Another series of 'Arrested Development'... and a movie!

AnonoBoy · 05-04-2013 3:07pm

I'm signing back up when Arrested Development comes out on Netflix. 7 euro to watch it?

No worries at all. I'll gladly pay it, watch a few other things and then unsubscribe.

Can't wait to see it to be honest.

pixelburp · 10-04-2013 8:16pm

Netflix are beginning to crank up the marketing machine for this, and have released a bunch of posters to get fans stoked:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/arrested-development-teaser-posters-renew-the-show,96340/

10-04-2013 8:39pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Because they're trying to make money.

Where's here?

Please stop posting crap like that in an attempt to justify piracy. A Netflix trial offers unlimited access to their entire catalogue, there are no restrictions or limitations placed on it. In all the marketing for House of Cards, Netflix emphasised the fact that the first episode was free for anyone to watch and then pointed out that your first month was free. They really could not make it any easier and cheaper for you to watch the show.

Anyone who pirates these episodes is not a fan of the show and if the proposed film fails to materialise then anyone who pirated the Netflix episodes has only themselves to blame. That people would even consider pirating the episodes is ridicolous, everyone gets a months free trial of the service which is more than enough time to watch the show. And even if you have used your trial, it's only 7 months. Most people would have no trouble spending that in an hour in the pub or on a few cups of coffee but many seem to see the cost as daylight robbery when it comes to Netflix.

People complaining about slow connections can rest assured that Netflix is engineered to work on the crappest of networks, I've streamed films in the middle if the country through one of those terrible Internet through the air providers and it worked. Plus the first month is free so why not at the very least try to legally watch it rather than resort to stealing.

10-04-2013 8:45pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Please stop posting crap like that in an attempt to justify piracy.

What in the name of **** are you talking about? Seriously where did I try to justify piracy? I got the wrong end of the stick and the second part you ****ing quoted is me asking someone where "here" is because they were trying to say that Netflix won't work "here" and it will in Ireland.

A Netflix trial offers unlimited access to their entire catalogue, there are no restrictions or limitations placed on it. In all the marketing for House of Cards, Netflix emphasised the fact that the first episode was free for anyone to watch and then pointed out that your first month was free. They really could not make it any easier and cheaper for you to watch the show.

See above, I erred.

Anyone who pirates these episodes is not a fan of the show and if the proposed film fails to materialise then anyone who pirated the Netflix episodes has only themselves to blame. That people would even consider pirating the episodes is ridicolous, everyone gets a months free trial of the service which is more than enough time to watch the show. And even if you have used your trial, it's only 7 months. Most people would have no trouble spending that in an hour in the pub or on a few cups of coffee but many seem to see the cost as daylight robbery when it comes to Netflix.

Bull**** on the "not a fan" thing. Sure it saves Netflix money if I pirate rather than use up the free trial if you want to go down that path.
I would likely pay for the month if the trial didn't cover it, but it does so I don't need to. One of my friends on the other hand won't be because their broadband is too **** to enjoy streaming anything.

People complaining about slow connections can rest assured that Netflix is engineered to work on the crappest of networks, I've streamed films in the middle if the country through one of those terrible Internet through the air providers and it worked. Plus the first month is free so why not at the very least try to legally watch it rather than resort to stealing.

Well there you go, it's worked for you so it much work for everyone. Netflix can engineer however they like, it doesn't affect the wiring in and around people's houses. It's rare enough but it does happen.

10-04-2013 10:08pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

What in the name of **** are you talking about? Seriously where did I try to justify piracy? I got the wrong end of the stick and the second part you ****ing quoted is me asking someone where "here" is because they were trying to say that Netflix won't work "here" and it will in Ireland...

I quoted the wrong post but my point still stands. You've repeatedly posted inaccurate points regarding Netflix and may have put others off trying the service. Normally no one will care if someone torrents a show but this season of AD should not exist and every person who pirates the show is damaging the prospects of us seeing further episodes or a film.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Bull**** on the "not a fan" thing. Sure it saves Netflix money if I pirate rather than use up the free trial if you want to go down that path.
I would likely pay for the month if the trial didn't cover it, but it does so I don't need to. One of my friends on the other hand won't be because their broadband is too **** to enjoy streaming anything..

Pirating affects Netflix far more than a free trial and even implying that piracy is doing them a favir is ridicolous. They will be looking very closely at the number of streams the show gets. AD is a niche show and while it has a great fanbase 50 or 60 thousand illegal downloads could be what stops Netflix giving them money to do more.

If you pirate the upcoming season then you can't call yourself a fan as you are single handedly damaging the prospects of us seeing any more episodes as well as affecting Netflix's plans to bring back other cancelled shows. And right now I'm praying that the rumours they are in talks about brining Jericho back pan out.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well there you go, it's worked for you so it much work for everyone. Netflix can engineer however they like, it doesn't affect the wiring in and around people's houses. It's rare enough but it does happen.

Netflix will work in even the crappest of lines. It's designed to, sure quality may not be fantastic but it'll still stream. The line I got it working on took 19 hours to download an episode of The Following (a 350meg file) while I was able to stream SD Netflix with no stoppages.

Not trying to be a dick or anything but I think that given the unique opportunity Netflix are offering everyone should go our of their way to support them. At most it'll cost 7 euro and that's a small price to pay not just for New Arrested Development but for thousands of hours of other tv and films.

10-04-2013 11:49pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I quoted the wrong post but my point still stands. You've repeatedly posted inaccurate points regarding Netflix and may have put others off trying the service. Normally no one will care if someone torrents a show but this season of AD should not exist and every person who pirates the show is damaging the prospects of us seeing further episodes or a film.

Go **** yourself buddy. I made a mistake based on misreading something another person said and have admitted that several times already. Should I go back and edit my posts and then pretend I didn't make the mistake?

Pirating affects Netflix far more than a free trial and even implying that piracy is doing them a favir is ridicolous. They will be looking very closely at the number of streams the show gets. AD is a niche show and while it has a great fanbase 50 or 60 thousand illegal downloads could be what stops Netflix giving them money to do more.

It was a joke, good job you!

If you pirate the upcoming season then you can't call yourself a fan as you are single handedly damaging the prospects of us seeing any more episodes as well as affecting Netflix's plans to bring back other cancelled shows. And right now I'm praying that the rumours they are in talks about brining Jericho back pan out.

I can call myself what I like as it happens.
A brief search shows that you seem to be discussing shows way before they're out on DVD and in some cases before they air in Ireland, I assume you purchase the DVD of all of those shows when they're released?

Netflix will work in even the crappest of lines. It's designed to, sure quality may not be fantastic but it'll still stream. The line I got it working on took 19 hours to download an episode of The Following (a 350meg file) while I was able to stream SD Netflix with no stoppages.

I hope it wasn't you downloading The Following, or were you hoping to help prevent getting it renewed? My internet drops at least once an hour, I know other people who have it far worse than that. One of my mates simply can't use online streaming services.

Not trying to be a dick or anything but I think that given the unique opportunity Netflix are offering everyone should go our of their way to support them. At most it'll cost 7 euro and that's a small price to pay not just for New Arrested Development but for thousands of hours of other tv and films.

If you ever feel like you're not doing well at something you should stop trying because apparently you're successful when you don't try.

11-04-2013 12:06am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Go **** yourself buddy. I made a mistake based on misreading something another person said and have admitted that several times already. Should I go back and edit my posts and then pretend I didn't make the mistake?

No need to reedit, just don't make wild accusations that Netflix limit trial access as they're trying to make money.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

It
was a joke, good job you!

A pretty terrible one that actually sums up a lot of pirate opinions. It costs them nothing so it doesn't hurt then

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I can call myself what I like as it happens.
A brief search shows that you seem to be discussing shows way before they're out on DVD and in some cases before they air in Ireland, I assume you purchase the DVD of all of those shows when they're released?

I download a number of shows, never said I didn't or ever tried to justify it. I also buy a lot of DVDs and Blu-Rays and if I enjoy a show ill buy it. If you search my posts you will find that I will be very vocal about the first few episodes of a show, ( I give most shows 6 episodes) but then often don't reply for months. The reason is that, if I like a show ill hold off and watch it over a few days or weeks when the DVD comes out. I stopped posting in the Banshee thread as I'm going to be grabbing the Blu-Ray, same for person of interest. Loved the first few episodes and only picked up the Blu this week, almost a year after it aired on TV. I was happy to wait and support the show.

It's important to point out that the difference between a network show airing in the US and Netflix produced programming is that my downloading of say, the first three episodes of Banshee will not affect ratings or its chance at a renewal. Downloading Arrested Development will as Netflix are offering the series worldwide at the same time. What they are doing is unprecedented and will change TV as we know it.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I hope it wasn't you downloading The Following, or were you hoping to help prevent getting it renewed? My internet drops at least once an hour, I know other people who have it far worse than that. One of my mates simply can't use online streaming services.

Why would I download a show that sure on Sky the day after the US? My Internet often drops, as does most people's but that's no excuse to pirate. I always find it funny when people say, my Internet is too slow to stream but downloading is fine.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If you ever feel like you're not doing well at something you should stop trying because apparently you're successful when you don't try.

God only knows what your trying to imply there. The fact remains that Netflix have done something no one ever thought we'd see and for anyone to think pirating it was ok, we'll then they really aren't fans of AD.

11-04-2013 12:13am

Deleted User wrote: »

No need to reedit, just don't make wild accusations that Netflix limit trial access as they're trying to make money.

They're not trying to make money?

A pretty terrible one that actually sums up a lot of pirate opinions. It costs them nothing so it doesn't hurt then

Yeesh, tough audience.

I download a number of shows, never said I didn't or ever tried to justify it. I also buy a lot of DVDs and Blu-Rays and if I enjoy a show ill buy it. If you search my posts you will find that I will be very vocal about the first few episodes of a show, ( I give most shows 6 episodes) but then often don't reply for months. The reason is that, if I like a show ill hold off and watch it over a few days or weeks when the DVD comes out. I stopped posting in the Banshee thread as I'm going to be grabbing the Blu-Ray, same for person of interest. Loved the first few episodes and only picked up the Blu this week, almost a year after it aired on TV. I was happy to wait and support the show.

So once someone doesn't try to justify pirating then it's ok to do?

It's important to point out that the difference between a network show airing in the US and Netflix produced programming is that my downloading of say, the first three episodes of Banshee will not affect ratings or its chance at a renewal. Downloading Arrested Development will as Netflix are offering the series worldwide at the same time. What they are doing is unprecedented and will change TV as we know it.

Well it's not unprecedented, they've done it already.

Why would I download a show that sure on Sky the day after the US? My Internet often drops, as does most people's but that's no excuse to pirate. I always find it funny when people say, my Internet is too slow to stream but downloading is fine.

Do you not see the difference in each? Have you ever done either? It's one thing leaving downloads overnight and then watching an episode, it somewhat affects the enjoyment of a 21 minute episode when it takes almost an hour to watch with some restarts and skipping ahead and back following connection drops so that you can get a new request sent, most of the time after a drop the video stops loading until you skip ahead, let it load and then skip back.

God only knows what your trying to imply there. The fact remains that Netflix have done something no one ever thought we'd see and for anyone to think pirating it was ok, we'll then they really aren't fans of AD.

You said you're not trying to be a dick, I'm implying that you were still managing to be one.

StickyIcky · 11-04-2013 12:30am

FreeFallin94 wrote: »

Ya I am terrible for watching stuff online, but I plan to support this and watch it on Netflix! Will either get the free trial or if that for some reason does not work, I will ask my parents nicely if they wouldn't mind paying for a months subscription :L I am so excited though. I hope it is as good as the first 3 seasons!

Just pay the bloody €7 or whatever it is seriously . y'all who are wanting AD back so badly and aren't willing to cough up a few euro to support it. If Netflix get a big influx of paying subscribers for one month it will send a clear message we want more AD and might get it again some day in the future!

Come on!!

11-04-2013 12:44am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

They're not trying to make money?.

They are but they aren't limiting access during the trial month in order to make money as you impled a number of times.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

So once someone doesn't try to justify pirating then it's ok to do?.

Never said anything like that. I have no issue with people pirating, I just find it hard to take when people trot out reasons why pirate and try to make it acceptable. As someone whose beginning a career working in the film and tv industry I find it rather shocking to see just how acceptable people think it is to steal.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well it's not unprecedented, they've done it already.

Which is why I said they are doing and "what they are doing with Arrested Development". staggering the release of episodes of House of Cards, AR and their other original programming would work in Netflix's favor as it would allow them to build up the release if new episode and turn it into an event as is seen with traditional television. They don't bombard you with ads and clips telling you that you can watch episode 2 thisWednesday. No they say, here's the full season watch however you like.

Other networks are already looking at how they release content with HBO in the process if offering access to HBO Go to non-subscribers and those who live outside the US.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Do you not see the difference in each? Have you ever done either? It's one thing leaving downloads overnight and then watching an episode, it somewhat affects the enjoyment of a 21 minute episode when it takes almost an hour to watch with some restarts and skipping ahead and back following connection drops so that you can get a new request sent, most of the time after a drop the video stops loading until you skip ahead, let it load and then skip back.

I'm well aware of the two and the issues you encounter but Netflix is engineered to adapt to the poorest of lines. Anytime my Internet has dropped when using Netflix it started playing from where it stopped as soon as the connection was back up. I'm back home atm and out connection is terrible, it's Eircom at its worst yet right now I'm streaming Tears if the Sun in one room and my brother is streaming Samurai Jack in the next. Sure we're not getting the full HD but its damn watchable. This is the same line that can take 4 or 5 hours to download and episode of South Park.

11-04-2013 1:43am

Deleted User wrote: »

They are but they aren't limiting access during the trial month in order to make money as you impled a number of times.

Would you like me to draw a diagram of where I was wrong and then said so?

Never said anything like that. I have no issue with people pirating, I just find it hard to take when people trot out reasons why pirate and try to make it acceptable. As someone whose beginning a career working in the film and tv industry I find it rather shocking to see just how acceptable people think it is to steal.

So you don't have a problem with people doing it, but you're shocked that others don't have a problem with doing it?

Which is why I said they are doing and "what they are doing with Arrested Development". staggering the release of episodes of House of Cards, AR and their other original programming would work in Netflix's favor as it would allow them to build up the release if new episode and turn it into an event as is seen with traditional television. They don't bombard you with ads and clips telling you that you can watch episode 2 thisWednesday. No they say, here's the full season watch however you like.

I commend them for bringing back AD and the watch all-at-once thing is the future.

Other networks are already looking at how they release content with HBO in the process if offering access to HBO Go to non-subscribers and those who live outside the US.

We'll see how happy Sky will be after that billion dollar deal they made as to whether or not it'll happen here.

I'm well aware of the two and the issues you encounter but Netflix is engineered to adapt to the poorest of lines. Anytime my Internet has dropped when using Netflix it started playing from where it stopped as soon as the connection was back up. I'm back home atm and out connection is terrible, it's Eircom at its worst yet right now I'm streaming Tears if the Sun in one room and my brother is streaming Samurai Jack in the next. Sure we're not getting the full HD but its damn watchable. This is the same line that can take 4 or 5 hours to download and episode of South Park.

Well it doesn't happen like that everywhere unfortunately.
I would have to say though, that long for an episode of South Park is an average speed of around 45kbps, split two ways, let's be generous, is 25kbps each. Fair play to Netflix for making a codec that's watchable at that rate!

11-04-2013 2:08am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Would you like me to draw a diagram of where I was wrong and then said so?

Tbh You never really said that you were wrong though let's move past it. I take it that someone posted something earlier in the thread about restrictions and you assumed it was the truth. It's not and what makes Netflix great is that you can use one account on a variety of devises. You could easily avail of the free trial and ten people could make use if it but only two at a time. There's even talk of them offering a number of accounts on the one subscription meaning that in the case if a family everyone could have their own store with instant queue and personalised selections.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

So you don't have a problem with people doing it, but you're shocked that others don't have a problem with doing it?

What I find shocking is how accepting of piracy people are. I can understand downloading a show you like and I have no issue with it. I've done it myself. What I take issue with are the lengths people will go to justify it. If I download something and enjoy it then ill generally buy it at some stage as I like to support the industry and those involved in it.

By all means download an episode of TV but don't try and make out that its acceptable. Any discussion of piracy we have on boards will have endless posts from people trying to justify stealing.

Piracy can actually be beneficial to many people, small budgeted independent films can get a massive boost if their film is heavily torrents, just look at the film Ink whose profile was raised substantially by piracy. But for something like Arrested Development piracy is only going to harm its chances of getting the promised film.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

We'll see how happy Sky will be after that billion dollar deal they made as to whether or not it'll happen here.

Its already happened here. Sky introduced a similar service through the sky player which is available on the Xbox atm. They plan to expand it and offer it on different devices in the future. I can watch Sky live in my home in Galway on either my PC or Xbox by singing into the account my parents have at home in mayo. The on-demand service is fantastic for catching on shows I'd otherwise miss and there's a great selection there. For those who don't have a Sky account but have an Xbox they can easily pay to get access. It's nowhere near as extensive a service as Netflix and costs a lot more but it's not a bad service.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well it doesn't happen like that everywhere unfortunately.
I would have to say though, that long for an episode of South Park is an average speed of around 45kbps, split two ways, let's be generous, is 25kbps each. Fair play to Netflix for making a codec that's watchable at that rate!

Like all lines the connectin speeds are always changing. You could struggle to download an episode if TV one night only got it to fly down the next. There are very few places in Ireland where a connection is constantly at the same speed.

Netflix is great in that it monitors the doped and adjusts the streaming quality based on it meaning that it doesn't pause or buffer.

Kiith · 11-04-2013 4:20am

I'm in Australia at the moment, so about the only way i'll be able to see it is if i pirate it. Netflix isn't available over here, or i'd happily resubscribe.

pixelburp · 11-04-2013 6:46am

I know there's not a lot of actual detail about the new series just yet, but can we take the Netflix discussion elsewhere? It seems to come up every time a conversation is started about a Netflix-only series (not necessarily on boards mind), and it has derailed the thread a little bit...

pickarooney · 11-04-2013 10:44am

Deleted User wrote: »

Where's here?

France. If anyone can figure out a way for me to pay €7 to watch the series I'd be glad to.

stevenmu · 11-04-2013 1:12pm

Statistically speaking, the most important thing to Netflix will be the amount of people that AD converts into paying customers.

The best thing you can do, if you want to send Netflix a message, is to sign up for the free trial, watch AD and then pay to stay.

leakyboots · 11-04-2013 1:59pm

Darko/Buttonftw - take it PM, it's boring

11-04-2013 4:43pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Darko/Buttonftw - take it PM, it's boring

11-04-2013 6:59pm

pickarooney wrote: »

France. If anyone can figure out a way for me to pay €7 to watch the series I'd be glad to.

There are a number of ways of getting Netflix if you live in a country where the service has yet to launch. A quick google will bring up a dozen different ways.

leakyboots wrote: »

Darko/Buttonftw - take it PM, it's boring

God forbid there'd be a bit of discussion on a forum board.

pleasant Co. · 11-04-2013 11:34pm

Deleted User wrote: »

God forbid there'd be a bit of discussion on a forum board.

There's a time and place for such a discussion but this thread is about the new Arrested development series. Show a little respect towards other posters/readers man.

11-04-2013 11:58pm

pleasant Co. wrote: »

There's a time and place for such a discussion but this thread is about the new Arrested development series. Show a little respect towards other posters/readers man.

Where did I not show respect? Discussing how piracy could destroy any chance of the proposed Arrested Development film is par on course for any thread discussing the show.

pleasant Co. · 12-04-2013 9:15am

Deleted User wrote: »

Where did I not show respect? Discussing how piracy could destroy any chance of the proposed Arrested Development film is par on course for any thread discussing the show.

I'm not getting into this.

I want to read about the upcoming series, not your hypotheticals. Me and this conversation, done.

StickyIcky · 12-04-2013 10:43am

stevenmu wrote: »

Statistically speaking, the most important thing to Netflix will be the amount of people that AD converts into paying customers.

The best thing you can do, if you want to send Netflix a message, is to sign up for the free trial, watch AD and then pay to stay.

I agree here with Steve.

I also think if people just sign up for the paid account for one month the month that AD comes out then they quit again after they've watched AD, they only spend about seven euro, but Netflix will see a huge spike of subscriptions.

If that happens we MIGHT get a 5th season of AD sometime again in the next few years.

Mr Freeze · 12-04-2013 11:02am

AD coming back next month is the only reason I didn't cancel my Netflix subscription, looks like I will be hanging on to it for another while.

EyeSight · 12-04-2013 8:04pm

stevenmu wrote: »

Statistically speaking, the most important thing to Netflix will be the amount of people that AD converts into paying customers.

The best thing you can do, if you want to send Netflix a message, is to sign up for the free trial, watch AD and then pay to stay.

i disagree. surely if they see a spike in memberships during the release of AD, free or not, that proves people are signing up in order to see the show. I am sure they have other telemetry to tell them how many people/times the show is watched.

I dont see it being ADs fault if people don't stick around after 30 days. It is Netflix fault. AD would have done its job just to bring people in.

Basq · 12-04-2013 11:05pm

Some cool new character posters via BleedingCool.com:

(click to see more)

pixelburp · 13-04-2013 1:01pm

Actually posted those earlier basq, just before the argument about netflix, piracy et al

doubledown · 25-04-2013 5:54pm

Sneak peek!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/04/25/arrested-development-buster-lucille/

Basq · 25-04-2013 6:53pm

Not LOL funny, but gave me a smirk.

Only a month to go..

FreeFallin94 · 25-04-2013 7:43pm

Is anyone else worried that this will let you down? I am actually so excited, but if the new season isn't great I actually thing I might cry :P

ancapailldorcha · 25-04-2013 7:45pm

FreeFallin94 wrote: »

Is anyone else worried that this will let you down? I am actually so excited, but if the new season isn't great I actually thing I might cry :P

I am definitely but there's a significant chance it'll be amazing.

Basq · 25-04-2013 7:59pm

I'm quietly optimistic although two things worry me:

a) since each episode appears to be focused on a specific character (understandable given some of their booming movie careers), I'm worried there won't be many of those excellent scenes / interactions between family.
b) to say Mitch Hurwitz's output since AD ended is disappointing would be an understatement. 'Sit Down, Shut Up' and 'Running Wilde' were both atrocious!

pixelburp · 25-04-2013 9:42pm

Well it was ok, but sure we'll see; I think the wisest attitude to take is that after all this time, it simply won't hit the heights of the original run - few TV comedies could in general - but if it has some funny moments that are at least as amusing as the inferior season 3, and decent closure for the characters that'll be enough.

pixelburp · 26-04-2013 7:15am

By the by, in case people missed it on that previous EW.com link, there were also bunch of new images released, showcasing the characters; looks like Lucille 2, Barry Zuckercorn et al are back too:
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20693825,00.html

Good lord Maeby's all grown up :eek:

steve_r · 26-04-2013 3:02pm

pixelburp wrote: »

Well it was ok, but sure we'll see; I think the wisest attitude to take is that after all this time, it simply won't hit the heights of the original run - few TV comedies could in general - but if it has some funny moments that are at least as amusing as the inferior season 3, and decent closure for the characters that'll be enough.

This. I flew through Seasons 1&2, slowed down on Season 3.

I'm just looking forward to seeing where they go from here. Maybe they won't hit previous heights, but I reckon it'll still be better than most shows out there.

I heard a good comment recently on a podcast regarding a recent simpsons episode, saying that the episode was average from a simpsons perspective, but very good from a tv show perspective.

26-04-2013 3:12pm

Will Bob Loblaw's Law Blog be relaunched?

26-04-2013 3:22pm

steve_r wrote: »

This. I flew through Seasons 1&2, slowed down on Season 3.

I'm just looking forward to seeing where they go from here. Maybe they won't hit previous heights, but I reckon it'll still be better than most shows out there.

I heard a good comment recently on a podcast regarding a recent simpsons episode, saying that the episode was average from a simpsons perspective, but very good from a tv show perspective.

I would disagree about The Simpsons, their parodies (when they're not 6 months late) are cringe-worthy IMO.

I find in general with TV that watching a show back-to-back almost always makes it seem better than watching week-by-week with a week or 3 (stupid networks) gap between episodes. Just about every comedy I've watched that had been on for a while didn't seem to be quite as good when I caught up after watching a few seasons and then started having to watch weekly. I think it would be too big a coincidence for that to be down to all those shows having a decline in quality right when I start watching them.
I just don't enjoy The Simpsons at all. I'll hear a new episode was good and I've watched most of the last 5 seasons at various times and I think I made an audible sound due to humour once in all those episodes.
Arrested Development is different because I watched the odd episode on TV3 when it was originally airing and thought it was funny even just jumping in and out of it. When I watched the whole series I loved it and didn't notice a drop in Season 3 like so many people did, again maybe some people were watching as it aired? Either way I think the all-at-once release of the episodes will help the episodes feel better than they otherwise may have, once they're not Godawful.

I'm just happy to have a reason to rewatch the whole series, been 2 years since last time!

steve_r · 26-04-2013 3:45pm

My point wasn't specific to the Simpsons, more to do with shows that set high standards for themselves. Later shows may not meet their own standards, but are still worthwhile.

The storylines in Season 3 didn't grab me the way Season 1 &2 did - I wouldn't be the biggest fan of Charlize Theron as a comedic actress.

26-04-2013 3:54pm

steve_r wrote: »

My point wasn't specific to the Simpsons, more to do with shows that set high standards for themselves. Later shows may not meet their own standards, but are still worthwhile.

Yeah I was making separate points about The Simpsons and TV in general :pac: The Simpsons hasn't been good TV in a long time, I don't know why I still watch.

The storylines in Season 3 didn't grab me the way Season 1 &2 did - I wouldn't be the biggest fan of Charlize Theron as a comedic actress.

Yeah but this also happened

errlloyd · 09-05-2013 12:41am

120_Minutes · 09-05-2013 8:58am

pixelburp · 09-05-2013 9:13am

<obligatory>
There's always money in the Banana Stand
</obligatory>

enfant terrible · 10-05-2013 3:17am

steve_r wrote: »

My point wasn't specific to the Simpsons, more to do with shows that set high standards for themselves. Later shows may not meet their own standards, but are still worthwhile.

The storylines in Season 3 didn't grab me the way Season 1 &2 did - I wouldn't be the biggest fan of Charlize Theron as a comedic actress.

I would say the Simpsons is about the worst thing on television as the moment.