For what it’s worth, I’m not hearing that the NY Post is the most reliable source in the world, but nevertheless, they’re reporting that Showtime has picked up Arrested Development and ordered 26 episodes! :eek:
And now, to search for confirmation! 
If this is true, this is a smart move for Showtime. Cult hits like this are the perfect thing to sell a premium service like this. They certainly have more upside than another broadcast or basic cable channel.
I’ll take that salt. If true, I think the 26-episode order is funny. The orders from Fox were only 22 episodes, and only once in three years did Arrested finish a full season.
Okay, I’m going to get out my happy dance shoes, but I won’t put them on until I get some better information.
crosses fingers
True, but the cable channels often do “seasons” of 13 episodes. THe last rumors I heard had Showtime offeting to pick up 2 seasons of AD. Thus the 26 episode count sounds right to me.
The 26-episode order is also weird because that’s longer than most cable TV seasons. Weeds, for instance, was only ten episodes as I remember. But perhaps this is a two-season order?
If it’s true, though, I’ll be happy.
If I were to play Devil’s Advocate I’d suppose that they bought two 13-episode seasons. That’s just about right for a premium cable channels “season”.
The Sopranos has had all 13 episode seasons so far.
The “L” Word has had all 13 episode seasons.
Deadwood has had all 12 episode seasons.
Entourage’s second season was 14 episodes.
I’d say that part of the rumor holds up.
That’s a good point. And AD is supposedly an expensive show to make, what with the large cast and the filming style and the huyven. 26 episodes would be an enormous season, and two seasons of 13 makes more sense. It’d also be great to go at least one year without having to wonder “what’s going to happen next year?”
And the what? What’s a huyven?
Just a Jerry Lewis (or Dr. Frink) noise. I throw that in there instead of “and so on” or “etc.” sometimes because it’s more fun to say.
More rumors, thanks to Defamer.
http://www.betterthanfudge.com/?p=364
http://www.betterthanfudge.com/?p=334
I refuse to put stake into these until something has been made @#$%ing certain.
If true, I’ll be subscribing to Showtime.
I don’t think it’s true.
Showtime has stated repeatedly it will only pick up the show when it is officially cancelled by Fox. Fox hasn’t done this yet.
Oh, for cryin’ out glavin…
Wooo… hoo? I’m waiting for someone at Showtime to confirm. Come on you losers… you’ll gain subscribers!
They can’t announce anything until Fox officially cancels it. So it’s Fox that we should be calling names.
I get the feeling Fox is not going to screw over Arrested Development. They seem to really like it and probably don’t want to alienate Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. I’d suspect that they are giving the producers plenty of leeway to make this deal.
Yes it has. It was announced a couple of months ago.
Technically, no. Showbizcally? Yeah, they cancelled the back nine, but not the show.
Dose , another not quite cite, is reporting on the NY Post story.