of Michael (Jason Bateman), his twin sister Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), his older brother Gob (Will Arnett), his younger brother Buster (Tony Hale), their mother Lucille (Jessica Walter) and father George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), as well as Michael's son George Michael (Michael Cera), and Lindsay and her husband Tobias' (David Cross) daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat). A formerly wealthy, dysfunctional family, the Bluths made their money from property development, before George Sr. was arrested for arrested for using his company's funds for personal expenses. Central storylines of the season include George Michael's relationship with his on-again-off-again girlfriend Ann Veal, George Sr.'s hiding in the Bluth model home's attic, and Lucille's affair with Oscar, George Sr.'s twin brother.

The second season received acclaim from critics, who lauded it as overwhelmingly better than the first. It was nominated for multiple awards, notably for 11 Emmys, the highest amount a single season of the series ever received. A preview of the season was released several weeks prior to its premiere. It was released on DVD in region 1 on October 11, 2005, in region 2 on January 23, 2006, and in region 4 on March 15, 2006.

Production

Renewal

A promotional image for season two showcasing the main cast. Arrested Development season 2 cast.png
A promotional image for season two showcasing the main cast.

The series was not immediately renewed for another season like the rest of Fox's programming was in April 2004. [1] Portia de Rossi, who portrays Lindsay, said in an interview that she was worried about the possibility the series would not be renewed for a second season, because she had grown very close to her co-stars during the first season. [2] Jason Bateman said that he was sure the series would be renewed, as Gail Berman, a Fox executive, was a fan of the series; oppositely, David Cross felt the series would be cancelled before a second season could be ordered, citing its low ratings as a reason. [3] The series was soon picked up for a full 22-episode second season. [4] However, its production order was later cut down to 18 episodes by Fox in order to save air time for American Dad! . [3]

Writing

For season two, series creator Mitchell Hurwitz encouraged the writers to experiment and take more risks when writing scripts. This helped spawn the season's reoccurring storyline of Buster losing his hand by a seal attack, which was originally pitched as a joke concept in an email. [5] After it was decided to create a storyline out of the attack, Hurwitz went back to previous episodes of the season to add more foreshadowing to it. [6]

Casting

The main cast of the series all returned for season two, including Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Jessica Walter, and Jeffrey Tambor. [7] Starting with the season, Ann's original actress—Alessandra Torresani—would be replaced by Mae Whitman. [8] Originally, the plan was to replace Ann's actress with every subsequent appearance following Whitman's casting, but it was considered too convoluted and Whitman remained as Ann. [9]

Release

A preview of some episodes of the second season was released onto Fox's official website in October 2004, several weeks prior to its premiere. [10] The season began airing on November 7, 2004, [11] and concluded on April 17, 2005. [12] The series' time slot was moved to it airing after The Simpsons in November 2004. [13] In 2006, every episode of the series became available to watch for free on Microsoft's nascent internet video streaming service MSN. [14]

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code  [15] 		US viewers
(millions)
231"The One Where Michael Leaves" Lee Shallat Chemel Mitchell Hurwitz & Richard RosenstockNovember 7, 2004 (2004-11-07)2AJD016.61 [16]
Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and George Michael (Michael Cera), leave for Phoenix, but go back to ensure the family misses them, and, following George Sr.'s (Jeffrey Tambor) arrest, Michael must locate the company checkbook. Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), desires for an open marriage with her husband Tobias (David Cross), who tries to join the Blue Man Group, assuming they are a support group for depressed men. Lucille (Jessica Walter) signs Buster (Tony Hale) up for the Army after being persuaded to do so by a Michael Moore lookalike. Gob (Will Arnett) becomes president of the Bluth company, and stumbles upon a contract between George Sr. and Saddam Hussein.
242"The One Where They Build a House" Patty Jenkins Mitchell Hurwitz & Jim Vallely November 14, 2004 (2004-11-14)2AJD027.22 [17]
Trying to save the company, Gob promises a model house for a new development in only 2 weeks, forcing everyone in the family to help him build a fake house that is empty on the inside; it ultimately collapses in front of a crowd of people, sparking a fight between Michael and Gob. George Sr. continues his escape to Mexico, but is imprisoned by officers who have been scarred by faulty products he manufactured decades prior. Lindsay makes a date with an actor (Thomas Jane) who is attempting to get in character for an upcoming role, assuming he is a homeless man, and Tobias spies on the two of them.
253"¡Amigos!"Lee Shallat Chemel Brad Copeland November 21, 2004 (2004-11-21)2AJD035.89 [18]
Lucille hires a private detective to locate George Sr., who finds out that he's hiding out in Mexico. Michael goes to collect his father, accompanied by George Michael and his girlfriend Ann. Gob hires a bounty hunter named Ice to keep tabs on Michael, with Lindsay, accompanied by her daughter Maeby, trying to enact an affair between herself and Ice. Buster hides in the back of the family car to escape his Army duties in Mexico, but ends up just going directly back to his house, unbeknownst to him. Michael doesn't find George Sr., and the family leaves, unaware that a funeral for him is being held concurrently in Mexico.
264"Good Grief" Jeff Melman John LevensteinDecember 5, 2004 (2004-12-05)2AJD046.66 [19]
Ann breaks up with George Michael, citing the two of them constantly being interrupted by Michael's antics as the reason. Ice reveals to the family that George Sr. has reportedly been executed in Mexico. The family holds a wake, and decides not to tell Buster in fear of the news upsetting him. Gob attempts to perform an illusion at the burial in which he is buried in place of his father's body, which upsets Buster, who realizes he is at a funeral; Buster, disturbed by the news, lets go of the casket and causes it to collapse onto Gob, leaving him stuck. George Michael, walking outside of the house, depressed by his breaking up and grandfather's death, discovers George Sr. alive in an underground bunker, subsequently hiding him in the attic. When Michael finds out, he tells the family, who, upon checking the attic, find an open window and no sign of George Sr. After everyone but Michael leaves, George Sr. emerges from a hiding spot and begs to continue hiding in the attic, which Michael agrees to.
275"Sad Sack" Peter Lauer Barbie AdlerDecember 12, 2004 (2004-12-12)2AJD056.28 [20]
George Sr. is concerned about the romance growing between his twin brother Oscar and Lucille. The prosecutor turns up new evidence supporting the Bluths' "light treason" charge.
286"Afternoon Delight" Jason Bateman Abraham Higginbotham & Chuck MartinDecember 19, 2004 (2004-12-19)2AJD065.62 [21]
After getting roasted at the company Christmas party, Gob fires the entire staff and Michael must find a way to rehire them. Meanwhile, Buster plays hooky from the army.
297"Switch Hitter" Paul Feig Story by : Courtney Lilly
Teleplay by : Barbie Adler		January 16, 2005 (2005-01-16)2AJD075.78 [22]
Armed with Michael's good ideas, Gob goes to work for their competitor, Stan Sitwell. George Sr. thinks Sitwell is just trying to win the company softball game.
308"Queen for a Day" Andrew Fleming Brad CopelandJanuary 23, 2005 (2005-01-23)2AJD085.20 [23]
When the Bluth company stock is unfrozen, Michael sells his shares to buy a new Corvette and Tobias uses his shares to purchase a gay nightclub called the "Queen Mary".
319"Burning Love"Paul FeigChuck Martin & Lisa ParsonsJanuary 30, 2005 (2005-01-30)2AJD096.96 [24]
Michael pursues childhood crush Sally Sitwell, Lindsay tries to entice a right-wing actor by wearing her mother's furs, and Gob and Lucille 2 continue their illicit relationship. George Michael stages a Christian music bonfire for his girlfriend Ann. George Sr. installs a hot-tub in his attic hideout.
3210"Ready, Aim, Marry Me!"Paul FeigJim Vallely & Mitchell HurwitzFebruary 13, 2005 (2005-02-13)2AJD105.61 [25]
Thinking Lucille 2 (the majority shareholder) and Stan Sitwell are plotting against the Bluth company, Michael sets up Lindsay to go on a romantic get-away with her fake Uncle Jack on the condition that Jack will bail out the company again. Gob and Buster follow Lucille 2 and Stan on their date.
3311"Out on a Limb" Danny Leiner Chuck Martin & Jim VallelyMarch 6, 2005 (2005-03-06)2AJD116.34 [26]
Gob's wife files for divorce. Michael learns that former lover (and known liar) Maggie Lizer is pregnant, so he has Tobias and Lindsay break into her house to collect a urine sample to confirm her pregnancy. Buster swims in the ocean and has his hand bitten off by a loose seal.
3412"Hand to God" Joe Russo Mitchell Hurwitz & Chuck MartinMarch 6, 2005 (2005-03-06)2AJD125.75 [26]
Buster tries to come to terms with the loss of his hand. Michael tries to find a way out of raising Maggie's baby.
3513"Motherboy XXX"Joe RussoMitchell Hurwitz & Jim VallelyMarch 13, 2005 (2005-03-13)2AJD136.08 [27]
Ashamed of Buster's missing hand, Lucille recruits George Michael to compete in the 30th annual "Motherboy" contest with her.
3614"The Immaculate Election" Anthony Russo Barbie Adler & Abraham HigginbothamMarch 20, 2005 (2005-03-20)2AJD145.73 [28]
George Michael runs a doomed campaign for class president against Steve Holt. Lindsay kicks Tobias out, but he returns as their singing British housekeeper, Mrs. Featherbottom.
3715"Sword of Destiny"Peter LauerBrad CopelandMarch 27, 2005 (2005-03-27)2AJD174.72 [29]
Gob performs the Sword of Destiny illusion as Buster's assistant. Michael is hospitalized with appendicitis.
3816"Meat the Veals"Joe RussoBarbie Adler & Richard RosenstockApril 3, 2005 (2005-04-03)2AJD155.33 [30]
Michael introduces the Bluths to Ann's conservative parents, hoping to turn them against George Michael and Ann's pre-engagement. Oscar throws Lucille an anniversary party.
3917"Spring Breakout"Anthony RussoBarbie Adler & Abraham HigginbothamApril 10, 2005 (2005-04-10)2AJD165.19 [31]
Michael checks Lucille into rehab, but she challenges Kitty to a drinking contest with George Sr. as the prize.
4018"Righteous Brothers"Chuck MartinMitchell Hurwitz & Jim VallelyApril 17, 2005 (2005-04-17)2AJD185.99 [32]
The model home collapses. Tobias and Kitty head to Las Vegas together. George Michael and Maeby kiss.

Cast

Reception

Ratings

Ratings for season two were "slightly" better than the first; [33] the season averaged about six million viewers. [34] During the season, Arrested Development ranked 115th out of all prime-time shows in terms of viewership. [35] The second-season premiere "The One Where Michael Leaves" received a 2.4 rating share in the Nielsen ratings among viewers age 18 to 49, attracting 6.61 million viewers overall. [16] The succeeding episode, "The One Where They Build a House", received a 2.6 share in the same Nielsen ratings demographic and drew in 7.22 million viewers, the highest of the season. [17] Both of these ratings significantly built upon the viewing figures of the previous season finale. [36] The lowest ratings belonged to "Sword of Destiny" with 4.72 million viewers and a 1.7 share. [29]

Critical reception

In its second season, Arrested Development was met with widespread critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 94% with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 18 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Arrested Development's second season doubles down on the absurd antics and densely layered gags, cementing the Bluths as TV's best worst family." [37] On the review aggregator website Metacritic, the second season scored 88 out of 100, based on 17 reviews, indicating "Universal acclaim." [38]

Awards and nominations

In 2005, the second season received eleven Emmy nominations in seven categories with one win. It was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jason Bateman), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeffrey Tambor), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Jessica Walter), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Barbie Adler for "Sad Sack" and Brad Copeland for "Sword of Destiny"); Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series; Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series (three nominations). [39] The episode "Righteous Brothers", written by Mitchell Hurwitz and Jim Vallely won for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. [40]

The second season also received two Golden Globe nominations in two categories with one win. It was nominated for Best Series Musical or Comedy, and Jason Bateman won for Best Performance in a Musical or Comedy. [41]

Home media

The second season was released on DVD in region 1 on October 11, 2005, [42] in region 2 on January 23, 2006 [43] and in region 4 on March 15, 2006. [44] Special features include commentary by series creator Mitchell Hurwitz and cast members on "Good Grief", "Ready, Aim, Marry Me!" and "Righteous Brothers"; deleted and extended scenes; "Season One in 3 Minutes" overview; blooper reel; "The Immaculate Election" campaign videos. [45]

References

  1. ↑ Hiatt, Brian (April 22, 2004). "Fox renews The OC,24". EW.com. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  2. ↑ Shaw, Jessica (November 19, 2004). "Portia de Rossi's big break: She got Arrested". EW.com. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  3. 1 2 Ames Carlin, Peter (March 6, 2005). "Critical condition". The Spokesman-Review . Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Lame duck 'Arrested Development' pulls out all the stops". USA Today . January 3, 2006. Archived from the original on January 16, 2006. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  5. ↑ Meslow, Scott (October 22, 2013). "Arrested Development: 8 fascinating secrets from creator Mitch Hurwitz". The Week. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  6. ↑ Berkowitz, Joe (May 28, 2013). "Mitch Hurwitz On How to Make Easter Eggs For Superfans, "Arrested Development" Style". Fast Company. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  7. ↑ Starr, Michael (March 21, 2005). "'Develop' This, Pal". New York Post. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  8. ↑ Derwin, Nina (March 24, 2023). "11 Facts You Didn't Know About Arrested Development". Redbook. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  9. ↑ Hurley, Laura (March 9, 2018). "Why Arrested Development Originally Wanted to Recast Mae Whitman's Ann". Cinemablend. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Arrested Development Season 2 Preview". IGN . October 13, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2025. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  11. ↑ "FOX Outlines Fall Launch Schedule, Other News". The Futon Critic. July 15, 2004. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  12. ↑ Murray, Noel (August 22, 2012). "Arrested Development: "Spring Breakout"/"Righteous Brothers"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  13. ↑ Poniewozik, James (November 1, 2004). "Television: The Great Wit Hope". Time. ISSN   0040-781X . Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  14. ↑ M. Gillespie, Elizabeth. "'Arrested' to be shown for free on Web". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Arrested Development". Fox in Flight. Fox Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on October 30, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. November 9, 2004. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  17. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. November 16, 2004. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  18. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings Report (Nov. 15-21, 2004)". ABC Medianet. November 23, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings Report (Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2004)". ABC Medianet. December 7, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. December 14, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. December 21, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. January 19, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 17-23, 2005)". ABC Medianet. January 25, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. February 1, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. February 15, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  26. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 28-Mar. 6, 2005)". ABC Medianet. March 8, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  27. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 7-13, 2005)". ABC Medianet. March 15, 2005. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. March 22, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  29. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 21-27, 2005)". ABC Medianet. March 29, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. April 5, 2005. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. April 12, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings (Apr. 11-17, 2005)". ABC Medianet. April 19, 2005. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  33. ↑ Goodman, Tim (December 10, 2004). "'The Wire' and 'Arrested Development' -- too smart to make it?". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  34. ↑ Goodman, Tim (November 14, 2005). "Die-hard Arrested Development fans already feeling sting of loss". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2005.
  35. ↑ Smith, Austin (September 17, 2005). "Eat Your Heart Out – 'Arrested' Ratings Can't Stop (Four Star) Comedy". New York Post. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings (May 31-Jun. 6, 2004)". ABC Medianet. June 8, 2004. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Arrested Development: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Critic Reviews for Arrested Development Season 2". Metacritic. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  39. ↑ "57th Annual Primetime Emmy Nominees" (Press release). The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. July 14, 2005. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
  40. ↑ "2004-2005 Primetime Emmys for Programs and Individual Achievements at the 57th Annual Emmy Awards" (Press release). The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. September 18, 2005. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Arrested Development". GoldenGlobes.com. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Arrested Development - Season Two (2003)". Amazon.com . Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  43. ↑ "Arrested Development - Season 2". Amazon.co.uk . Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  44. ↑ "Arrested Development - Season 2". dvdloc8.com. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
  45. ↑ "Arrested Development: Season Two". DVD Talk. October 16, 2005. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
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