The Middle (2009–2018) User Reviews

Heaton hits a home run

[Bernnard_Black · 9/10 · 11 October 2009]

Often times an actor or actress gets associated with an iconic role, a role they basically continue to play over and over, no matter what show or movie they're in. Happily, this is not the case for Patricia Heaton in her new show "The Middle". Her new character, while still a wife and mother of three, is much different than Debra Barone, the character she played for 9 years in "Everybody Loves Raymond."

In Debra, Heaton developed a character identified by her sharp, sarcastic wit, razor-sharp tongue, explosive temper, sexy appearance and a love-hate relationship with her husband and his family. Debra's problems were dealing with her passive-aggressive mother-in-law and her over-the-top intrusiveness, or the little "moral superiority" battles with Raymond. Because of this limited source for trouble and tension, the problems they had, while funny,were not down-to-earth, day-to-day problems most average families worry about.

In Frankie, Heaton has created a character who is more of a mother than a wife, and is on the same level as her husband instead of above him. That makes a huge difference in the tone of the show, and it's quite refreshing. The problems this family faces are problems most families can identify with, from struggling with bills and worrying about work to having a kid who just can't seem to get it together and find his or her place in the world. Frankie doesn't have time to worry about who didn't put up a suitcase or to fake a boob job to prove some minor point; she has to work together with her whole family just to get by. They face each crisis together, and sometimes have to settle for a less than optimal solution. But at the end of the day, they love and support each other in sweet, often surprisingly tender ways.

While not laugh out loud funny, the show has a sweetness and reality to it I find enjoyable. It has the same feel as old classic sitcoms from the 70's and early 80's, an era many consider to be the Golden Age of sitcom television. I think the biggest draw for me, though, is that I LIKE this family; I'd like to live next door to them, and get to know them. And really, can you say anything better about a show than that, that it makes a family so real and so genuine that you'd be happy to have them as neighbors? I hope the show continues and only gets better.

Real and Funny

[mareller-1 · 9/10 · 5 November 2009]

You'd want to see this show because of the household names, Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Chris Kattan, Brian Doyle Murray, and you'd be pleasantly surprised by the writing. We all "know" the harried mom, laid back dad, "under achiever" kids, but within a twenty minute episode I realize how really well the writers capture the frustration and absurdity that goes with life in "the middle". This program doesn't fit the "oh poor hapless daddy" sitcoms, the kind Bob Newhart would NEVER do, and that's why I've been watching it. Because they have a real mess of a home and wear clothes you do see in the newspaper insert ads, these are some real people dealing with some way out there kinds of characters in situations which are hilarious and sometimes heartwarming, without being mushy. This is one show I look forward to each week!!

Finally, a show I can watch with my family.

[bglynch_99 · 8/10 · 15 October 2009]

I'm guessing the family portrayed in 'The Middle' is not the norm but they certainly are closer to 'real' people than most sitcom characters or, for that matter, most 'reality' show contestants. The children are not perfect nor are they drug addicted or sex-crazed or alcoholic or parent-hating brats. The oldest son hanging out in boxer shorts? My son did that. The middle child, the daughter, trying to find her place in the school social order but often coming up short? Who hasn't failed at something in life? And the youngest child, the little boy who often repeats things in a whisper, is sweet and loves his parents. These kids make you laugh both from their unintentional humor and from recognition. And I especially like the fact that each episode ends on an upbeat note. The family members, no matter what crazy circumstances they may find themselves in, love each other and accept their lot in life without bitterness and anger. Far removed from the pop culture norms we've been fed lately, people living in 'The Middle' may actually exist after all.

Hate To See The Middle Go

[myronlearn · 10/10 · 3 April 2018]

It will be sad to see the end of tv's most under appreciated show in years, The Middle. Kudos to the superb cast, talented writers, directors, etc. Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn beautifully and often hilariously play the parents of the Heck family of Orson Indiana. The three children are also played very well ( Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher and Atticus Shaffer)and their very individual characters nicely developed and consistent. The supporting cast is also excellent. The show even offers a gay friend who is sensitively portrayed by Brock Ciarlelli, and whose character is handled beautifully. The Heck's neighbors, the Donahues, The Glossners (Brooke Shields is amazing), The Heck's parents (Marsha Mason, Jerry Van Dyke, and John Collum), and all the other regulars and semi-regulars contribute substantially to the high quality of the show. I often had belly laughs from many of the uproarious lines and even tears at certain points. like when Brock's character 'came out' to his best friend played by Eden. What an incredibly poignant moment. I watch very little television in general, but do not ever miss watching The Middle. The only saving grace for those of us hooked on this terrific series can be summed up in one word..syndication. LJM

Very underrated, innocent family comedy

[crazydude1989 · 10/10 · 2 September 2012]

I really wish ABC would promote this show more, and give the actors credit for their work. They have been robbed of Emmy nominations twice. I honestly enjoy Modern Family but I don't get why that show gets a million Emmy nods every year. Anyway, I've been watching since day 1 and have loved it since. Frankie Heck is the harried car-saleslady mother of 3 kids, living in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. She is always trying to get the kids to bond, while trying to get by herself, as she and her husband Mike don't make a lot of money and their house is always a mess. Axl, the oldest, is a typical lazy, sarcastic teenager who is almost always making fun of his sister Sue, the middle teen daughter. She is very optimistic and bubbly, but nobody really knows she exists, and can never make anything out of herself, especially at school. Finally we have little Brick, who's nose is always stuck in a book and doesn't really have any friends, but if he does make a friend, they're even quirkier than he is. And they are always trying to compete with their practically perfect neighbors, the Donahues. I think we can all relate to this show in some way--the house is always a mess, the mom doesn't always feel like cooking so she brings home fast food, there's those neighbors who are like the perfect family that you've always wanted to be, and the kids don't always get along. It's not laugh out loud funny but I still tune in every Wednesday. And it is NOT a ripoff of Malcolm. That show was about 4 brothers, one of them being a genius. And they lived in California whereas the Hecks live in the MID-west. And they're middle-income, and this show is focused on the mom, trying to do her best to support her family. This show also has more positive vibes. If it didn't have the word "Middle" in the title, people probably wouldn't say a word, right? 8/10.

Best new show of the season

[horrorfilmx · 10/10 · 14 October 2009]

I had no particular hopes for this show. Of all the sitcoms on ABC's new "Wednesday Comedy Night" this is the one I expected to like the least, so it came as quite a surprise how funny and entertaining the pilot episode was. It moves along nicely and the cast is excellent. I always thought Heaton was talented but could never really enjoy her on EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND because her character was, quite frankly, an unendurable bitch. Here she has a chance to project a little more warmth and likability and really shines. The real charmer in the cast is Eden Sher as the teenage daughter, a marvel of gawky authenticity. I fear THE MIDDLE may be just a shade too subtle for audiences who tastes run to fart joke and similar crudity, but more discriminating viewers should definitely check it out.

Wonderfully original, entertaining, and satisfying new comedy!

[LeonardOsborneKael · 2 October 2009]

Supernaturally talented Patricia Heaton may be doomed to playing the long suffering wife now, as far as television goes -- but she is SO good at it. After who knows how many seasons of Everybody Loves Raymond she appears to have completely mastered the role. And who's complaining? I would never have thought there was so much fertile ground left for family comedy but the writers seem to have tapped a whole new vein. Patricia Heaton being one of the most talented humans ever, your expectations are high on anything new from this lady. No disappointments here! Great story - great imagery - sizzling dialog - wonderful character work from a top-notch cast. Where are all these brilliant new kid actors coming from? Atticus Shaffer is simply miraculous in his role as the ... "unusual child". There was so much entertaining content in this half-hour (or about 22 minutes, I guess, minus the commercials) that I felt like I'd watched a class A feature film comedy. It's not going to be easy to maintain this level of excellence but if they even get close, I'll be a huge fan. Can't wait to see the next episode!

Really enjoyable comedy

[jpozenel · 9/10 · 15 December 2009]

There's a number of shows that I record every week and this is one of them. Whenever I go to catch up on watching shows that were recorded, there are some that are starting to feel like a chore to watch, but I always looks forward to watching this one.

I was never a fan of "Everyone Loves Raymond" so I never saw too much of Patricia Heaton, but she's really very good in this show. I think most of the characters in this show are really well cast. I think Eden Sher as the daughter "Sue" is terrific. She's such a lovable nerd. Neil Flynn who plays the husband "Mike" is funny and believable. Atticus Shaffer as the youngest son "Brick" is pretty bizarre, but somehow I find myself laughing at him, especially when he repeats to himself in a whisper, the last word of his sentences. I can't explain why, but it's funny to me every time he does it.

I hope the show doesn't get old for me. I've watched the first 9 episodes so far and haven't been disappointed yet.

One Heck of a show; definitely not your average comedy.

[mpv2010 · 6/10 · 2 September 2011]

The best thing about this new series is that it doesn't take itself at all seriously. There are no hidden agendas and there's very little sentimentality; which is quite refreshing to see in an American sit-com as all too often the viewer is comforted with the nicer side of life! Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck) may be reprising the role of an unappreciated wife, but this time she's different, she's let off the leash and has real bite. She also narrates the show which is a kinda cool. Frankie's husband is Mike Heck (Neil Flynn) a Quarry Manager that's a little too laid-back for Frankie liking, but the pair gel very well and they do seem to still love each other after having three kids. The eldest is Axl, a typical teenager who wants to be a rock star or playboy to the stars. Of course he's completely deluded and isn't exactly a grade-A student, but what he does have going for him is his sporting prowess. He appears to be in all the sports teams. He's also very loyal to his family, but it's very subtle; you have to watch to see what I mean. Sue Heck is the nearest thing to Meg Griffin in real TV. Continually in a state neurotic insecurity and anonymity; Sue repeatedly fails to make any impact regarding after school activities – she literally tries-out for everything! Yet, she struggles on with incredible tenacity, a quality that's quite inspiring to see. Unlike Meg, Sue is pretty, slim and glasses free; but at 14, she still wears braces. Everyone (including her tutors) can never seem to remember her name or face, this only exacerbates her self-consciousness and anxiety. Look out for how delighted she is to make the school cross-country team (albeit contrived). The final component of the Heck family is Brick, a 9 year old loner with a reading fixation. Brick doesn't suffer fools lightly, he's very selective about to whom he speaks and he comes across as an evil genius in the making. Brick is very forgetful and shows little interest in anything other than his books. Nevertheless he's an interesting character and not cutesy which is always good! For me though Sue (Eden Sher) is the real gem in this new sit-com; she's very amusing, stupid and naive, yet her never say die attitude is heart-warming and a delight to see. I hope The Middle goes for a few more seasons, just to see how Sue gets on!

A Home Run

[barbadosdagny · 10/10 · 9 April 2010]

Thank you, ABC, for putting a great group of comedy writers together to support this all star cast. Barbara Heaton as the used car saleslady mom and the janitor from Scrubs as the dad are the best parents I've seen on t.v. in a long time. The 3 children are given meaty characterizations to play and I hope they will win many awards. The kids and the other supporting cast (including Chris Kattan and the car lot boss) couldn't have been cast better. Every show gives me old fashioned belly laughs and inspiration that, like this family struggling to survive in the middle class (the reason for its name, not named for the middle of the country in which it takes place) we can all learn a lesson in what makes families strong.

I came in late, but the show was actually pretty interesting

[Keyan-the-Eagle144 · 7/10 · 17 May 2018]

Most sitcoms in recent times are unfunny and banal but I found a few I liked. And this was one of the more recent ones I enjoyed. I know liking this show now makes me a late bloomer but I will watch reruns when they come on another network. Like Malcolm in the Middle there is no laugh track but it doesn't have to have one. It's just a neat dysfunctional family with a father, a mother, their two sons, and their daughter. The youngest (and younger son) is also Ono the cattle egret from The Lion Guard. He's also a whiz kid with a serious view of the world. Next week will be the series finale and I intend to watch the whole thing. The best part about The Middle is that there are no drugs, no sexual acts, or alcohol. What a change! It makes the show a little more family-friendly. I can't help but wonder what's next for the stars. I'll still watch Brick Heck (Atticus Schaffer) as Ono on The Lion Guard. That'll be on for a while.

cant bear to watch last episode

[beingmaggie · 10/10 · 26 September 2018]

Omg i have to let go of the best tv show ever .have grown to love this crazy family the writing of this show is amazing it is seriously intelligent humour, its hillarious thank you to to all the writers and actors etc who really have enriched my life no end ,thank you so much ,so gonna miss you all

Quirky

[gpierpoint · 6/10 · 12 May 2022]

Love a US comedy without a laugh track. Easy to watch without canned laughter every time someone says something unfunny (worst offender there is "Friends").

I enjoyed Patricia Heaton in "Raymond" and here she is slightly missing something. I miss "The Looks" she use to give Raymond. Here. She is a little bit bland. Still, she is a lot more likable here than her following series "Carol's second act" which was cringe worthy.

I like the dad but the daughter I find annoying.

Only casually watch this now and then but I get the gist of it.

I tried few times, but never done more than 5 minutes

[revellrevell · 3/10 · 20 November 2020]

I like silly sitcoms (simpsons, Red dwarf, South Park, 21/2 men etc.), but this one I find really stupid and the little kid really annoying.

I'm quite surprised that it has so many positive reviews (9/10,10/10?). I find the whole acting very awkward and exaggerated.

But anyway, if someone likes it, it's fine, everyone has a different taste and clearly it survived many seasons 🤓🤓🤓

Hecks; you will be missed

[chrisleigh76 · 10/10 · 30 May 2018]

Thank you for 9 fabulous, fun filled, heart warming, tear jerking years.

A rare sitcom with no embarrassment

[osgrath-1 · 10/10 · 5 January 2018]

It's not that I am a puritan, but most sitcoms have enough raunch to them that I don't always feel comfortable watching them in mixed company. Yet often the humor lies in the very words, phrases and concepts that make me want to keep my kids away from the show. That is never a concern with "The Middle." On the other hand, it is genuinely funny - and although based on exaggeration, a solid reflection of the typical, average small-town American family. Most families have to live modestly from paycheck to paycheck, live in a plain, cramped house with old, tattered furniture, drive an older (sometimes junky) car and live with a degree of eccentric dysfunction. However, the family members are loyal to one another, even as the occasionally disagree. So many family comedies depict a group living in a house that, these days, would cost a million dollars, with furniture brought in by an interior designer, who talk in in soundbites heavy with zingers and put-downs. "The Middle" has a coherent plot and a nice flow of dialog. Frankly, I have been surprised it has been on for so many seasons, running somewhat under the radar as it does, and I am looking forward to future seasons, at least until Brick goes off to college.

Good fun, good laugh and an incredibly good programme!

[T-edwards129 · 10/10 · 28 August 2012]

Even though I'm 13, I love The Middle, even though I don't think I'm apart of the target audience. It makes me laugh very much and it's the same story with my younger sisters. We have many episodes recorded at home! The plot lines are very real and very funny and amusing. The characters are also very realistic. I also love how it isn't always comedy and that there's a little bit of other genres too, but still it's mostly comedy. I love watching The Middle as its, entertaining, hilarious, fun and gets me in a happy mood. Sometimes I can also relate to the story plots such as the house looking a complete mess and wanting all the new trends! I also like how Patricia Heaton, who plays Frankie Heck, narrates during parts of the show. It's something different and I like it! They are the many reasons why I love to watch The Middle! Overall I cannot put anything else in the review except for I love it!

You won't want to miss this

[bratily · 10/10 · 26 May 2018]

This has been one of the best comedy shows I would ever watch. It has the best mixture of comedy and family fun throughout every season that it is hard to see its finale after nine years.

Honestly, do make this part of your memory, it's one of the last pure comedies out there.

jimmy eat this show

[joelseeman · 1 October 2009]

just got done watching ''the middle'and in all seriousness. i thought it was great a funny show from a mothers point of view. think ''Malcolm in the Middle'' but instead of his point of view the moms. i thought the kids were funny the daughter especially. me personally i thought this show works on many levels and would be surprised if it doesn't get picked up for a second season.i mean there is always crappy shows that get picked up. this one this one has potential with patricia heaton as the lead role is great. personally i thought raymond was a terrible show but she was good and is more realistic in this role. whats that we have more the janitor of one of my all time favorite shows scrubs. yes the funny witty hilarious janitor from scrubs plays the role of the father in this show. he's likable as the dad who doesn't really care about much but means well. so all and all i liked in 9/10.

Bad parenting made enjoyable

[cynthia-49641 · 7/10 · 21 May 2019]

This is clueless parenting at its worst. Even though every character is supremely annoying and out of control, I have managed to watch the entire series. Why? Because now I know the kind of mom I do not want to be.

Thank you Hecks!

[phil_seah · 10/10 · 28 May 2018]

I've watched every single episode and this show has been with me through so many developments in my life, from starting a new career, a relationship to marriage to the end of the relationship. It has been like a family friend that I could go visit once a week to escape and have a good laugh and feel good about life. I will miss Mike, Frankie, Axl, Sue and Brick. God bless!

I'm a fan, except for...

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 22 October 2012]

I've kinda gotten away from so many sitcoms, but this remains one of my few favorites. Not as much a fan as of "The Big Bang Theory" (perhaps my fav sitcom of all time -- and I'm 63). But this is a darned good show...hints of realism while still being offbeat.

So what's my "except for" complaint? It's a strong one. Charlie McDermott, as Axl, is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar too obnoxious, and I'm darned (I cleaned that up) tired of seeing him wander around in his underwear. You've gotta like the characters to buy into a sitcom. And the character Axl is too far over the top and too much of a do-do head (I cleaned that up, too) to be even the least bit likable...or real. To the directors -- tone him down. Give him some redeeming qualities.

As for the rest of the characters -- BRAVO! Of course, the focus is on Atticus Shaffer as Brick. What a unique little guy, and it's a pleasure watching his performance as a bookworm with poor social skills. As a former principal, I've known kids like that...but here the producers realize that Brick has to be adorably nerdy to be liked...and they succeed.

Eden Sher as Sue is a hoot. Hard to believe she's as old as she really is (21 as of this writing), but her character is so off-beat, and yet so likable. And again, I've known kids sort of like this. This is good acting.

And then we have the parents Neal Flynn and Patricia Heaton. We're not talking Shakespeare here, but these two folks are "real". Flynn may be a little too deadpan, but again, he seems real. Heaton plays it just right.

So, what's to complain about this sit-com? Not a thing, well except McDermott, whom I suspect may be a decent young actor. The situations for our cast of characters are relatively realistic...kinda "Father Knows Best" situations to the extremes, but still believable.

I rarely miss an episode, and in terms of today's television, that's a high compliment.

An underrated show of brilliance

[studioAT · 10/10 · 5 August 2017]

'The Middle' is a superb show that has sadly never really gained the wider acclaim it deserves, though it has a very loyal fan base, and that's just as important.

Helmed by sitcom veterans Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Neil Flynn (Scrubs) this is a show about modern family life, and the brilliantly funny things that occur.

This show wouldn't have lasted half as long if it wasn't for the casting of the kids, who steal episodes with their portrayals. We have seen them grow up, and it's been a joy.

I will be sad to say goodbye to the Heck's at the end of the next series.

Stupid

[gbear-55046 · 6/10 · 20 January 2020]

There comes a time when stupidity isn't funny. That becomes the case after the first few seasons. And Patricia Heaton has no acting range. She plays the same character on every show.

terrible terrible show

[alphallama · 1/10 · 10 September 2010]

This TV show seems to be dead set on taking the previous crown that Malcolm in the middle had rightly earnt. The problem with this show is the characters are very weak and in no way have any of the charisma the characters from Malcome in the middle commanded.If anything this show makes you miss the original Malcolm in the Middle show more. Yes you will smile yes very occasionally you will laugh but the show just doesn't seem to hit the spot and my wife pretty much hit the nail on the head when she walked in the room and said "is it trying to be Malcolm in the middle ? because if it is it isn't doing a good job" Its not often i will sit down and comment/review a TV show but i feel so let down by this show i just had to voice my opinion on it. I really have tried to like this TV program but i have now just ran out of patience with it.