(ABC/Michael Ansell)
What the heck? While The Middle TV show is not cancelled, it will end with its upcoming ninth season. Star Patricia Heaton announced on Twitter that season nine of The Middle will be its final season on ABC.
A family sitcom, The Middle also stars Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, and Atticus Shaffer. The ABC comedy centers on the Hecks, a middle-class family, living in Orson, Indiana, headed by quarry manager Mike (Flynn) and Frankie (Heaton)
We love our fans and we're bringing you the most epic final season ever! @TheMiddle_ABC https://t.co/61Ur1bhGKI
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) August 2, 2017
The Middle: A Look at the Ratings
The eighth season of The Middle averaged a 1.48 rating in the 18-49 demographic with about 6.04 million viewers. Compared to season seven, that’s down by 22% in the demo and down by 18% in terms of total viewers. However, when we compare The Middle’s season eight performance against the other ABC TV shows, it was still the network’s sixth best performing scripted TV series, in terms of its demo numbers, and fifth in terms of total viewers.
It seems likely that a combination of creative and financial factors influenced the decision, rather than the series’ solid ratings. The show hails from Warner Bros. Television, rather than ABC Studios, yet this far into a show’s life, the network typically funds the lion’s share of the production. Meanwhile, it is Warner Bros. which owns the syndication rights.
For its first seven seasons, The Middle was paired with Modern Family on Wednesdays, and many credited the latter sitcom for its ratings success. In season eight, though, ABC moved The Middle to Tuesdays, and this little-engine-that-could anchored the night.
At least the writing team has the opportunity to craft a satisfying series finale for loyal fans. Let’s hope they make the most of it. Deadline has confirmed that there will be no season 10 of The Middle.
What do you think? Are you still watching The Middle TV series? Is it ending at the right time, or do you wish there would be a tenth season on ABC?
I hate to see this show end. I have watched the characters grow up and feel like I know them. The “Hecks” will be missed.
Hate to see a great funny decent show leave the air. Fun show to watch. Great actors.
This show is better than much of what is being renewed. I will miss it.
Definitely wish for a 10th season, and 11th, and 12th………
Big mistake cancelling The Middle. I completely agree with Patricia Heaton — this is not the time in the US for stopping such a great, family oriented comedy like The Middle. So many of us love this mid-West family, and probably many of us could give the writers several stories to explore for at least another two seasons. We want to see the progression of Axle in business and in marriage and of Sue and Sean as well as Brad and Sue interacting and possible artsy business undertaking together . It should not end until we the loyal audience see… Read more »
Would have loved a season 10. Not many good funny family shows left, and this was one of them.
Really disappointed love this show. Bring it back PLEASE!
I m really disappointed, that it won t be a season 10. The Middle is about real life problems with great actors and actresses. This show gives you power to enjoy and appreciate everyday life.
I will absolutely miss The Middle. Such a great funny family laugh out loud sitcom. So sad…especially since Last Man Standing is no longer around. What a complete disappointment 🙁
Last Man Standing, Dr. Ken and now the middle, what’s left! Nothing much that’s for sure! I am really disappointed
I Love the Middle with It Gone And Last Man Standing The Only Show Left For me On ABC is Design
ated Survivor.
Love the show and each of the actors…we watch it daily on hallmark channel.
So sad to see it end…we wish all cast the very best…will really miss the show.
They shouldn’t cancel the show. Best comedy on tv. I am quite upset !!!
Hate to see it end. At last a show that doesn’t fill the swear jar in one night or show sexual situations that are inappropriate for family viewing. Just honest humorous situations that gave us a break from real life once a week.
They became my family…I will miss them greatly.
Thank-you folks at The Middle, your work was/is appreciated.
I’m very sad to see The Middle end. I love this show! Finally a show that is true to life! Funny and wholesome! Wish the network would change their minds and keep the show on the air.