Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sitcom take on a middle-class family; drinking, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Middle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say this show is a delightful family comedy that offers relatable humor and heartwarming life lessons, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. While some viewers note occasional mild swearing and references to teenage relationships, many agree that it's suitable for a wide age range and promotes positive messages about family life.
- family-friendly humor
- relatable characters
- positive life lessons
- mild language
- appropriate for all ages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 135 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a comedic and relatable portrayal of family life that resonates well with both children and parents. While there are mentions of some mild swearing, teen relationships, and occasional mature humor, many parents feel it is appropriate for viewers aged 10 and up, as the content often goes over younger children's heads.
- relatable characters
- mild swearing
- family dynamics
- age-appropriate content
- humor and warmth
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE MIDDLE is a sitcom that centers on the hectic life of Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton), a mom of three who lives with her husband, Mike (Neil Flynn), in the fictional Midwest town of Orson, Indiana. A mostly unsuccessful car salesperson who's apt to belabor her customers with her personal woes, Frankie is a devoted mom and wife who struggles to balance the daily disasters of the household and their kids, Axl (Charlie McDermott), Sue (Eden Shur), and Brick (Atticus Shaffer). Somewhere in between unraveling Brick's social challenges, bolstering Sue's confidence, steering moody Axl to a promising future, and making time for Mike, Frankie finds that the joys of life exist not in the uncommon highs, but in the middle of all the chaos.
Is It Any Good?
This sitcom delivers a charmingly honest day-in-the-life glimpse at the struggles and joys of a middle-class American family. The Middle's main characters, Frankie and Mike, aren't without their flaws, and their trial-and-error approach to raising their kids will garner chuckles. That said, the family's traditional gender roles, Protestant background, suburban housing, and predominantly White community won't resonate with all viewers. But the Hecks' unwavering devotion to one another has broader appeal. The show has a certain Roseanne-like quality, and its message seems to be that true happiness is often found in redefining what it means to be perfect.
The show's excellent cast—led by Emmy winner Heaton—delivers plenty of laughs, and adults will find some related issues that are worth discussing with their tweens and teens after the show's end. There's enough language, social drinking, and sexual references to ensure that it's not for young kids, but if you're looking for a more grown-up family comedy, The Middle fits the bill, and it even offers some heartwarming messages about finding the joys of being, well, average.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Middle portrays the Hecks. How do they compare to your own family? What's similar, and what's different? Which families on TV feel the most relatable to you?
How do issues like finances and busy schedules interfere with family time? Do you spend quality time with your family? If so, what guidelines or rules help make that possible?
How does The Middle talk about different personalities? Does it welcome characters like Brick, Sue, and Brad, who don't fit the mainstream—or does it gloss over their unique identities?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 30, 2009
- Cast : Charlie McDermott , Neil Flynn , Patricia Heaton
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , School ( College & Graduate School , Elementary School , High School , Middle School )
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : March 11, 2026
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