Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming comedy pokes fun at chaotic family life.
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Stuck in the Middle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Based on 77 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a mixed bag; while many find it relatable and funny, especially due to its portrayal of a large, Latino family, there are concerns about the characters' behavior and messages. Some reviews praise the lead for being an aspiring inventor and good role model, but others criticize the show for promoting disrespectful behavior among siblings and offering questionable life lessons.
- relatable family dynamics
- mixed character appeal
- questionable messages
- humor and warmth
- cultural representation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As the fourth in a family of seven kids, 12-year-old Harley Diaz (Jenny Ortega) is used to being STUCK IN THE MIDDLE as her needs are overlooked among her siblings -- Rachel (Ronni Hawk), Ethan (Isaak Presley), Georgie (Kayla Maisonet), Lewie (Nicolas Bechtel), Beast (Malachi Barton), and Daphne (Ariana Greenblatt). It's not so bad, and she knows that her parents (Joe Nieves and Cerina Vincent) do their best, but sometimes it would be nice to be the one about whom all the fuss is made, you know? So in an effort to stand out from the crowd, Harley puts her creativity to good use, inventing clever ways to turn attention her way.
Is It Any Good?
Reflecting the chaotic goings-on in the oversized Diaz household, this fun comedy runs at a helter-skelter pace on the heels of its fresh-faced main character. Ortega commands this role, pleading her case as a long-suffering middle kid while finding the humor in the many calamities that befall her efforts to shine. The bigger picture paints a comical impression of family life in general, and it's surprisingly refreshing to see a presentation of the messy, imperfect nature of busy, rambunctious households.
Stuck in the Middle is optimal fare for families, as many of Harley's issues will ring familiar for kids with any number of siblings, and parents can relate to her parents' harried efforts to keep the family seams together. Also a pleasure are the Diazes' exchanges with their busybody neighbor, Bethany, whose condescending disapproval of their lifestyle makes for some hilarious exchanges.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sibling relationships in Stuck in the Middle. If your kids have brothers and sisters, do the Diaz characters' experiences ring true with their own? What makes sibling relationships so challenging? On the other hand, what are the benefits of having brothers and sisters?
Do TV shows and movies show family life in a believable light? What aspects are believable to you? Does this show stray from the norm in how it embraces imperfections? Do you like its take on hectic family life or not?
How does Harley use her experiences to inspire her inventions? Can you think of ways to make life easier or more efficient for yourself and your family?
How do the characters in Stuck in the Middle demonstrate compassion and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 14, 2016
- Cast : Jenny Ortega , Isaak Presley , Kayla Maisonet
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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