Malcolm In the Middle Star Reveals Why the Revival Needed to Happen

Everyone remembers Malcolm in the Middle as a beloved and iconic show, and after seven seasons, it’s making a comeback! The series ended in 2006, but fans can finally watch a revival on Hulu starting April 10th, bringing back the hilariously chaotic family we all love.

Most of the original actors from the show are back, including Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Bryan Cranston as Hal, Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Justin Berfield as Reese, and Christopher Masterson. However, Erik Per Sullivan, who originally played Dewey, isn’t returning, and the role has been taken over by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark.

The show is welcoming a new member of the family: Kelly Murrae, the nonbinary child of Hal and Lois. Born after the original series ended, Kelly adds a fresh dose of energy to the family dynamic. Though they’re part of the famously chaotic Murraes, Kelly sees themselves as the most mature and responsible sibling.

TopMob recently interviewed Vaughan Murrae, the star of Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, to discuss their new role and the reasons behind the show’s revival. They also talked about how the new series appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Murrae acknowledged people’s worries about bringing the show back. However, they believe the revival feels like a natural continuation of the original, and isn’t attempting to drastically change what made it special in the first place.

Murrae described the new show as feeling like a natural extension of the original, almost a final chapter. She also believes it’s coming at a good time, saying that everyone could use a good laugh with everything happening in the world right now.

Even though this show is a continuation of an older series, you don’t need to have seen the original to enjoy this new four-part event. It’s perfectly accessible for new viewers.

The actor said the new series includes many hidden references and nods to the original show that longtime fans will enjoy. However, it’s also designed to be a fresh and entertaining story for viewers who are new to the franchise.

The show is very successful at making even new viewers feel included and entertained, and it quickly introduces the characters and their relationships.

You can find more of TopMob’s interview with Vaughan Murrae, star of Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, below.

This Is Why Malcolm In the Middle Was Worth Bringing Back

“I Completely Understand the Concern…”

TopMob: “When it comes to revivals and reboots, this being a revival, some might inherently default to, why do we need this? Like, why are we trying to recapture this? For those skeptics, what would you say to them, to convince them that this is a revival worth having, and it’s not going to disappoint them?”

I totally get why people are worried about this. As a big TV fan myself, I understand that new things don’t always hit the mark, or sometimes people aren’t sure what they even want. But honestly, being on set while we were making it, it really felt like a natural continuation of the original series.

What’s great about this is that it doesn’t try to reinvent the show; it feels like a natural continuation, almost like a final chapter to the original. Honestly, with everything happening in the world, we could all use a good laugh, and ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ is the perfect show to bring that.

Don’t Worry If You Haven’t Seen the OG Malcolm in the Middle

Even If You Don’t Know the Original Show, You’ll Be Able to Get Into This Revival.

TopMob: “I haven’t seen the original show at all, really. So I’m curious for people who are going to be coming into this, you know, who haven’t seen the original show, which I imagine will be a good chunk of people, what can you say to them to kind of assure them that, yeah, you don’t need to see the original show?”

Vaughan Murrae believes the new show includes many hidden details and nods to the original series that longtime fans will enjoy.

I honestly think this is still a blast for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet! It’s great at creating a fun atmosphere where you can just relax and enjoy yourself, even if you’re going in completely blind. Plus, you quickly get to know and love the characters and how they all interact – it’s super easy to jump right in and have a good time.

The show balances appealing to longtime fans with attracting new viewers, maintaining a sense of familiarity for those who know the original. In fact, it’s so funny that it might inspire new viewers to seek out the original version, and it’s immediately captivating. Four episodes just aren’t enough – at least, not for me, I wanted more!

TopMob: “Did you watch the whole original show, or did you just dabble?”

I’m still in the middle of watching it – I tend to watch things slowly, but I’m currently on Season 6. I started watching as soon as I got the role, or even when I was first called back for the audition, because I hadn’t seen it before. My parents used to watch it, and it’s genuinely hilarious. I really love the humor and how well the show is paced, and I was so excited to join the cast.

Vaughan Murrae on Bringing Kelly Into the Family

“They’re Not Above the Crazy…”

TopMob: “I want to talk about Kelly. For you, when you first started approaching this character, and read the scripts, as you were figuring out how you were going to approach your performance, what did you figure out was the core essence of who this person was?”

I see this character as both wise and grounded, but definitely capable of being unpredictable, especially when someone has wronged them. At their heart, they strongly believe in fairness and doing what’s right – they always tried to be the ‘good’ sibling. However, they’re still part of a very chaotic family, and won’t hesitate to participate in some wild schemes if it means getting revenge on their brothers. It was a lot of fun developing this complex personality.

For Murrae, entering into the comedy space was something entirely new for them.

I hadn’t really done any comedy before – no shows, no movies, nothing like that. So, I was a little worried about getting the timing right, since comedy is so different from dramatic acting. I had to figure out how to stay grounded and play a calm, collected character while also bringing a lot of energy, silliness, and humor to the role.

TopMob: “What do you think gives Kelly a unique flavor amongst the family? What does she bring to the table that, despite all the craziness in the family, they didn’t have until they were around?”

Murrae believes these children are the best-behaved, likely because they were the last to grow up at home. With their older siblings moving out, they essentially had the run of the house and became more responsible. They often seem to think of themselves as better than their siblings, perhaps because they rarely get in trouble and their parents don’t need to discipline them.

The actor then talked about fan speculation that the newest family member wouldn’t be as playful or trouble-making as the rest of the family.

I’ve seen some fan theories about the characters, and some people were concerned they wouldn’t be playful enough. But I can assure you, they definitely will be! Like many younger siblings, they love to tattle. A lot of their fun and mischief actually comes from discovering what their older brothers are up to and then telling on them.

TopMob’s entire interview with Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair can be viewed below.

2026-04-07 00:40