 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Middle
Common Sense Media says
Funny look at average family is OK for older tweens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sitcom draws its humor from 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 prime-time 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 about life’s trials.
What's the story?
THE MIDDLE is a sitcom that centers on the hectic life of Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton), a middle-aged 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 nonetheless struggles to balance the daily disasters of the household and their kids, Axl (Charlie McDermott), Sue (Eden Shur), and Brick (Atticus Shaffer). Somewhere between unraveling Brick’s social ineptitude, bolstering Sue’s confidence, steering moody Axl to a promising future, and finding 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?
THE MIDDLE is a charmingly honest day-in-the-life glimpse at the struggles and joys of a "typical" working-class American family. Frankie and Mike aren't without their flaws, and their trial-and-error approach to raising their kids will garner chuckles, but their unwavering devotion to each other and to their family is inspiring. The show has a certain Roseanne-like quality whose 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 and joined by Saturday Night Live funny man Chris Kattan as her work buddy, Bob -- delivers plenty of laughs, and parents and their teens will find some some family-related issues that are worth discussing after the show’s end. There’s enough language, social drinking (casual, by adults, that is), and sexual references to ensure it’s not for young kids, but if you’re looking for a more grown-up comedy to share with your teens, The Middle fits the bill, and it even offers some heartwarming messages about finding the joys of being, well, average.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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? What would make them more relatable?
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
October 21, 2010
AGE
Good modern TV show that makes you laugh out loud!
The Middle is a laugh every time, and me and my fam enjoy watching it. The lines are well written, and it's funny to see just how weird things can get around the Heck family. Here are some thigns you should know before you or your kids(I'm not a parent, just giving insight):
*Mild Swearing in almost every episode, such as d**n, h**l, and occasionally "sucks".
*The kids are lazy sometimes, like 8-year-old Brick, who usually does nothing but read books, is extremely unsocial and often relies on his mother, Frankie to do school projects for him.
*Axl, the typical 15-year-old teenager, is a little lazy and is usually seen walking around the house with nothin' but his boxers on.
* The show suggest what a "modern" family is like, kids might take this to heart and try to be like this family.
*The dad and mom, Mike and Frankie, usually drink beer. Nothing too serious.
These reasons are why I rate this "iffy", because some parents care about what's here, others don't. These reasons aside, however, the show is excellent with jokes and other events that are just plain hilarious. I would definitely reccomend this to families hunting for a good TV show.
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Teen, 17 years old
April 12, 2011
AGE
OMG I LOVE THIS SHOW I WATCH IT EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 17, 2011
AGE
Its good
This show is funny. i love to watch it every wednesday. its has some bad things in it but nothing to be concerned about brick is sooo cute.some times i think its boring
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Teen, 15 years old
October 1, 2010
AGE
Great Family Show 4 Families w/Older Kids
My family & I love this show! We all watch it 2gether everytime it comes on. =) It's really funny & not inappropriate. The reason I put language as a concern is because the parents occasionally use a bad word or two (as far as i can remember only d**n and h**l). It's nothing really to b concerned about as long as ur kids are old enough 2 know not 2 say those words. Also, drinking isn't really an issue, but the adults occasionally drink a beer. Oh, and Axl (the teen son) usually walks around in his underwear. =P However, they always make it through whatever & still love each other. =)
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Parent of 16 year old
January 26, 2011
AGE
ok but
this show is funny very very funny just wish they would tone down the swearing a bit though because this and modern family seem to be the only 2 family sitcoms there are and it kind of spoils things with that bad language but like it other than that .ps i love sue she is just so fun who coudnt love her .
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Teen, 13 years old
March 23, 2011
AGE
great show, nothing wrong with it; my whole family watches it
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Teen, 14 years old
March 4, 2011
AGE
I love this show becuase they do things that actualy happen to people every day lives. Very funny
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Kid, 11 years old
April 23, 2011
AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for little kids.
Great show. Not much inappropriate. A little drinking once in a while. Older brother is a bad influence. Middle daughter is very weird. Young son is extremely smart. It's funny.
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Teen, 14 years old
March 25, 2010
AGE
Clean comedy!
The Middle is a cute comedy that's super-funny for a tween or teen to watch by themselves, or for the whole family. It's clean, funny humor, and is down-to-earth and honest. The family is so funny, especially the kids (Axel, Sue, and Brick). Awesome Wednesday night viewing!
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Kid, 10 years old
March 22, 2011
AGE
Watch this show, very funny!
This show is so funny, no wonder how it is so good. The Christmas special is the funniest episode! It is a good show for little kids if they laugh.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Charlie McDermott, Neil Flynn, Patricia Heaton |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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