Fourteen years after the series’ debut, Arrested Development is surprisingly relevant to a Trump presidency. Take a closer look and you’ll find prophetic comedy of the sort seldom seen outside The Simpsons’ writers’ room. From Sudden Valley to the banana stand, Trump’s grubby little fingerprints cover every inch of the Bluths’ story.
After all, our new president is an orange [County] real-estate developer, accused of questionable financial dealings and some light treason. He prides himself on his deft hand with the media—his illusions! He’s a man of many friends and he loves them all equally, except when he doesn’t. He’s impetuous, narcissistic and child-like; he enjoys expensive things, yet he’s unwilling to pay full-price… But since Trump has effectively taken over office chit-chat, party small-talk and your social media feed, we’ll leave him for last. There’s plenty of Hurwitz to go around!
Now, the story of a wealthy family that won the presidency, and the one daughter who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Elected Trump-velopment…
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Ivanka Trump / Michael Bluth
Ivanka might be a Trump, but she seems to be the only one with a head on her shoulders. Secretly, she may be the family's most insane. "Have any of you even seen a chicken?!"
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Tiffany Trump / Lindsay Bluth Fünke
"I'm so happy to be Tiffany Trump, happy to be in the family I'm in." Someone's been popping Teamocil… Teamocil may decrease your sex drive.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Donald, Jr. and Eric Trump / Gob Bluth
"Yeah, like the guy in the $4,000 suit is going to buy American-made steel. COME ON!"
Joe Kohen/Getty Images
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Governor Chris Christie / George Michael Bluth
Like George Michael with his cousin, Maeby, Chris Christie would do—and did—just about anything to rub up against Trump. Their love will always be too taboo, Les Cousins Dangereux. Are the Governor of New Jersey and Mr. Manager really so different?
Don Emmert/Getty Images
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Secretary of Energy Rick Perry / Maeby Fünke
In spite of horrible grades, both flunkies found surprising success through questionable means. "Marry me, Oil Industry!"
Jewel Samad/Getty Images
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Barron Trump / Baby Buster Bluth
"Wow, we're just blowing through naptime. Aren't we?"
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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Senator Ted Cruz / Dr. Tobias Fünke
Ted and Tobias share a penchant for flamboyant delivery and poor word-choice. You know they wouldn't just lie there and take it. "Oh, Ted. You blowhard!"
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Fred Trump / George Bluth, Sr.
Fred Trump might be gone, but like George, Sr. behind bars, his presence lingers. After all, it was Fred's "small loan" that got our new president started.
Jack Smith/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
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Kellyanne Conway / Lucille Bluth
These women are the real masterminds. Just don't try to get a straight answer out of them: "I don't understand the question and I won't respond to it."
Screenshot via CNN
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The Trump Foundation / The Banana Stand
Two places good for a double-dip. "There's always money in the banana stand, wink wink." It was a real toss-up between this and The Bluth Foundation Fundraiser to Benefit T.B.A.
Donna Ward/Getty Images