All nine seasons now have a new streaming home making it easier for fans to rediscover
An underrated sitcom that some claim is even ‘better than Malcolm in the Middle’ was just added to Netflix.
All seasons of The Middle are now available to stream on the platform from today (February 18). It actually shares a very similar premise and set up to the comedy series it is compared to but some find it superior if not as well recognised.
There’s no better time for fans to find out for themselves as The Middle finds a new streaming home, as we all wait for the upcoming revival of Malcom in the Middle coming later in the year.
According to the synopsis of The Middle, the series follows the Heck family. At the head of the clan is middle-age, middle-class, middle-America mom Frankie Heck who uses a sense of humour to try to steer her family through life’s ups and downs as she tackles her career goals.
Her unflappable husband, Mike, is a manager at the local quarry. Oldest son Axl is an obstinate young man; awkward daughter Sue cannot seem to find her niche, despite much enthusiasm in her attempts and youngest son Brick is an unusual child whose best friend is his backpack.
The cast is lead by sitcom legends including Patricia Heaton, who won two Emmys during her time as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. She is joined by Neil Flynn, who plays her on screen husband and is recognisable as the Janitor on Scrubs.
A debate on Reddit discusses whether The Middle was a better show than Malcolm in the Middle with opinion fairly split. One replied simply: “I love both shows but The Middle is my favourite show.”
While someone else claimed: “Malcom In The Middle fell off around season 4, while The Middle had consistent, solid quality for the entirety of the show. They are also nothing alike, they are only similar in the fact they are both about a middle class family.”
Either way, most fans agree that The Middle is worth streaming on its own merit. With some critics even agreeing that it is ‘one of TV’s most underrated comedies’.
As one fan agreed: “An underrated show of brilliance. 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. 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.”
While one fan added: “What I love about this show is that it’s not just any easy shallow cheap written comedy show. There are a lot of gags and ‘inside’ jokes that return throughout the series, which I like because it shows the writers put effort into it, and make the show funnier watching it as a regular, it’s great!
“Also, they are not a picture perfect family what a lot of shows are about, but at the heart of it all they do love each other, this feels more ‘real’. From my point of view this show is very underrated, I highly recommend it!”
Someone else actually claimed another sitcom was the reason it was so overlooked. They said: “This show should have been much bigger than it was. It was definitely overshadowed by Modern Family.”
The Middle is streaming on Netflix and ITVX. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.