All nine seasons of the sitcom 'The Middle' have been added to Netflix as of February 18, offering viewers a chance to discover a show some fans claim is 'better than Malcolm in the Middle'. The series, which originally aired on ABC from 2009 to 2018, follows the Heck family in middle America, led by parents Frankie (Patricia Heaton) and Mike (Neil Flynn).
Patricia Heaton, known for her Emmy-winning role on 'Everybody Loves Raymond', stars alongside Neil Flynn, who played the Janitor on 'Scrubs'. The show's premise mirrors that of 'Malcolm in the Middle' in its focus on a middle-class family, but fans argue it stands on its own merits. A Reddit debate highlighted split opinions, with one user noting, 'Malcolm in the Middle fell off around season 4, while The Middle had consistent, solid quality for the entirety of the show.'
Critics have called it 'one of TV's most underrated comedies', and fans praise its realistic portrayal of family life. One viewer commented, 'They are not a picture perfect family... at the heart of it all they do love each other, this feels more real.' Another added that the show was 'overshadowed by Modern Family' but deserves wider recognition.
'The Middle' is now available to stream on Netflix and ITVX, coinciding with anticipation for the upcoming revival of 'Malcolm in the Middle' later this year.
