Look for "The Making of a Future Cult Classic" and "Breaking with the Bluths." These behind-the-scenes docs were filmed during the original run. You see the low budget sets (the "Stair Car" was a real vehicle they rented from a bankrupt driving school). You watch the cast struggle to keep a straight face opposite David Cross in tiny denim shorts.

Without hesitation: Yes.

If you find a copy of Arrested Development Seasons 1-2-3 with Extras, do not hesitate like George Michael hesitates in front of Maeby. Buy it. Steal it like a Bluth. Hide it in the banana stand.

The later seasons (4 and 5) are interesting experiments, but they are mired in scheduling conflicts and a "choose your own adventure" editing style that ruins the pacing. The original trilogy is a complete, flawless arc. Michael learns to be selfish. Gob learns to be a father. Buster loses a hand. And Tobias finally understands what a "never nude" is.

The "Extras" are the cherry on top of this brilliant, layered cake. They turn a great show into a film school.

Episodes: 18
Key Arcs: George Sr. in hiding (as a woman), Charlize Theron as “Mr. F” (Rita), Oscar takes the fall, and the “Family Love Michael” lawsuit.

Notable Episodes:

Do not skip around. Arrested Development is serialized comedy.

When looking for Arrested Development Seasons 1-2-3 with Extras, you have two lanes: