25 Netflix shows to watch if you miss Friends

Netflix shows like Friends: Arrested Development

Seasons: 5

Created By: Mitchell Hurwitz

Starring: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter

As a series about a dysfunctional family, Arrested Development won’t scratch the same itch as Friends. But in terms of sense of humor, you will find yourself laughing all the same. The comedy of Arrested Development is very much character-driven, and the series, like Friends, presents a whole family full of larger than life characters that will soon feel like your own friends.

Arrested Development stars Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, the begrudging and tireless rock of the Bluth family. A motley crew of formerly wealthy personalities, the Bluths consistently find themselves in unfortunate situations, such as the corrupt real estate developer and patriarch George Sr.’s (Jeffrey Tambor) arrested. Against all odds, Michael tries to keep the family in check.

In spite of critical acclaim, Arrested Development struggled with ratings during its original run on Fox, leading to its cancellation in 2006. Seemingly kick-starting the revival era, Netflix brought the cult favorite back for two additional seasons in 2013 and 2018. Arrested Development and Friends may not have much in common other than a real commitment to making us laugh.