The Middle

The Middle Network: ABC
Episodes: Ongoing (half-hour)
Seasons: Ongoing

TV show dates: September 30, 2009 – present
Series status: Has not been cancelled

Performers include: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer, Chris Kattan, Peter Breitmayer, and Brian Doyle-Murray.

TV show description:
Living in the small town of Orson, Indiana (the “middle” of the country), Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton) is a supermom. She’s kept busy wrangling three quirky kids, trying to keep her husband on track and working to sell cars for a local dealership. Unfortunately, she doesn’t do any of the jobs in a way that makes her very proud.

At work, she’s the third best salesperson but there’s only three salespeople and she consistently fails to make a sale. Her grumpy boss, Mr. Ehlert (Brian Doyle-Murray), is constantly threatening to fire her. Her friend and number two salesman, Bob (Chris Kattan), isn’t much better off and helps Frankie out where he can.

Mike Heck (Neil Flynn) is Frankie’s husband and works as a quarry manager. He doesn’t have a very orthodox parenting style, isn’t a very sensitive husband, and is known for being brutally honest. He loves Frankie though and together, they do their best to get through life.

Axl Heck (Charlie McDermott) is the oldest of the two Heck boys and was conceived during his parents’ Guns ‘n Roses period. He’s a typical teenage boy who’s sullen, eats the family out of house and home, and also has a penchant for walking around in his underwear. When his parents want to punish Axl, they wish that he had something cool like a car, TV, or cell phone that they could take away from him.

Sue Heck (Eden Sher) is the Hecks’ teenage daughter. As the middle child, she seems to be suffering from Jan Brady syndrome and doesn’t seem to be able to find her niche. Sue fails at everything she tries with great gusto. She never gives up but her parents kind of wish she would.

Brick Heck (Atticus Shaffer) is the youngest son and is known for his odd behavior. His best friend is his backpack and he whispers to himself for comfort. He loves to read and is likely the most intelligent Heck in the family.

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