Malcolm in the Middle Star Justin Berfield Has 'Never Watched' the Original Show
Justin Berfield, the actor renowned for his role as Reese in the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, has disclosed that he has never watched the original series. This revelation comes as he returns to the screen for the show's reboot, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, which premiered on Disney+ on April 10, 2026.
Self-Criticism Drives Avoidance of Original Episodes
During an appearance on The Joe Vulpis Podcast, Berfield, now 40 years old, confirmed that while he viewed the four-episode revival, he actively avoids the original 151 episodes. He stated, "I watched it — and I never watched any of the Malcolm episodes." When pressed by the host, he elaborated that out of the entire series, he has likely seen only about five episodes.
Berfield attributed this avoidance to his tendency for harsh self-critique as an actor. He explained, "I cannot watch myself because I critique myself way too much. I feel I didn't hit that joke right, I feel like I messed that line up." He even described leaving the room when his wife and children watch the show, saying, "Let me know when it's done."
Return to the Screen After Two Decades
The reboot marks Berfield's return to acting after a prolonged hiatus, during which he lived a quiet life, worked as an onset producer and writer, and became a stay-at-home dad. He expressed that filming the revival felt like a "really long hiatus," noting that despite 20 years apart, the cast seamlessly reconnected, as if time had stopped.
In the new series, Berfield reprises his role as Reese, the older brother to Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz. He described Reese as still being his "shortsighted but quick reacting" self. The reboot also features the return of other original cast members, including Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as parents Hal and Lois.
Future Prospects and Personal Reflections
When questioned about whether he might eventually watch the original episodes to recall positive memories, Berfield remained uncertain. He said, "I don't know… maybe. I just get uncomfortable watching myself. I know every actor is different and some people love watching themselves, I just can't." This highlights the personal challenges actors often face with self-perception and performance evaluation.
The synopsis of the reboot reveals that Malcolm is drawn back into his family's orbit after a decade of avoidance, prompted by his parents' 40th anniversary party. This storyline sets the stage for nostalgic reunions and new comedic dynamics, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
