Regarding arrested dev: Did you watch the original series or the new episodes? Also, did you watch it by yourself or with someone else? Also, and a very important question, was the person you watched it with someone with whom English is a second language? There are so many pop references and jokes revolving around language.
The original series. We started at the beginning. Yes, I've watched it with my wife, but it's not because of that, I just find most of the jokes to be just ok. Every once in a while there is a really hilarious and subtle line (last night I LOL'd to Oscar's double-entendre "maybe I'll put it in her brownie"), but I don't find it to be as witty as so many people have led me to believe.
Ah yes, that is a good one: Michael: My mom is very stressed out, and, uh, she needs something that I can’t give her. Um… maybe a little “Afternoon Delight”? Narrator: Oscar thought that Michael was referring to a particular brand of cannabis named “Afternoon Deelite,” a strain famous for slowing behavior. Oscar: Well, sure. The question is, which way do I try to get it in her? Michael: I don’t need any details. Oscar: Maybe I’ll put it in her brownie. Michael: Hey!