Arrested Development has been cancelled

[Great Rumbler]

Haha, just kidding!

Fox has removed one of the biggest mysteries of its fall schedule announcement, saying it has renewed the Emmy-winning comedy "Arrested Development" for a third season.

The quirky show starring Jason Bateman has been a hit with critics, but not with viewers. It is averaging 5.9 million viewers this season, ranking No. 122 on the Nielsen list. Already-canceled shows like "8 Simple Rules,""Committed" and "Complete Savages" did better.

But Peter Liguori, the new Fox entertainment president, said he was making it his first official series pickup since taking the job.

"'Arrested Development' is one of the best comedies on television," Liguori said. "The decision to order another season becomes easy when you consider its amazing cast, creative brilliance, critical acclaim and advertiser appeal."

Fox unveils its fall schedule this Thursday.

:p

SFGate