Netflix customers will have to splash money on a Foxtel subscription if they want to be among the first to see the new season of Arrested Development.

The streaming giant doesn't have first-run rights in Australia despite reviving the cult comedy five years ago. So where should local fans turn to if they want to see if there's still money in the banana stand?

It turns out season five of Arrested Development will debut exclusively on The Comedy Channel on Wednesday, May 30 at as part of a special marathon event starting at 5pm. Foxtel will air the first eight episodes back-to-back that evening, followed by week-by-week episodes on Mondays.

For those wanting to binge the award-winning comedy's fifth season on-demand, the first four episodes will also be available on Foxtel Now from May 30. But they'll only be available to stream for seven days.