(ABC/Michael Ansell)
The Middle just wrapped its final season, but could there be another? Recently, co-creator Eileen Heisler spoke with Deadline about a possible reboot for the ABC TV show.
The comedy centers on the Hecks, a middle-class family living in the middle of the country. The cast includes Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, and Atticus Shaffer.
In the interview, Heisler revealed it was the producers’ decision to end The Middle after nine seasons:
ell, it isn’t because we ran out of stories. We had a whole board of stories we never got to. We felt it was a good time to end because we were all still loving it, loving each other, and enjoying ourselves. We never wanted to get to the point where we were retreading old stories, or anyone was feeling restless and wishing they were somewhere else. We wanted to go out while we’re still at the top — (the middle?) — of our game, and to have a year of knowing we were wrapping up so we could write to an ending. We feel very grateful we’ve gotten to do that, and hope we are leaving fans wanting more.”
And what about a reboot? Heisler says ABC wanted more seasons of The Middle:
Our ratings have been great and ABC was very clear they did want more seasons — it was our decision to bring it to a close. And hey… I can’t tell you what’s next… gotta save it for the reboot. See you in ten years!”
What do you think? Are you a fan of The Middle? Did you enjoy the series finale?
Who in the HECK cancels the BEST show EVER?! My family and I are crushed. Please please PLEEEEASE bring it back!!! PLEEEEASSE
Who I’m the HECK cancels the BEST show EVER?! My family and I are absolutely crushed. Please Please PLEASE bring it back!!
I absolutely love this show! So sad to hear there won’t be more seasons 🙁 I really wanted to see Sue and Sean’s relationship develope as well see where brick ends up going in life, along with Axl…well everyone, really!
Yup, maybe the writers were looking for a new challenge, but it seems a bit sad that they wrapped it up when there was no pressure from ABC to do so. Fast forwarding to an imagined future for the junior characters left me feeling a bit cheated…our children grew up with the show so I really identified with the characters and plot lines.
Glad it’s over. The show wasn’t that funny, the mom appeared to be an alcoholic, and it showed that when he going gets tough to just give in and have another drink. I wouldn’t allow to let my kids watch the show after the first season and even sent an email to ABC pertaining to the fact that there were things wrong with the show that didn’t relate to the wholesomeness of a modern family trying to teach their kids what’s right and wrong.
Jesus one of those… Get a hobby. If you do not like something, no one is forcing you to turn it on. Honestly lady, what was your point in sending this email to ABC? You think you were going to shut down a show with high ratings all because you don’t agree with it’s values? Great thing is we are entitled to an opinion. But you said that it showed the mom being an alcoholic, YET Clair on modern family loves wine. So please share the difference.
I am truly so sad that this show had to end! It has been my favorite tv show ever since it began. My husband and I would watch it together and laughter out loud because the parents were so much like us, maybe a little exaggerated! The story line was always about a normal family and I think that is why so many people ifentified with it over the years. Brick was my favorite. He reminds me if one of my grandsons. So much like himI would cry at times when he appeared to be exhibiting some familiar weird characteristic.… Read more »
I thought the 9th season was fine but I thought the last few episodes relating to Denver could have been have been better. Sadly, I thought series finale could have been better.
I will miss new episodes of The Middle, and keep watching reruns as long as they’re on. Few other shows have made me laugh out loud. I will miss all the characters, but especially Brick, since I’m a reader too.
I loved the middle the kids and myself use to watch it together every week i hope they do a spin off at least I wish they didnt decide it was time to stop it was awesome never ever got tired of the hecks
I am Latino and been watching this great show since it start it Axle reminds me of my older son and younger one the same Sue is funny great girl will miss show all great actors music background dad mom love the show that’s too bad wish season 10 would be back in business please bring it back all my family love it.
Love the show my favorite character was Sue always happy always energetic the writers and producers did a great job on the season finale they didn’t leave the people who appreciate the show hanging like so many other shows do thank you very much it’s sad to see it go if there is a reboot I’ll be very grateful but there’s not a lot of excellent episodes it will be missed. Thank you sincerely, William
I really liked The Middle and all ready miss it so no ending would of been good enough for it. As i have done with most of the shows that i have liked that have ended for now i wont even watch reruns.
Middle class family? Don’t you mean working class? Middle class families have spare income (if only a little), the heck’s are always on the breadline. Terrible parents and lack of child care makes me glad they’re finally bringing this show to an end.
I guess you didn’t have to watch it if it bothered you that much! It was funny because there was an exaggerated quality to every character. They certainly weren’t perfect. But what family is?
You missed the point of the show.
I agree they weren’t middle-class as they lived from pay-cheque to pay-cheque but their faults and failings as parents/spouses/neighbours and their imperfect offspring’s trials and tribulations were what made them (and the show) relatable and humourous. Loved it and miss it still.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story line, show and cast! I am extremely disappointed to have it cancelled, used to be shows were cancelled when ratings dropped now to cancel while having great viewership and ratings make zero sense to me. Tuesday nights won’t be the same without “The Middle” to look forward to and watch. I have watched this show sense it’s very first episode. I watch every single rerun I find on and never tire of it. You have disappointed many for cancelling this show for no reason what so ever, and I am so very disappointed in… Read more »
I so agree. It was MEAN to take away such an endearing show!! Please don’t wait too long to bring it back.
Yes, I agree. The Middle is brilliant, funny, charming, applicable to most of us—many of us know or can relate to most of the characters. Who doesn’t know a Sue or an Axl, …all of the characters run so true to family life. Very sorry to see it disappear from the screen. What am I going to do without such a humorous show which made me forget my own problems and slip into joy watching scenes of the Hecks? I knew it eventually had to end, but did it have to be so soon? Nine years is not enough.
Darlene, I do agree with you! I was devastated to learn it was discontinued! I will miss ievery week! Just won’t be the same without the Hecks!
this is sad day for me as this show was my go to favorite. So easy to connect with this family. There was so many stories that could have been written
and none of them would be dull. Loved the characters, all of them
Why take this away from us? Your reasons are so lame
Excellent writers, so you are right; it was NEVER DULL.
The Middle was a very enjoyable show. It never had high ratings, but managed to maintain a decent rating for it’s nine season stretch. Maybe it’s better to leave them wanting more instead of wearing out it’s welcome. Even so. it would have been nice to see a 10th season.
There could easily be another show about their futures! With Sue & Sean, Axil & his careers and of course Brick! Kind of like 4 stories on one!