Many beloved television series have quotes that live rent-free in the minds of fans because of how emotional or impactful they are. In the case of Arrested Development, this capacity to affect is limited solely to their hilarity. Very few emotional breakthroughs or beats of catharsis take place during the acclaimed Fox series that was later revived by Netflix.
Yet, there are plenty of hysterical quotes. Each of these lines is truly unforgettable amongst those who love spending time with the Bluths. Some are popular rallying cries associated with fans of the show, but others are more niche lines that wriggle their way into fans' memories and refuse to let go.
"I Don't Know Who That Is. I've Never Met Her."
There are not as many iconic quotes in seasons four and five of Arrested Development as in other seasons. However, there is one particular moment that still stays with many fans.
It comes when Maeby and George Michael discuss Lucille 2's investment in Fake Block. Yet, the show smartly recognizes that George Michael has never met Lucille 2 and, with a guffaw from the audience, he addresses it point-blank.
"I Punish Thee."
There are plenty of quotes regarding Maeby's relationship with her parents that get funnier the more one thinks of them. Particularly, it's hysterical when they try to act like solid parents to her or discipline her in any way.
For one, Tobias puts on a hilariously awkward air of a disciplinary daddy. But it's Lindsay's half-baked, pathetic attempt at being a mother with boundaries that is an eternal AD moment. "I punish thee" lands with a whimper for Maeby, but a laugh for viewers.
"Does She Look Like She Could Play Topher Grace's Mom?"
Speaking of Maeby, brilliantly played by Alia Shawkat in one of her best roles, she has so many great lines that are small, asides. The show never focuses too deeply on her role as a Hollywood executive, so her iconic quotes are impactful even though they are subtle.
For example, her questioning whether Ann's mother could play Topher Grace's mom is not addressed by any character and it's lost in a smattering of chattering. Yet, it's one of those lines that's good for a laugh on every rewatch.
"Get Rid Of The Seaward."
Part of what makes this quote stick in fans' minds is the quote itself, which Michael says in reference to the family boat. However, it's also buoyed by the follow-up quote from Lucille, "I'll leave when I'm good and ready."
Arrested Development always had fun with wordplay, but instances like these pushed the boundaries of network television and became all-time favorite quotes from the densely packed comedy series.
"There's Always Money In The Banana Stand."
Many brilliant, rent-free AD quotes are not even picked up on until a third or fourth rewatch. But this one was an iconic slogan right from the jump of the series and anyone who repeats this quote can find a fellow fan to connect with.
"There's always money in the banana stand" is a quote that is uttered numerous times throughout the show. Yet, it's also become a motto for a way of life for those who devoutly love the series.
“Time For Me To Take Off My Receptionist Skirt And Put On My Barbara Streisand In The Prince Of Tides A**-Masking Therapist Pantsuit.”
There are so many different Tobias quotes that have managed to stand the test of time in the years since Arrested Development wrapped. This line manages to stick around with fans because it's so hysterical, but also has so many twists and turns in it.
The quote requires a ton of thinking and cultural knowledge to grasp without simply replying as Michael did ("What?") The more one considers it, the more confusing it gets, but it also gets so much funnier.
"She Thinks I'm Too Critical. That's Another Fault Of Hers."
The late Jessica Walter was so impossibly funny in every scene of Arrested Development. Her line deliveries were never the showiest, but she gave such a hysterical performance that many of her quotes on the series will never be forgotten.
This one, in particular, is a genius subversion of both syntax and self-awareness. It's a statement Lucille delivers to Maeby, regarding Lindsay. Perhaps in just this one quote, her entire character can be summed up. Lucille has no self-awareness, is a master of gaslighting, and most of all, she usually doesn't care.
"It's Like Water, But With A Smack Of Ham To It."
Returning to when Lindsay tries to be a functioning adult who can handle responsibility, she gets really into cooking in the model kitchen. Forgetting that this leads to anxiety and caution from George Michael, it also leads to a dish called "hot ham water."
Buster, ever the connoisseur, describes it as "water, but with a smack of ham to it." Anyone who's seen this episode would be hard-pressed to not try to use this quote in their real lives, courtesy of Buster's hilarious bit of dialogue.
"Jessie Has Gone Too Far And She Had Better Watch Her Mouth."
There are a plethora of quotes from Ron Howard, as the narrator, that are some of the best in the series. Whether it's his inferred judgment of Gob or his shock at Lucille's decision-making, his quotes live on.
This particular one is the best for its staying power because it's funny and also somewhat meta. It's delivered when Jessie mentions something disparaging about Opie, the character Howard played on The Andy Griffith Show. The menace in Howard's delivery is just beyond hysterical and, obviously, highly memorable.