The BBC has bought exclusive rights to the hit US comedy 'Arrested
Development'. Arrested Development, which was first broadcast in America
in November 2003, is a sitcom about a widower (played by Jason Bateman) who find
himself having to advise his offbeat relatives how to live without the luxury of
a company expense account after the head of the house (played by Jeffrey Tambor)
is arrested for illegal accounting practices.
BBC Controller of Acquisitions, George McGhee, said: "I am really pleased
that we have been able to secure this highly original and critically acclaimed
Fox comedy for the BBC.
"I believe that Arrested Development will be a great addition to programming
on BBC TWO and BBC FOUR, offering viewers a truly funny and different
sitcom."
The series has been nominated in the Best Comedy or Musical category for the
2003 Golden Globe awards. It will be broadcast on the BBC in Autumn
2004.
