Given all the whiplash 'Arrested Development' fans have had to endure in their lives already, we were recently distressed (albeit not altogether unsurprised) that Netflix CEO Reed Hastings had significant doubts that the upcoming 'Arrested Development' season 4 revival would lead to any additional Netflix seasons. We've heard on multiple occasions that the new episodes debuting in May lay the groundwork for a movie rather than additional Netflix content, but is there hope of continuing the series regardless? Find out the latest on the future of 'Arrested Development' inside!

'Arrested Development' will finally make its long-awaited return this May, but that doesn't mean uncertainty over the future of the series has disappeared. Most recently, we heard from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings himself that future 'Arrested Development' seasons might be out of the question, saying:

'Arrested' is a unique property, we don’t anticipate being able to do season five, six and seven. We have less of a stake in it. It is really a fantastic one-off, which is coming together incredibly.

I think it will be amazing for us, but think of it as a nonrepeatable amazing, whereas the other thing that we are doing is to trying to figure out a real mechanism where we can build shows and develop franchises over the long term. In that way, 'Arrested Development' is a wildly successful tactic, as opposed to fundamental to the strategy.

Hastings comments weren't altogether surprising, given the immense difficulty of reuniting the busy actors in the first place, and series creator Mitch Hurwitz' suggestions that "season 4" built toward a feature film more than anything else. However, HitFix got an update from Netflix about the comments, which seemingly put to rest fears 'Arrested Development' season 4 would be the last on the content-streaming service.

"We're hopeful there will be more seasons," said the rep, speaking for content chief Ted Sarandos. "If anyone can pull it together, it's going to be Ted. But by no means is this the end of it. We're definitely planning to do more with them. We have first rights, so it's not like you'd see it anywhere else. We're absolutely hopeful there will be more."

Well, what say you? Are you excited at the possibility of future 'Arrested Development' beyond the upcoming Netflix episodes this May? What would you like to see the franchise do next, a movie or additional seasons?

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