The beloved series “Malcolm in the Middle” is set to return later this year, streaming a four-episode revival on Disney+. Many of the original show’s key characters will make their comeback, which has sparked much enthusiasm among fans who fondly remember watching it grow up. As we eagerly await its return, it might be beneficial to explore other shows that could provide similar entertainment in the interim.
A significant aspect that distinguished “Malcolm in the Middle” when it debuted on Fox in 2000, such as its unique single-camera setup, absence of canned laughter, quirky realism, and breaking the fourth wall, has now served as a template for modern family sitcoms. Many exceptional shows from the last two decades carry a touch of “Malcolm’s” charm.
8. Freaks and Geeks
1999–2000
According to what’s been shared about the revival, it seems that “Malcolm in the Middle” will primarily concentrate on the complex family relationships spanning three generations at Malcolm’s family’s 40th wedding anniversary celebration. However, a significant part of the original series was the portrayal of Malcolm and his brothers’ school life, which was depicted in an unpolished yet recognizable manner, playing a role in popularizing the term “Krelboyne” from “The Little Shop of Horrors”. Many aspects of how “Malcolm in the Middle” tackled high school were influenced by the groundbreaking teen sitcom “Freaks and Geeks”.
Beyond drawing attention to Paul Feig, Judd Apatow, and several actors including Seth Rogen and Jason Segel, Freaks and Geeks revolutionized the landscape of teen-oriented TV comedies. Initially unsuccessful upon its debut, the show has since amassed a significant cult following. Moreover, its unique approach with single-camera filming, laid-back style, and raw portrayal of adolescent struggles and humiliations served as a precursor to series such as Malcolm in the Middle, which gained popularity over the subsequent decade.
7. Grounded For Life
2001–2005
The television series titled “Grounded for Life” explores the everyday life of an ordinary Irish-Catholic family residing in Staten Island, New York. Much like “Malcolm in the Middle“, each episode presents multiple storylines centered on various family members. However, unlike “Malcolm“, this series primarily derives its humor from one main character, Edwin “Eddie” Finnerty, portrayed by actor Kevin Corrigan who is also known for his role in “Deli Boys“.
Eddie is similar to what Malcolm’s brother Francis might have become if he hadn’t left home and grown up, but instead decided to move in with Malcolm’s family 15 years after high school graduation. This unconventional uncle of the Finnerty family, being Sean’s younger brother, has been a permanent resident with them, offering endless amusement through his disorganized and reckless lifestyle. The relationship between the Finnerty brothers resembles the dynamic of Frasier and Niles Crane flipped on its head, although Sean often finds himself dealing with Eddie’s antics. Despite this, it is difficult not to appreciate Eddie as a captivating character.
6. Arrested Development
2003–2006, 2013–2019
If “Arrested Development” drew some inspiration for its wall-breaking, comedic take on a dysfunctional family from “Malcolm in the Middle”, it pushed those ideas into uncharted territories of TV humor. The Bluth family is almost comically absurd in every aspect, yet they’re utterly captivating and hard to look away from.
In contrast to Michael Bluth, George Michael, and their family from the show “Arrested Development,” Malcolm’s family is more likable and relatable. However, that’s exactly what makes “Arrested Development” unique – it’s meant to make us laugh as much as possible at this family stuck in a riches-to-rags storyline, which serves as a humorous commentary on contemporary society.
Lovers of the wittiest and most sarcastic comic scenes in “Malcolm in the Middle” will find themselves craving more the endless series of self-inflicted disasters that plague the Bluth family. And if the family’s antics weren’t already entertaining enough, there are unexpectedly hilarious surprises throughout “Arrested Development”. For instance, Ron Howard serves as the show’s amusingly detached narrator, Liza Minelli portrays Buster Bluth’s forbidden love interest Lucille “Two”, and Henry Winkler plays a lawyer who jumps the shark with his incompetence.
5. Everybody Hates Chris
2005–2009
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must admit that the specific moment when Chris Rock chose to create the antithesis of “Everybody Loves Raymond” remains somewhat unclear. However, looking back, it was an ingenious move that demonstrated the raw power and resonance of period sitcoms. Instead of the idyllic life depicted in “Raymond,” we were introduced to the gritty reality of growing up as Chris Rock did in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, a world where he often felt like the misfit, not just at school, but also within his own family. That’s the compelling tale told in “Everybody Hates Chris.
Unlike Malcolm from “Malcolm in the Middle,” Chris, as a child, didn’t have his sensitivity balanced by exceptional academic abilities. Instead, he had to navigate through life, often overlooked, while his sporty younger brother and spoiled sister received all the attention. Interestingly, Chris’ friendship with Greg Wuliger, a shy schoolmate, bears a striking resemblance to Malcolm’s bond with Stevie Kenarban from the show.
4. Outnumbered
2007–2014, 2016, 2024
Similar to “Malcolm in the Middle” and the talented adult cast of the popular British sitcom “Outnumbered”, it’s the children who truly shine in this show. The adorable yet mischievous behavior, as well as deep philosophical questions, of siblings Ben and Karen Brockman, particularly, consistently challenge their parents, portrayed by Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner. Older brother Jake Brockman, on the other hand, bears a striking resemblance to Malcolm, minus the math genius but with a larger dose of teenage indifference.
The enchantment of Outnumbered may diminish somewhat as its child actors mature, yet the first three seasons offer a cleverly humorous and endearingly appealing perspective on family life that no other show, even Dewey, could surpass. Despite there being only three Brockman children compared to the five that Lois and her husband have to deal with, they are still quite a handful to manage.
3. Modern Family
2009–2020
In a sense, Modern Family might be considered the successor to Malcolm in the Middle as the favorite live-action family sitcom on TV networks. It borrowed aspects from Malcolm’s single-camera style, combined elements from shows like Arrested Development and The Office, and distributed these elements among three unique households that were all interconnected yet distinct.
Occasionally, in the later episodes of “Modern Family,” it veers towards predictable patterns and reveals too much. However, at its peak, this show could be considered one of the most daring and consistently amusing family sitcoms of its era, making it a must-see for fans of sitcoms who may have missed it along the way.
2. The Middle
2009–2018
In essence, as its title implies, The Middle is a follow-up in spirit to Malcolm in the Middle. Although their titles seem unrelated, Malcolm being the middle child from a working-class family on the West Coast, and The Middle representing a Midwestern, middle-class family possibly dealing with midlife issues, they share many commonalities. Both shows feature the antics of the parents, Frankie and Mike Heck, and their children, as well as the struggle to maintain jobs that barely keep them afloat financially.
Essentially, “The Middle” intentionally draws inspiration from “Malcolm in the Middle” to offer a fresh perspective on a similar family. The creators and executive producers, Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, are women, and the show primarily focuses on the female lead character, Frankie, portrayed by Patricia Heaton. Consequently, “The Middle” could be seen as the narrative that Lois (implied as the female counterpart of Malcolm) had been waiting to share.
1. Raising Hope
2010–2014
Apart from having Cloris Leachman, who was a guest star on “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Raising Hope” seems to have the most similarities with “Malcolm” in terms of its overall tone. A significant part of its humor arises from the challenging circumstances in which an unusual family finds itself, as they strive to raise a child despite the numerous hurdles they encounter.
In “Raising Hope,” the two main actors, Lucas Neff and Martha Plimpton, deliver outstanding performances as Hope’s unmarried father and grandmother respectively. They skillfully blend tender affection with hilarious idiocy, creating a delightful balance. If you’re seeking a series that has a similar vibe to “Malcolm in the Middle” but offers a unique plot twist, this often overlooked show is an excellent starting point for you.
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2025-04-26 04:19