The Middle ( TV series ) - Wikipedia The Middle ( TV series ) The Middle Genre Sitcom Family comedy Created by Eileen Heisler DeAnn Heline Starring Patricia Heaton Neil Flynn Charlie McDermott Eden Sher Atticus Shaffer Chris Kattan Narrated by Patricia Heaton Composer ( s ) Joey Newman Country of origin United States Original language ( s ) English No. of seasons 9 No. of episodes 201 ( list of episodes ) Production Executive producer ( s ) DeAnn Heline Eileen Heisler Producer ( s ) Werner Kalian Vijal Patel Roy Brown Robin Shorr Camera setup Single - camera Running time 21 minutes Production company ( s ) Blackie and Blondie Productions Warner Bros. Television Distributor Warner Bros. Television Distribution Release Original network ABC Picture format HDTV 720p Original release September 30, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 30 ) -- present External links Website beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-middle The Middle is an American sitcom about a middle - class family living in Indiana facing the day - to - day struggles of home life, work, and raising children. The show premiered September 30, 2009, on the ABC network and features Everybody Loves Raymond actress Patricia Heaton and Scrubs actor Neil Flynn. The Middle was created by former Roseanne and Murphy Brown writers Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline of Blackie and Blondie Productions. The show is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Blackie and Blondie Productions. The Middle has been praised by television critics and earned numerous award nominations. The series was renewed for a ninth season on January 25, 2017, with filming beginning on August 15, 2017. On August 2, 2017, it was announced that the series will end after its ninth season, at request of the series ' creators. Contents 1 Episodes 2 Cast and characters 2.1 Main 2.2 Recurring 3 Development and production 4 Reception 4.1 Critical reception 4.2 Ratings 4.3 Awards and nominations 4.4 Syndication 5 DVD distribution 6 Broadcast 7 References 8 External links Episodes Main article : List of The Middle episodes Season Episodes Originally aired First aired Last aired 24 September 30, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 30 ) May 19, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 19 ) 24 September 22, 2010 ( 2010 - 09 - 22 ) May 25, 2011 ( 2011 - 05 - 25 ) 24 September 21, 2011 ( 2011 - 09 - 21 ) May 23, 2012 ( 2012 - 05 - 23 ) 24 September 26, 2012 ( 2012 - 09 - 26 ) May 22, 2013 ( 2013 - 05 - 22 ) 5 24 September 25, 2013 ( 2013 - 09 - 25 ) May 21, 2014 ( 2014 - 05 - 21 ) 6 24 September 24, 2014 ( 2014 - 09 - 24 ) May 13, 2015 ( 2015 - 05 - 13 ) 7 24 September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) May 18, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 18 ) 8 23 October 11, 2016 ( 2016 - 10 - 11 ) May 16, 2017 ( 2017 - 05 - 16 ) 9 24 October 3, 2017 ( 2017 - 10 - 03 ) TBA Cast and characters The series features Frances `` Frankie '' Heck ( Patricia Heaton ), a middle class, middle - aged, Midwestern woman and her husband Mike ( Neil Flynn ), who reside in the small fictional town of Orson, Indiana based on the real town of Jasper, Indiana. They are the parents of three children, Axl ( Charlie McDermott ), Sue ( Eden Sher ), and Brick ( Atticus Shaffer ). The series is narrated by Frankie, initially an under - performing salesperson at a used - car dealership and later a dental assistant. Her stoic husband Mike manages a local quarry and serves as a stabilizing influence in the family, though Frankie complains about his lack of affection at times. The kids are quite different from one another : oldest son Axl, a popular but lazy teenager, does well in sports but not in academics ; daughter Sue is an enthusiastic young teen but chronically unsuccessful and socially awkward ; and youngest son Brick is an intelligent but introverted compulsive reader with odd behavioral traits. There are numerous recurring characters that the Hecks encounter in and around Orson. Further information : List of The Middle characters Main Patricia Heaton as Frances `` Frankie '' Heck ( née Spence ), wife of Mike and mother of Axl, Sue, and Brick. Frankie is the central character in the show, as her voice is heard narrating at various points in every episode. She lost her job at a car dealership in season 4 and is now a dental assistant. Neil Flynn as Michael `` Mike '' Heck Jr., Frankie 's husband, known for his straightforward, sometimes distant manner and emotional stability. Mike works at the local limestone quarry as the manager and has a no - nonsense approach to work and family. Charlie McDermott as Axl Redford Heck, the oldest child of Frankie and Mike. Popular and athletic in school, he is also sarcastic, lazy, narcissistic, and often dominant over his younger siblings. He sometimes gives his siblings affection, but tries to hide it. In season 1, Axl was starting his freshman year of high school and proceeded to graduate high school at the end of season 4. He goes to fictional East Indiana State University on a football scholarship and becomes a business major. He starts dating Lexie in the season 8 episode `` The Par - Tay '', and graduates college in season 8 's `` The Final Final ''. Eden Sher as Sue Sue Heck, the socially awkward middle child of Frankie and Mike. Her genuine nature, bubbly personality, and persistent sunny optimism tend to make others view her as annoying and makes her an object of ridicule, especially by her older brother. As of season 3, Sue was starting her freshman year of high school and proceeded to graduate from high school at the end of season 6, going to East Indiana State University on a financial aid package. Sue has a crush on Sean Donahue ( Beau Wirick ). As of season 9, she is presumably a Junior pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management. Atticus Shaffer as Brick Ishmael Heck, youngest of Mike and Frankie 's children. He loves to read and is very intelligent, but is also introverted, odd, and often easily distracted. Occasionally, while speaking, he will lower his head and repeat the last word spoken in an audible whisper. In season 1, Brick was starting second grade. He is a sophomore in high school as of the season 9 premiere. Chris Kattan ( regular seasons 1 -- 2, recurring season 3, guest seasons 4 and 5 ) as Bob Weaver, Frankie 's co-worker and friend at Ehlert Motors, where Frankie works for the first three seasons. After she gets fired in season 4, Frankie and Bob lose touch. Recurring Don Ehlert ( Brian Doyle - Murray ) ( season 1 -- 6 ) is the owner of Ehlert Motors, where Frankie works for the first three seasons before she gets fired in early season 4. He is a crass, slightly overweight man that seems to be rude to Frankie because she is female, often referring to her as `` Frances '' instead of her preferred name. He likes Mike as the two often talk about sports. Pete Miller ( Peter Breitmayer ) ( seasons 1 -- 4 ) is Ehlert Motors ' best salesman and star employee. He is disliked by Frankie and Bob for his continuous boasting and teacher 's - pet relationship with Mr. Ehlert. Edie and Ginny Freehold ( Jeanette Miller and Frances Bay ) are Frankie 's elderly great - aunts who are heavy smokers and drinkers. Throughout the series, it is heavily hinted that none of the Hecks enjoy looking after them. Both characters die off - screen. Ginny dies in season 3 ( following Bay 's death ) and Edie in season 6 ( after Miller retired from acting ). Brad Bottig ( Brock Ciarlelli ) is Sue 's flamboyant, theater - loving, tap dancing, and slightly camp `` boyfriend '' in season 1. After she catches him smoking at his house, they split up but remain close friends. In season 7, he comes out as gay to Sue in a passive way but she already knew and is happy for him. They remain close friends after graduation, meeting up when they can. They both spent summer 2016 ( between seasons 7 -- 8 ) working at Dollywood. In season 8, Brad transferred to East Indiana State because he disliked NYU. Carly ( Blaine Saunders ) ( season 1 -- 6 ) is Sue 's best friend in school, and for a while is her only close female friend. The two girls are extremely alike but lose contact after graduation. Sean Donahue ( Beau Wirick ) is one of Axl 's best friends, teammate on the high school football team, and Nancy Donahue 's only son. He is outwardly complimentary and polite to the Hecks, but also supports many of Axl 's schemes. He takes on a `` hippie '' persona in season 7 while in college at the University of Notre Dame, but has reverted to a clean - cut look in season 8. It is revealed in season 8 that he has a crush on Sue. Nancy Donahue ( Jen Ray ) is the Hecks ' idyllic neighbor of whom the Hecks are shown to be jealous. Frankie is shown trying to imitate Nancy 's parenting, but mostly fails. Ron Donahue ( Sean O'Bryan ) is the Hecks ' neighbor, Nancy 's husband, and Sean 's dad. Darrin McGrew ( John Gammon ) ( seasons 1 -- 6 ) is Axl 's dimwitted other best friend and teammate, and becomes Sue 's boyfriend in season 4. They break up and get together again, then finally decide to split up in season 6 after Darrin proposed marriage and Sue declined. The character has not appeared since. Paula Norwood ( Julie Brown ) is another of the Hecks ' neighbors. Bill Norwood ( Pat Finn ) is Paula 's husband and one of the Hecks ' neighbors. Michael `` Big Mike '' Heck Sr. ( John Cullum ) is Mike 's reclusive, man - of - few - words, hoarder father. Orville `` Rusty '' Heck ( Norm Macdonald ) is Mike 's unreliable, silly, yet optimistic and cheerful younger brother. He sometimes lives with Big Mike and started a diaper business with Mike. Pat Spence ( Marsha Mason ) is Frankie 's mother. She is keen to help the Hecks in any way she can and spoils the kids, much to Frankie 's annoyance. Tag Spence ( Jerry Van Dyke ) is Frankie 's father and Pat 's husband. He seems to like Mike a lot and spends a lot of time with him, much to Mike 's annoyance. Janet ( Molly Shannon ) is Frankie 's perfectionist sister who has so far only appeared in two episodes of the entire series ( S3E10 `` Thanksgiving III '' and S4E18 `` The Name '' ) but is referenced a lot. Reverend Timothy `` Tim - Tom '' Thomas ( Paul Hipp ), is a musical, charismatic / hip - to - the - kids youth minister at the Hecks ' church whom Sue deeply admires for his meaningful and jolly songs about the difficulties of teenage life. He has appeared in at least one episode each season. Rita Glossner ( Brooke Shields ) is the Hecks ' uncouth and troubled neighbor. She is the single mother of three stealing, rude sons but apparently is not aware of their nastiness as she describes them as `` good boys. '' The Season 8 episode `` Trip and Fall '' reveals that Rita has a fourth son, Rodney, her oldest child who has just made her a grandmother. Derrick Glossner ( David Chandler ), Wade Glossner ( Parker Bolek ), Diaper Glossner ( Gibson Bobby Sjobeck ), and an unnamed girl make up the dreaded Glossner children, Rita 's rowdy, foul - mouthed, rude, burglarizing offspring. Zack ( Andrew J. Fishman ) ( season 1 -- 3 ) is Brick 's friend from the socially challenged class. He sometimes acts like a cat, meowing and wearing oven - mitts. Matt ( Moisés Arias ) is a boy on the wrestling team at Sue and Axl 's school who likes Sue and becomes her first real boyfriend in season 3. Ashley `` Weird Ashley '' Wyman ( Katlin Mastandrea ) is Axl 's weird classmate who has twice been his accidental date to prom. She is also on Sue 's wrestlerette team. She transfers to East Indiana State in season 6, surprising Axl at his college home. Courtney and Debbie ( Brittany Ross and Natalie Lander ) ( season 3 -- 7 ) are two think - alike cheerleaders in Axl and Sue 's high school who date Axl as one. They later work as assistant cheerleading coaches at Orson High after graduating and hint at a mutual hatred of each other. Becky ( Jessica Marie Garcia ) ( season 3 -- 6 ) is a rough - and - tumble girl in Axl and Sue 's high school who is on Sue 's wrestlerette team. Ruth ( Grace Bannon ) ( season 3 -- 6 ) is another of Sue 's co-wrestlerettes ; she is depicted as extremely religious. Mrs. Tompkins ( Krista Braun ) is Brick 's social skills mentor and guidance counselor. Dr. Chuck Fulton ( Dave Foley ) is the school therapist who works with Mrs. Tompkins and counsels Brick. He is also portrayed as lonely and lives with clowder of cats. It is also implied that he has an unhealthy attachment to an ex-girlfriend named Shelley ( who never appears onscreen but is referenced occasionally ). Arlo ( Nick Shafer ) is Brick 's odd friend whom he meets during the second season. Dr. Ted Goodwin ( Jack McBrayer ) is a smiley, optimistic dentist who hires Frankie as a hygienist in season 4. His dental practice is taken over by Smile Sensations in season 7 but he still recurs thereafter. Cassidy Finch ( Galadriel Stineman ) is Axl 's tutor and later girlfriend in season 4. She 's described by Axl as the first girl he 's ever loved. They break up when she is accepted by a college 800 miles away. Kenny ( Tommy Bechtold ) ( seasons 5 -- 8 ) is Axl 's college roommate who does nothing but play World of Warcraft. He is very rarely known to talk, and when he does, it always comes as a shock to Axl and Hutch. Charles `` Hutch '' Hutchinson ( Alphonso McAuley ) ( seasons 5 -- 8 ) is Axl 's football teammate, best friend, and eventual roommate at college. Edwin ( Jimmy Bellinger ) is Sue 's manager at Spudsy 's, where she works, starting in season 5. Devin Levin ( Gia Mantegna ) ( season 6 -- 8 ) is a relative of Frankie 's hairdresser who becomes Axl 's girlfriend in season 6. They break up in season 7 after mutually agreeing they should see other people during their college years. Cindy ( Casey Burke ) is a strange classmate of Brick 's who becomes his girlfriend in season 6. She is part of Brick 's posse ( Brick, Cindy, and Troy ) in season 7. In the season 7 episode `` Halloween VII '', it is implied that Brick and Cindy eventually marry and start a family. In season 9 Brick breaks up with Cindy, but they get back together. Dave ( Malcolm Foster Smith ) is one of Mike 's employees. Jim ( Troy Metcalf ) is one of Mike 's employees. Chuck ( Greg Cipes ) is one of Mike 's employees. Troy ( Jovan Armand ) is Brick 's large classmate who initially protects him from bullies at school, then later becomes his friend. Logan ( David Hull ) is Sue 's love interest beginning in late season 6. They then break up in mid season 7, as he says that he 's changing his major to religious studies and wants to become a priest. Lexie Brooks ( Daniela Bobadilla ) is Sue 's best friend and later college roommate, beginning in season 7. She is a nice, wealthy young woman ( 21 ) who shares a lot of Sue 's interests and occasionally thinks others can afford the same luxuries she can and that her family 's wealth is really no big deal when it actually gets pretty insane. She has a big crush on Axl, which Axl finally reciprocates in the Season 8 episode `` The Par - tay ''. Jeremy ( Will Green ) is a hardcore environmentalist and anti-capitalist whom Sue initially meets in season 7 when he is chained to a tree on campus. The two later begin dating, but Sue breaks up with Jeremy early in season 8. Tyler ( Keaton Savage ) is the young man who drives the safe ride cart on the East Indiana State campus. He becomes Sue 's brief love interest in Season 8. April ( Greer Grammer ) is Axl 's former girlfriend, introduced in the season 8 premiere. April is a pretty blonde, but disliked by most of the Heck family since she 's very ditzy. Later in the season they elope off - screen. They quickly have the marriage annulled after Axl realizes his mistake, but continue to date, before breaking up in the episode `` Exes and Ohhhs ''. Coach Tink Babbit ( Brooke Dillman ) is the Volleyball coach at Orson High School. Development and Production The series was originally developed in the 2006 -- 07 development cycle and was to star Ricki Lake as Frankie. Atticus Shaffer was the only actor to retain his role when the show was re-developed. The series was created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline ( who is from Muncie, Indiana ) and the pilot was directed by Julie Anne Robinson. Though based on Jasper, Indiana, Orson is actually a studio lot in Los Angeles. Set director Julie Fanton shops at traditionally mid-western places, such as Target and Kohl 's, so the show appears to have a realistic middle - class look. The series was picked up for a full season of 24 episodes after airing just two episodes. On January 12, 2010, ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson announced that he was renewing The Middle for a second season. The show was renewed for a third season. The third season premiered with a one - hour episode on September 21, 2011. On May 10, 2012, ABC renewed the show for a fourth season, which premiered with a one - hour special on September 26, 2012. The show was renewed for a fifth season on May 10, 2013. ABC confirmed on May 9, 2014 that the series was picked up for a sixth season of 22 episodes, and officially ordered an additional two episodes in October of that year, bringing the season six total to 24. On May 8, 2015, ABC officially picked up the series for a seventh season, renewing the contracts of the main cast at the same time. ABC renewed the series for season eight with a 22 - episode order, later expanded to 23 episodes in December 2016. On January 25, 2017, ABC renewed The Middle for a ninth and final season. Reception Critical reception Season Critical response Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes -- audience score Metacritic 74 % ( 19 reviews ) 82 % ( 42 reviews ) 70 ( 25 reviews ) N / A 84 % ( 27 reviews ) N / A N / A 87 % ( 24 reviews ) N / A 100 % ( 5 reviews ) 76 % ( 27 reviews ) N / A 5 N / A 81 % ( 71 reviews ) N / A 6 N / A 80 % ( 50 reviews ) N / A 7 N / A 86 % ( 40 reviews ) N / A 8 N / A 92 % ( 31 reviews ) N / A 9 N / A 100 % ( 7 reviews ) N / A The Middle has received positive reviews, citing its unique and original characters along with critics praising the show 's consistent standard and its realistic portrayal of lower - middle - class families. It holds a score of 71 on the review aggregator website Metacritic as of April 1, 2011. Critics praise the show 's good timing, writing, and acting, with Robert Bianco of USA Today saying, ``... This series seems to more assuredly offer a first - class version of what so many viewers say they want : a humorous, heartfelt, realistic look at middle - class, middle - America family life. '' The praise has been, so far, consistent, with Entertainment Weekly 's Ken Tucker saying that, in season two, The Middle continues to be ``... a rock - solid show, the saga of a family struggling to keep their heads above the choppy economic waters... '' In the 2009 -- 2010 season, The Middle ranked number six on Metacritic 's `` Best Reviewed New Network Show '' list. Airing behind the quickly cancelled Hank during its first season, ratings were not initially impressive, averaging fewer than 7 million viewers. At the start of the 2010 / 2011 season, ABC moved the show to the beginning of its prime time block ( 8 : 00 pm EDT ) and ratings increased substantially, with the show usually ranking second in its time slot to CBS 's Survivor. Ratings Season Timeslot ( ET ) Episodes Premiered Ended TV season Rank ( viewers ) Rank ( demo ) Viewers ( in millions ) Demo ( 18 - 49 ) Date Premiere viewers ( in millions ) 18 -- 49 rating Date Finale viewers ( in millions ) 18 -- 49 rating Wednesday 8 : 30 pm 24 September 30, 2009 8.71 2.6 May 19, 2010 7.55 2.5 2009 -- 10 68 63 6.69 2.3 Wednesday 8 : 00 pm 24 September 22, 2010 8.81 2.7 May 25, 2011 7.33 2.2 2010 -- 11 51 59 8.08 2.4 24 September 21, 2011 9.74 3.1 May 23, 2012 6.52 2.0 2011 -- 12 60 63 8.08 2.5 24 September 26, 2012 9.16 2.9 May 22, 2013 7.70 2.0 2012 -- 13 45 44 8.42 2.5 5 24 September 25, 2013 8.94 2.5 May 21, 2014 7.85 2.1 2013 -- 14 44 N / A 8.24 N / A 6 24 September 24, 2014 7.59 2.2 May 13, 2015 7.03 1.8 2014 -- 15 53 41 8.68 2.4 7 24 September 23, 2015 8.21 2.1 May 18, 2016 6.73 1.6 2015 -- 16 53 34 8.15 2.2 8 Tuesday 8 : 00 pm 23 October 11, 2016 6.78 1.8 May 16, 2017 5.27 2016 -- 17 53 43 7.02 1.8 9 Tuesday 8 : 00 pm Tuesday 8 : 30 pm ( April ) 24 October 3, 2017 6.21 1.6 2017 -- 18 The season 3 episode `` Halloween II '' was the most watched episode so far, viewed by 10.16 million viewers. Awards and Nominations In 2011, The Middle received a Gracie Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. The 1st Critics ' Choice Television Awards nominated the series for Best Comedy Series, Patricia Heaton for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, and Eden Sher for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Year Award Category Recipients and nominees Outcome Young Artist Award Best Recurring Young Actor 14 and Over Brock Ciarlelli Nominated Best Recurring Young Actress Eden Sher Nominated Humanitas Prize 30 Minute Category Episode : `` The Block Party '' Nominated 2011 Gracie Award Outstanding Comedy Series Won 1st Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated Best Actress in a Comedy Series Patricia Heaton Nominated Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher Nominated Young Artist Award Best Guest Starring Young Actor Ten and Under Parker Contreras Won Mason Cook Nominated Best Recurring Young Actor Brock Ciarlelli Won Best Guest Starring Young Actress 11 -- 15 Kelly Heyer Nominated Best Recurring Young Actress 17 -- 21 Blaine Saunders Nominated Outstanding Young Ensemble in a TV Series Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer, and Charlie McDermott Nominated 2012 2nd Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher Nominated 1st PAAFTJ Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated Best Actress in a Comedy Series Patricia Heaton ( Episode : `` Thanksgiving III '' ) Won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher ( Episode : `` The Test '' ) Nominated Best Production Design in a Comedy Series Episode : `` The Map '' Nominated Young Artist Award Best Recurring Young Actor 17 -- 21 Brock Ciarlelli Won Best Guest Starring Young Actress 17 -- 21 Katlin Mastandrea Nominated Best Guest Starring Young Actress Ten and Under Marlowe Peyton Nominated Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Makeup for a Single - Camera Series ( Non-Prosthetic ) Episode : `` The Play '' Nominated Humanitas Prize 30 Minute Category Episode : `` The Map '' Nominated TV Guide Award Favorite Comedy Series Nominated Online Film & Television Association Award Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Whoopi Goldberg Nominated 2013 Young Artist Award Best Recurring Young Actor 17 -- 21 Brock Ciarlelli Won Best Recurring Young Actress 17 -- 21 Katlin Mastandrea Nominated 3rd Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Eden Sher Won 2013 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Female Scene Stealer Eden Sher Nominated TV Guide Award Favorite Comedy Series Nominated 2nd PAAFTJ Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Charlie McDermott Nominated Best Artistic / Visual Achievement in a Comedy Series Episode : `` Hallelujah Hoedown '' Nominated EWwy Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Neil Flynn Nominated 2014 Young Artist Award Best Recurring Young Actor 17 -- 21 Brock Ciarlelli Nominated Best Recurring Young Actress 17 -- 21 Katlin Mastandrea Nominated EWwy Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher Won ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards Top TV Series Joey Newman Won Humanitas Prize 30 Minute Category Episode : `` Halloween IV : The Ghost Story '' Nominated 2014 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Scene Stealer : Female Eden Sher Nominated TV Guide Award Favorite Comedy Series Nominated 2015 5th Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher Nominated Young Artist Award Best Recurring Young Actor 17 -- 21 Brock Ciarlelli Won Best Guest Starring Young Actress 14 -- 16 Ava Allan Nominated Kids ' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actor Charlie McDermott Nominated Online Film & Television Association Award Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Dick Van Dyke Nominated 2016 6th Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Eden Sher Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Neil Flynn Nominated Humanitas Prize 30 Minute Category Episode : `` The Graduate '' Won Young Entertainer Awards Best Recurring Young Actress -- Television Series Casey Burke Nominated Best Guest Starring Young Actor -- Television Series Matt Cornett Won Syndication On March 6, 2012, it was announced that ABC Family ( now Freeform ) obtained the rights to The Middle, which began airing the series on September 9, 2013. Hallmark Channel also acquired The Middle for syndication, which began airing in March 2014. In addition, the series debuted in local syndication on September 16, 2013. As of September 2017, the show is no longer available for local syndication. DVD distribution In region 1, seasons 1 -- 4 have had an official retail release. Starting with season 5, the series has been released as a MOD DVD - R via the Warner Archive Collection. The Canadian releases continue to be traditionally manufactured and sold, but are otherwise identical to their American counterparts. Distribution for regions 2 & 4 ended after the fourth season. Broadcast This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( January 2015 ) The Middle premiered in the U.S. on September 30, 2009, on ABC. The Middle has aired on City ( Formerly Citytv ) since the third season in Canada. Previously, the show aired on A ( Now CTV Two ) during its first season. In Australia, the show premiered on December 7, 2009, on Nine Network. The New Zealand premiere was on May 8, 2010, on TV2. In India, the show premiered on January 5, 2015 on Romedy Now. In the UK, it premiered on August 29, 2010, on Sky1. Season 5 premiered on Comedy Central, UK on January 21, 2014, and in Ireland on April 16, 2014, on TV3. It has also been adapted in Hindi on Reliance Broadcast Network comedy channel BIG MAGIC as Tedi Medi Family. It 's is also being broadcast on the Neox Channel in Spain. References Jump up ^ `` '' The Middle '' Pilot ( 2009 ) ``. IMDb. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 01 - 17. ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( January 25, 2017 ). `` ' The Middle ' Renewed For Season 9 By ABC, Cast Set To Return ''. Deadline. Retrieved January 25, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Production Dates - Various Shows * Updated 10th October 2017 * ''. 10 October 2017. ^ Jump up to : Rice, Lynette. `` The Middle to end its run on ABC next year ''. Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 2 August 2017. Jump up ^ http://deadline.com/2017/11/the-middle-abc-orders-more-episodes-season-9-1202201332/ Jump up ^ hulu summary is `` Middle - aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country '' Jump up ^ `` ABC 's ' The Middle ' Loaded With Hoosier Connections ''. RTV6. 2012 - 05 - 09. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 08. ^ Jump up to : `` ABC Puts Patricia Heaton in ' The Middle ' ''. Zap2it. November 19, 2008. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 01 - 17. Jump up ^ Roots, Kimberly ( February 15, 2013 ). `` Exclusive : ABC 's The Middle Recruits 30 Rock 's Jack McBrayer for Toothsome Arc ''. TV Line. Retrieved February 16, 2013. Jump up ^ Scoop, TV. `` Scoop : THE MIDDLE on ABC - Tuesday, October 17, 2017 ''. Jump up ^ `` Shows A-Z -- middle, the ( 2007 version ) on abc -- TheFutonCritic.com ''. thefutoncritic.com. ^ Jump up to : Thomlison, Adam. `` Q&A ''. TV Media. Retrieved August 25, 2015. Jump up ^ The original cast can be viewed here. Jump up ^ Abrams, Natalie ( October 8, 2009 ). `` ABC Picks Up Cougar Town, Modern Family and The Middle ''. TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 01 - 17. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( January 12, 2010 ). `` '' Modern Family ``, `` Cougar Town '', `` The Middle '' Picked Up ``. Zap2It.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 01 - 17. Jump up ^ Nellie Andreeva and James Hibberd ( January 12, 2010 ). `` ABC bringing back ' Modern Family ', ' Cougar Town ' ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved 2010 - 02 - 06. Jump up ^ Mitovich, Matt ( May 10, 2012 ). `` ABC Renews Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Grey 's, Castle and Three Wednesday Comedies ''. TV Line. Retrieved May 11, 2012. Jump up ^ https://twitter.com/ABC_Publicity/status/333023717930180608 Jump up ^ Goldberg, Lesley ( December 13, 2016 ). `` 6 ABC Comedies Score Additional Episode Orders ''. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 13, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` The Middle : Season 1 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 30, 2009. Jump up ^ `` The Middle ''. Metacritic. Jump up ^ `` The Middle : Season 2 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 22, 2010. Jump up ^ `` The Middle : Season 3 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 21, 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` The Middle : Season 4 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 26, 2012. Jump up ^ `` The Middle : Season 5 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 25, 2013. Jump up ^ `` The Middle : Season 6 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 24, 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` The Middle : Season 7 ''. rottentomatoes.com. September 23, 2015. Jump up ^ `` The Middle : Season 9 - Rotten Tomatoes ''. Jump up ^ `` The Middle -- Season 1 Reviews, Ratings, Credits and More ''. Metacritic. Retrieved May 11, 2012. Jump up ^ Bianco, Robert ( October 6, 2010 ). `` These TV series are back, but are they better than ever ? ''. Usatoday.Com. Retrieved 2012 - 02 - 08. Jump up ^ Ken Tucker ( January 20, 2011 ). `` The Middle Review TV Reviews and News ''. EW.com. Retrieved 2012 - 02 - 08. Jump up ^ `` Best and Worst TV Shows of the 2009 -- 2010 Season ''. Metacritic. Retrieved 2012 - 02 - 08. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( October 1, 2009 ). `` Glee rises to a 3.3, Criminal Minds to a 3.8 ; Eastwick drops to a 2.3 in finals ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 23, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( May 20, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings Wednesday : Good Guys Off To Bad Start ; Idol Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 23, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( 2010 - 05 - 28 ). `` Full Series Rankings For The 2009 - 10 Broadcast Season ''. Deadline. Retrieved 2017 - 05 - 30. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( September 23, 2010 ). `` Wednesday Finals : ' The Middle, ' ' Modern Family, ' ' Cougar Town, ' ' Undercovers ' All See Small Gains ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 23, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( May 26, 2011 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' American Idol, ' ' Modern Family ' Adjusted Up ; ' Law & Order : LA, ' ' Criminal Minds : Suspect Behavior ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 26, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( 2011 - 05 - 27 ). `` Full 2010 - 2011 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline. Retrieved 2017 - 05 - 30. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( September 22, 2011 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The X Factor, ' ' Modern Family, ' ' The Middle, ' And Others Adjusted Up ; ' Revenge ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 23, 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Idol ', ' Modern Family ', & ' SVU ' Adjusted Up, ' Apt 23 ′ Adjusted Down -- Ratings -- TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com ''. TVbytheNumbers. ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( 2012 - 05 - 25 ). `` Full 2011 - 2012 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline. Retrieved 2017 - 05 - 30. ^ Jump up to : `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' X Factor ', ' Survivor ', ' The Middle ' Adjusted Up, ' The Neighbors ' Adjusted Down -- Ratings -- TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com ''. TVbytheNumbers. ^ Jump up to : `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' MasterChef ', ' Modern Family ', ' Criminal Minds ' & ' Law & Order : SVU ' Adjusted Up ; ' How To Live With Your Parents ' Adjusted Down ''. TVbytheNumbers. May 23, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Patten, Dominic ( 2013 - 05 - 23 ). `` Full 2012 - 2013 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline. Retrieved 2017 - 05 - 30. ^ Jump up to : `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Middle ', ' Modern Family ' and ' Survivor ' Adjusted Up ; ' Nashville ' & ' CSI ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. September 26, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Survivor ', ' The Middle ' & ' Modern Family ' Adjusted Up ; ' Survivor ' Reunion Adjusted Down ''. TVbytheNumbers. May 22, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` Full 2013 -- 2014 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline. May 22, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( September 25, 2014 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Middle ', ' The Goldbergs ', ' Modern Family ', ' Law and Order : SVU ', & ' Red Band Society ' Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 25, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( May 14, 2015 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Law & Order : SVU ', ' Survivor, ' The Middle ' & ' American Idol ' Adjusted Up ; ' Supernatural ', ' black - ish ' & ' Nashville ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 14, 2015. ^ Jump up to : de Moraes, Lisa ( May 21, 2015 ). `` Full 2014 -- 15 Series Rankings ''. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 5, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( September 24, 2015 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Survivor ', ' Modern Family ' & ' Law and Order : SVU ' Adjusted Up ; ' Nashville ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 24, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 19, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire, ' ' Goldbergs, ' & ' SVU ' adjust up, ' Arrow ' & ' Supernatural ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 19, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Full 2015 -- 16 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline Hollywood. May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015. ^ Jump up to : de Moraes, Lisa ( May 21, 2015 ). `` Full 2014 -- 15 Series Rankings ''. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 5, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( October 12, 2016 ). `` ' The Voice, ' ' NCIS, ' ' Flash ' and ABC comedies adjust up, ' No Tomorrow ' adjusts down : Tuesday final ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 12, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 17, 2017 ). `` ' NCIS ' finale and ' Bull ' adjust up, ' The Middle ' adjusts down : Tuesday final ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 17, 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Final 2016 - 17 TV Rankings : ' Sunday Night Football ' Winning Streak Continues ''. Deadline Hollywood. May 26, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( October 4, 2017 ). `` ' Fresh Off the Boat, ' ' Voice ' adjust up, ' Brooklyn Nine - Nine, ' ' L&O True Crime ' adjust down : Tuesday final ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 4, 2017. Jump up ^ List of The Middle episodes Jump up ^ `` 2011 Gracie Awards Winners ''. The Gracies. Retrieved 2012 - 02 - 08. Jump up ^ `` 31st Annual Young Artist Awards -- Nominations / Special Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2011 Gracie Awards Winners ''. The Gracies. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Nominations for First Critics ' Choice Television Awards Include MODERN FAMILY, THE WALKING DEAD, GAME OF THRONES and More ''. Collider. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 33rd Annual Young Artist Awards -- Nominations / Special Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Critics ' Choice Television Awards Announces Nominations ''. Critics Choice. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` PAAFTJ Television Awards winners announced : `` Community '' and `` Breaking Bad '' earn top honors ``. tvbythenumbers. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 33rd Annual Young Artist Awards -- Nominations / Special Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` The Middle ''. Emmys.com. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Online Film & Television Association ''. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` 34th Annual Young Artist Awards -- Nominations / Special Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2013. Jump up ^ `` THE BROADCAST TELEVISION JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR 3rd ANNUAL CRITICS ' CHOICE TELEVISION AWARDS ''. Retrieved May 22, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2013 Teen Choice Awards : The Winners List ''. 11 August 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2nd PAAFTJ Television Awards nominations announced ; `` Arrested Development '' leads ``. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2013 EWwy Awards 2013 : Meet Your 10 Winners ! ''. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 35th Annual Young Artist Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved April 14, 2014. Jump up ^ `` EWwy Awards 2014 : Meet Your Winners ''. August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Top Television Series ''. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Humanitas Prize Sets Finalists For 40th Annual Writing Awards ''. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Teen Choice Awards 2014 : ' Pretty Little Liars ' leads second wave of nominations ''. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` 36th Annual Young Artist Awards ''. Young Artist Awards. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Kids ' Choice Awards 2015 : Complete List of Winners ! ''. Us Magazine. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Online Film & Television Association ''. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Critics ' Choice Awards Nominations ''. Deadline. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` 2016 HUMANITAS Prize Winners ''. Retrieved 16 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Young Entertainer Awards Submissions ''. Retrieved 16 May 2017. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( March 6, 2012 ). `` ' The Middle 's Off - Network Rights Sold To ABC Family & Broadcast Stations ''. Deadline.com. Retrieved May 11, 2012. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( March 14, 2012 ). `` Hallmark Channel Acquires Comedy Juggernaut, ' The Middle ' ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 11, 2012. Jump up ^ `` SNTA -- Program ''. Retrieved October 27, 2014. Jump up ^ `` WBNX TV, Cleveland 's CW ''. Facebook. WBNX TV. Retrieved 16 December 2017. Jump up ^ Lambert, David. `` The Middle - ' The Complete 8th Season ' DVDs are Announced for USA ''. TV Shows On DVD. TV Shows On DVD. Retrieved 2 August 2017. Jump up ^ Lambert, David. `` The Middle - Canada Date for ' The Complete 7th Season '... and ' The Complete 8th Season ' ! ''. TV Shows On DVD. TV Shows On DVD. Retrieved 2 August 2017. Jump up ^ `` Citytv 2011 Fall Primetime Schedule ''. Channel Canada. Channel Canada. Retrieved 4 September 2017. Jump up ^ `` CTV & / A 2009 / 2010 Schedule ''. Channel Canada. Channel Canada. Retrieved 4 September 2017. External links Official website The Middle 5 days a week The Middle on IMDb The Middle at TV.com The Middle Characters Episodes Season 1 5 6 7 8 9 Category ABC programming ( current and upcoming ) Primetime 20 / 20 ( since 1978 ) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ( since 2013 ) America 's Funniest Home Videos ( since 1989 ) American Housewife ( since 2016 ) The Bachelor ( since 2002 ) Black - ish ( since 2014 ) Dancing with the Stars ( since 2005 ) Designated Survivor ( since 2016 ) Fresh Off the Boat ( since 2015 ) The Goldbergs ( since 2013 ) The Good Doctor ( since 2017 ) The Great American Baking Show ( since 2015 ) The Great Christmas Light Fight ( since 2013 ) Grey 's Anatomy ( since 2005 ) How to Get Away with Murder ( since 2014 ) Inhumans ( since 2017 ) Kevin ( Probably ) Saves the World ( since 2017 ) Match Game ( since 2016 ) The Mayor ( since 2017 ) The Middle ( since 2009 ) Modern Family ( since 2009 ) Once Upon a Time ( since 2011 ) Quantico ( since 2015 ) Scandal ( since 2012 ) Shark Tank ( since 2009 ) Somewhere Between ( since 2017 ) Speechless ( since 2016 ) Ten Days in the Valley ( since 2017 ) The Toy Box ( since 2017 ) Summer The $100,000 Pyramid ( since 2016 ) 20 / 20 : In an Instant ( since 2015 ) The Bachelorette ( 2003 -- 2005 ; since 2008 ) Bachelor in Paradise ( since 2014 ) Bachelor in Paradise : After Paradise ( since 2015 ) Battle of the Network Stars ( since 2017 ) Boy Band ( since 2017 ) Celebrity Family Feud ( since 2015 ) The Gong Show ( since 2017 ) Steve Harvey 's Funderdome ( since 2017 ) To Tell the Truth ( since 2016 ) What Would You Do ? ( since 2008 ) Daytime The Chew ( since 2011 ) General Hospital ( since 1963 ) The View ( since 1997 ) Late night Jimmy Kimmel Live ! ( since 2003 ) Nightline ( since 1980 ) News 20 / 20 ( since 1978 ) ABC World News Tonight ( since 1953 ) America This Morning ( since 1982 ) Good Morning America ( since 1975 ) Nightline ( since 1980 ) This Week ( since 1981 ) What Would You Do ? ( since 2008 ) World News Now ( since 1992 ) Sports ESPN College Football on ABC Indianapolis 500 IndyCar Series on ABC NBA on ABC ESPN Saturday Night Football WNBA on ESPN Saturday morning Born to Explore with Richard Wiese Jack Hanna 's Wild Countdown Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin Sea Rescue Upcoming Alex, Inc. ( TBA ) American Idol ( 2018 ) The Bachelor Winter Games ( 2018 ) Child Support ( 2018 ) The Crossing ( TBA ) Dancing with the Stars : Athletes Edition ( 2018 ) Dancing with the Stars Junior ( 2018 ) Deception ( TBA ) For the People ( TBA ) Roseanne ( 2018 ) Splitting Up Together ( TBA ) Take Two ( TBA ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Middle_(TV_series)&oldid=815724100 '' Categories : The Middle ( TV series ) 2009 American television series debuts 2018 American television series endings 2000s American comedy television series 2010s American comedy television series American Broadcasting Company network shows American television sitcoms English - language television programs Single - camera television sitcoms Television series by Warner Bros. Television Television shows set in Indiana Television series about families Hidden categories : All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from December 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links All articles lacking reliable references Articles lacking reliable references from September 2015 Use American English from June 2016 All Wikipedia articles written in American English Articles needing additional references from January 2015 All articles needing additional references All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from September 2017 Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia Talk Contents About Wikipedia Български Čeština Deutsch Español Français Gaeilge 한국어 ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ / inuktitut Italiano עברית Қазақша Magyar Nederlands 日本 語 Polski Português Русский Suomi Svenska 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 16 December 2017, at 18 : 21. 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Question: where does the show the middle take place
Answer: in the small fictional town of Orson, Indiana