The Middle

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 30, 2009
Season #: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    60
    It's hard to know where The Middle will go after tonight's decent pilot. And that's part of the sitcom's promise, that it has the potential to blossom into a sweet if small celebration of a family of oddballs living distinctly unhip lives.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    60
    Ms. Heaton is less acerbic than she was on "Everybody Loves Raymond," but just as comical playing an overwhelmed Midwesterner who works at Orson's only surviving car dealership.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    50
    The Middle appropriately falls somewhere in the middle, in a zone where the immediate challenge has less to do with being flown-over than flipped-away from.
  5. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    50
    ABC's The Middle, a comedy about living in the nondescript middle part of the country, resides somewhere in the nondescript middle of the pack of new fall comedies.
  6. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    50
    It's traditional sitcom fodder. But what makes The Middle a pleasant surprise is that the series itself is eccentric and funny in unexpected ways, not just the kids.
  7. Slant Magazine
    50
    The Middle is just a show about a quirky family, and their quirks simply aren't that interesting.
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    40
    The Middle feels like a sitcom version of standup comedy. "Three guys and two girls walk into Indiana..."It's not offensive. Just superfluous.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best TV Season of 2009
15
#15 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 177
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 177
  3. Negative: 24 out of 177
  1. Airwick
    Aug 21, 2010
    9
    The Middle is one of the most enjoyable shows on television. Witty, spunky, and charming, it is constantly churning out the goofy, quirkinessThe Middle is one of the most enjoyable shows on television. Witty, spunky, and charming, it is constantly churning out the goofy, quirkiness that is the average Midwestern family. I especially enjoy Eden Sher's Sue, who is just plain fun to watch. Definitely one of TV 's best comedies.… Full Review »
  2. KimmyTee
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    This show is great. It is always funny. The cast has great chemistry. They are just a working family with three very different kids. They areThis show is great. It is always funny. The cast has great chemistry. They are just a working family with three very different kids. They are such a likable family that a lot of people can relate to.… Full Review »
  3. bonniecrocker
    Nov 10, 2012
    10
    My entire family loves this show. All 3 of my kids watch each episode recorded by hubby over and over and over. I feel like it was based onMy entire family loves this show. All 3 of my kids watch each episode recorded by hubby over and over and over. I feel like it was based on our family. I always LOL at each episode and I think each character is very likeable. I have no clue why people are saying the family are losers. They aren't. They are a REAL family.
    Great show!    … Full Review »
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