An Underrated Gem: Looking Back at The Middle
For nine seasons, the ABC sitcom The Middle gave us a hilarious and genuinely touching look into the lives of a regular, lower-middle-class family from Orson, Indiana. Running from 2009 to 2018, the show won over a loyal fanbase by keeping it real. It found the humor in everyday money struggles and parenting headaches, never failing to be relatable.
Even with its long run, The Middle was often called one of TV’s most underrated comedies. It consistently delivered heartfelt stories without getting the big awards or media buzz of other shows. Still, it left a huge mark as a truly authentic family sitcom that people continue to discover and love.
The Heck Family: The Unforgettable Cast of The Middle
At the center of it all was the Heck family, a lovably chaotic group of five. The magic of The Middle cast was how they brought this dysfunctional but tight-knit family to life, making their home feel like one we’d all been to before.
Patricia Heaton as Frankie Heck
Frankie Heck, the family’s stressed-out but always caring mom, held everything together. As the show’s narrator, Patricia Heaton perfectly captured the voice of a working mother just trying to keep her head above water, and we loved her for it.
Neil Flynn as Mike Heck
As the quiet and practical dad, Neil Flynn’s Mike Heck was the rock of the family. The quarry manager’s straightforward, no-fuss attitude was the perfect foil to Frankie’s constant worrying, grounding the family’s crazier moments.
Charlie McDermott as Axl Heck
Every family has one. Axl Heck was the lazy, sarcastic, but ultimately good-hearted oldest son. Charlie McDermott nailed the part, taking Axl from a messy, self-involved teen to a (slightly) more mature adult who still knew how to push his family’s buttons.
Eden Sher as Sue Heck
It’s hard to imagine The Middle without the unstoppable optimism of Sue Heck. Eden Sher’s performance as the quirky and awkward middle child was a true highlight. Sue’s ability to find a silver lining in every disaster made her an icon of perseverance.
Atticus Shaffer as Brick Heck
Rounding out the family was Brick Heck, the brilliant, book-obsessed youngest son who whispered to himself. Atticus Shaffer’s unique and hilarious portrayal made Brick a fan favorite, delivering some of the show’s most memorable and quotable lines.
Life After Orson: What The Middle Cast Is Doing Now
When the show wrapped in 2018, the actors who made us feel like part of the Heck family moved on to new adventures. Fans will be happy to know they’re still out there, gracing our screens in all sorts of new projects.
Patricia Heaton: New Shows and Film Roles
After saying goodbye to Frankie, Patricia Heaton didn’t slow down. She led the sitcom Carol’s Second Act and has popped up in the Frasier revival. She’s also taken on film roles, appearing in The Unbreakable Boy and the thriller The Ritual.
Neil Flynn: A Familiar Face in Comedy
Neil Flynn has continued to be a welcome presence in television comedy. He starred in the short-lived sitcom Abby’s and had a memorable role in Shrinking, a series from the creator of his old show, Scrubs.
Charlie McDermott: From Acting to Indie Music
Charlie McDermott has kept busy with roles in films like Instant Family and Countdown. But he’s also explored another creative side, diving into the world of music and releasing his own indie folk album in 2022.
Eden Sher: Exploring New Comedic Characters
It’s no surprise that Eden Sher has continued to bring her comedic talents to new roles. She’s made guest appearances on shows like Superstore and How I Met Your Father. While a planned spinoff for Sue Heck sadly never happened, fans are always eager to see what she does next.
Atticus Shaffer: Finding His Voice in Animation
Atticus Shaffer has become a prolific voice actor. His distinct voice can be heard in a wide range of animated projects, from Disney’s The Lion Guard to Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe and the popular kids’ series Pete the Cat.
The Enduring Legacy of The Middle
Years after the Hecks said farewell, The Middle is more popular than ever, finding a whole new generation of fans on streaming services. Its reputation as a smart, funny, and genuinely authentic sitcom has only grown stronger.
The show’s magic was in its ability to find humor in the small, relatable moments of family life. It never tried to be flashy, and that’s exactly why it remains a timeless classic. The Middle proved that a story about a regular family from a small town could be one of the most compelling and heartfelt comedies on television.
