Malcolm in the Middle

TV review by Betsy Wallace, Common Sense Media
Malcolm in the Middle Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Quirky, off-the-wall family humor; OK for teens.

Fox, Syndicated Comedy 2000
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 34 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 109 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this comedy series pushes the envelope on irreverence, and the humor can be crude and/or risqué. At the same time, Malcolm is an intelligent main character, facing many of the challenges of growing up and fitting in that your own kids may face. The show puts family dysfunction and sibling rivalry in the spotlight.

Community Reviews

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
May 15, 2020
age 10+

The "Modern Family" of its time

OK for 10+. The worst this show had in language was "b**ch," but only in one episode and that one was rated TV-14. Over 90% of the show's episodes are rated TV-PG, and one might even have a TV-G rating. Like The Simpsons, but without the animation.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
jimbuckleyjr
jimbuckleyjr Adult
January 19, 2019
age 14+

Malcolm At The Bottom

More shocking than funny, I have watched many episodes with my kids and the show consistently presents the worst side of each family member. Selfish and lacking compassion, this family displays an example no one would want their child to emulate. Many young viewers will not understand the attempts at humor. Some characters that surround the family are creepy and only add to the selfish and rude behavior.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The cynical, funny title character (Frankie Muniz) of MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE has a genius IQ and is placed in his school's gifted program despite the fact that he'd rather be just a normal kid. Malcolm's family -- which includes devilish brothers Reese (Justin Berfield), Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan), and Francis (Christopher Masterson); goofy dad Hal (Bryan Cranston); and controlling mother Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) -- is just about coming apart at the seams, yet somehow it hangs together. The kids -- and their parents -- routinely embarrass each other, misbehave, play foolhardy pranks, and cause mayhem and destruction.

Is It Any Good?

For some viewers, this show's subject matter may provide a welcome alternative to the predictable plots and simplistic conclusions served up by many traditional family sitcoms. Some episodes are clever and endearing -- showing how kids deal with the perceived injustices of growing up -- while others highlight how the family pulls together in hilarious ways. The show often brings to light how, at times, parents' rules are no match for children's curiosity.

Malcolm in the Middle may be one of the loudest shows on TV, one reason parents may have difficulty determining whether their kids should watch or not. Since situations concerning Malcolm's parents can involve adult humor, the show is perhaps best viewed by parents and mature teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the unusual ways in which Malcolm's family expresses their love for each other. Does that hold true in your family?

  • Are Lois' reactions and disciplinary tactics realistic? How does exaggeration make something funny?

TV Details

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