The best of Arrested Development

Fox Television is truly an enigma. Overseen by an eccentric Australian arch-conservative, it’s nevertheless a company willing to take a chance on some of the most subversive, avant-garde programming on network television. Then it cancels that programming to make way for shows about performing recreational activities with D-list “celebrities.” I can’t wait for Kathy Najimy Presents: Synchronized Swimming, featuring Paul Prudhomme and the black dude from Becker.

But for two and a half seasons, Fox broadcast one of the finest comedies ever to air on TV. Arrested Development took a vaguely promising premise—the documentary-style chronicling of a wealthy family in decline—and turned it into something amazing by way of writing that was at once culturally savvy, densely intricate in its use of storylines and running jokes that weaved in and out of all three seasons, and above all, hysterically funny, combined with an utterly brilliant cast of regulars and guest stars. The writing, directing, and acting are some of the best television’s ever seen, and in its short run, Arrested Development managed to pack in more laughs than fifty laugh-packing laugh packers on Laugh Packing Day (observed).

Is it going to come back on another network? Goddammit, I hope so. But assuming otherwise, here’s our list of the 25 best moments on a series full of great moments. Be forewarned, if you haven’t seen the show, there are some spoilers ahead, but also be aware that if you haven’t seen the show, we are going to kill you in real life.