Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Television
Three years after my last close call, arrested Development Preparations are on for removal once again on Netflix. The series, including the Netflix Original seasons, are set to leave Netflix globally on March 15, 2026, but could we see another renewal?
It feels like déjà vu for longtime subscribers. The Bluth family’s future on the service hangs in the balance as the licensing agreement between Netflix and Disney (which owns 20th Television) is up for renegotiation.
To bring you up to speed, Arrested Development began its life exclusively at FOX for its first three seasons before moving to Netflix for its fourth and fifth seasons. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, the sitcom series is often considered one of the greatest comedies of all time, with standout performances throughout the seasons from Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, and Michael Cera, among many others.
Here’s what we know about the potential removal and why there’s still hope for a renewal.
Why is development going arrested?
The removal date—March 15, 2026—is significant. It’s been exactly three years since the show was last scheduled to leave the service.
In February 2023, removal notices appeared on shows around the world, as we first reported at the time. It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for fans, as it looked like Netflix was going to lose not only classic Fox seasons (1-3) but also its original seasons (4-5). As we’ve been tracking, it’s not rare for Netflix Originals to leave Netflix and often come with an asterisk depending on their type.
However, at the eleventh hour in 2023, Netflix and Disney made a new deal. That deal reportedly gave Netflix exclusive streaming rights for an additional three years (forcing the show from Hulu at the time).
That three-year clock has now ended, and we’ve been banging this drum for a while now, considering we’ve covered over 100 Netflix Originals throughout 2026.
Will it be renewed again?
Because arrested Development There’s a unique show — half owned by Disney/Fox, half commissioned by Netflix — that will require two giants to come to the table to make it work.
- Bull case for renewal: Netflix clearly values ​​the show, as evidenced by their fight to keep it special in 2023. It remains a comedy staple with high rewatch value, as evidenced by its viewership in engagement reports: the show is watched 10 million times each year, with viewership on the series increasing in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, we have seen Disney become more willing to license shows to Netflix in recent years and Netflix notably purchases some of 20th Century Fox Television’s output.
- The bear case for eviction: Disney may want to reacquire assets to strengthen the Disney+ or Hulu catalog, especially as they become more interested in bundling their own services. While having 10 million views is worthwhile, could this money be better spent on new titles that increase viewership?
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Television
When will we know for sure and where will it stream next?
In 2023, renewal was not confirmed until a few days before the removal date, and Netflix itself confirmed on social media that the Bluths were not going anywhere. Fingers crossed it happens again.
If the deal falls through, all five seasons will likely leave Netflix and almost certainly head to Disney-owned services: Hulu and Disney+.
Are you expecting Netflix to renegotiate a deal at the last minute? arrested Development On Netflix? Let us know in the comments.