David Farnor | On 23, Apr 2014

Mitch Hurwitz has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to work as a writer and producer on several shows.

The deal between the Arrested Development creator and streaming service will see him create a new, original series, reports Deadline, as well as serve as a non-writing executive producer on other projects and consult for Netflix on comedy series.

“We are lucky to be in business with Mitch Hurwitz, a true genius with one of the most distinctive voices in comedy today,” said Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.

The agreement follows the revival of Arrested Development following its cancellation for a fourth season under Netflix’s Original banner. The programme earned three Emmy nominations, adding to awards already won by Hurwitz during the show’s years on Fox.

“Mitch’s inventive approach to Arrested Development — one of the top TV comedies of this generation — was ahead of its time, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team,” added Sarandos.

Season 4 took a new approach to rrested Development, turning its multiple-camera format into a longer show with overlapping narratives. Co-directing and exec-producing the season was, Hurwitz says, “the best professional experience of my life, even topping some of my favorite unprofessional experiences”.

After that success, rumours continue to be rife about whether the show will return for another season – or the much-mooted movie. What is certain, though, is that Hurwitz was only too happy to continue working with Netflix for future projects.

“It is incredibly inspiring to get to produce for Netflix, a company that not only doesn’t resist change but is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone in forging it,” he added.

“The fact that I’m also getting one month of their streaming right to my TV or Xbox free… well, it really takes the sting out of buying that Xbox.”

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