Malcolm in the Middle, the delightfully offbeat sitcom that ran from 2000 to 2006, is making a return to TV for its 25th anniversary, and fans are in for a treat. The beloved show, known for its chaotic and relatable portrayal of an American family, will return with new episodes on Disney Plus. But there’s a catch: while the original cast is returning, including Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Bryan Cranston as Hal, and Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, the series will only have four new episodes.
The original Malcolm in the Middle was a cultural touchstone that broke the mold of traditional sitcoms. Gone were the squeaky clean, picture-perfect families of the past. Instead, the Wilkersons were a wild, unpredictable group where the parents were as unhinged as their kids. This portrayal of a modern family, paired with its unique style—filmed with a single camera—set the stage for future hit shows like The Office, Modern Family, and Arrested Development.
The new episodes will focus on Hal and Lois, who want Malcolm to return home for their 40th wedding anniversary. The storyline is expected to center on this trio, along with Malcolm’s daughter (yet to be cast). Fans are hoping to see the return of other family members, including brothers Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) and Reese (Justin Berfield), though Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) is unlikely to make an appearance since he quit acting in 2010.
The creator of the original show, Linwood Boomer, is returning to write the new episodes, and Ken Kwapis, who directed several episodes of the original series, will also be involved in the new production. The show’s unique brand of humor, pranks, and family chaos will be back, with some new surprises to remind viewers why Malcolm in the Middle was so timeless.
While the limited number of episodes (only four) might be disappointing to fans hoping for more, the excitement surrounding the reunion is palpable. If you want to revisit the original episodes, all past seasons are available for streaming on Hulu.
With critical acclaim and a legacy of Emmys, Grammys, and a Peabody Award, Malcolm in the Middle remains a standout in TV history, and these new episodes are sure to bring plenty of laughs and nostalgia.