Love it, but refer to the review title before the show meets the network "axe". From a P/T writer who laughs to coking from "2 1/2 men" that is also "Big Bang Theory" comedy caliber, timing and humor crucial to this continued broadcast.
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The Middle
(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Where to watch: ABC, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Funny look at average family is OK for older tweens and up.
Themes in this show include: family relationships
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
The good stuff
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What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Consumerism:
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What Parents Need to Know
About The Middle
Parents need to know that this sitcom finds its humor in typical middle-class family woes like tight finances, overscheduling, communication issues, and balancing work and family time. The parents are devoted to their kids and to each other but do sometimes show their stress over worries about money and other issues. Though the show’s content is fairly tame compared to much primetime fare, young kids won’t grasp the humor, and some of the language (multiple uses of “hell” and “damn,” plus name-calling like “freak” and “moron”) isn’t appropriate for the littlest viewers. But older tweens, teens, and parents are likely to get a kick out of this witty, honest comedy.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how the media typically portrays families. Do you think the Hecks can be considered a modern American family? Has society’s definition of “family” changed over the past few decades? How do TV shows and movies reflect that?
- How does the family structure presented in this show compare to yours? Do the Hecks seem like a realistic family to you?
- How do issues like finances and busy schedules interfere with family time? What rules does your family have about participating in activities and getting together with friends? What are your family’s rules about TV and other media?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
Needs the benefit of "2 ½ men” writing/directing
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
A funny show for the family with tweens and above to watch together
As this is a new show I can only give my impression after watching the first episode, so things might change (doubt it, though). In any case my wife and I watched the first 10 minutes or so by ourselves (recorded) before deciding that not only was it appropriate for our 13 year old but that she would like it - we were right. The next evening we sat down together and watched the entire episode and really enjoyed it - it is entertaining and (so far) very funny. Thankfully it does not appear to be written by 23 year olds who think every 'joke' has to be related to sex or belittling someone - humor is related to what every family goes through. Very mild language, and funny 'placement ads' for other ABC shows did not bother me in the least.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Me and my whole family (parents, brother 6, sister10, and sister 12) all watch this show together. This show is hilarious and our family definitely relates to this show.
I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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