Fans of the iconic noughties sitcom are in for a treat as Malcolm in the Middle is officially returning to screens after a two-decade hiatus. The beloved series will be revived in a new spin-off show titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, set to premiere exclusively on Hulu in 2026.
A First Look at the Chaos
The excitement began with the release of the first teaser trailer, which instantly struck a chord with longtime viewers. The brief clip pays homage to a classic scene from the original show's pilot, featuring the unmistakable sound of electric clippers. It shows a character, believed to be the perpetually hapless Hal, having his back hair shaved, with the show's title then formed from the discarded hair.
This clever callback sets the tone for the four-episode revival series, which has been greenlit by Disney Branded Television and 20th Television. The project brings back the show's creator, Linwood Boomer, as writer and executive producer.
The Family Reunion Nobody Asked For
The new series catches up with Malcolm Wilkerson, once the boy genius, now a full-fledged adult. Frankie Muniz reprises his iconic role, portraying a Malcolm who has deliberately distanced himself and his daughter from his famously chaotic family for over ten years.
His carefully constructed peace is shattered, however, when he finds himself obligated to attend his parents' 40th wedding anniversary party. This event forces him back into the whirlwind of the Wilkerson household, promising the same brand of dysfunctional comedy that fans adored.
The revival boasts an impressive return of original cast members. Alongside Muniz, audiences will see Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek back as parents Hal and Lois, with Justin Berfield and Christopher Masterson returning as brothers Reese and Francis. Emy Coligado will also reprise her role as Piama.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Some recasting is inevitable after twenty years. The role of Dewey will now be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, while Anthony Timpano will join the family as the now-grown youngest child, Jamie.
One original star will be absent. Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in the original series, will not return. Bryan Cranston revealed on a podcast that he contacted Sullivan about the project, but the former actor has moved on to a different career path and is currently completing a master's degree at Harvard University.
Frankie Muniz, who recently turned 40, has spoken enthusiastically about the reunion. He described the filming experience as unexpectedly joyful, admitting in a September podcast appearance that he "loved it so much, way more than I ever thought I could have." He acknowledged the challenge of packing two decades of life into four half-hour episodes but expressed confidence that fans will be pleased with the result.
The series will be directed by Ken Kwapis, who also serves as an executive producer. The teaser has already ignited a frenzy on social media, with fans expressing their impatience for a Spring 2026 release. Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair will be available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, though an exact premiere date is still to be announced.
