‘Malcolm In The Middle’ Returning For New Episodes On Disney+; Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, And Jane Kaczmarek To Return
Beloved Comedy Series ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Makes a Comeback for Its 25th Anniversary.
One of the most iconic comedy series of the 21st century, ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ is returning to screens in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The hit family sitcom will be revived for a limited four-episode run on Disney+, featuring original cast members Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek reprising their roles as Malcolm and his parents, Hal and Lois. Fans got their first glimpse of the reunion in a teaser video shared by the trio, which you can watch below.
The revival also brings back creator Linwood Boomer as a writer and producing director Ken Kwapis, who will helm all four episodes. The project is being developed by 20th Television and New Regency, the companies behind the original series, now producing under the Disney Branded Entertainment banner.
Joining Muniz, Cranston, and Kaczmarek in the new storyline are expected to be other familiar faces from the original cast. This time around, the plot centers on Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter, who find themselves caught up in the family’s familiar chaos when Hal and Lois insist that Malcolm attend their 40th wedding anniversary celebration.
While casting is underway for Malcolm’s wife, it seems likely the reunion could include Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield, who played older brothers Francis and Reese in the original series. However, Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed youngest sibling Dewey, is less likely to return, as he stepped away from acting in 2010 and hasn’t participated in previous reunions.
Muniz, who transitioned into a career as a professional race car driver, has occasionally returned to acting and has been an outspoken advocate for a Malcolm revival. Cranston, whose post-Malcolm career skyrocketed with his Emmy-winning role in Breaking Bad, has also been enthusiastic about bringing the gang back together.
The revival boasts an impressive team of executive producers, including Cranston, Linwood Boomer, Tracy Katsky (via KatCo), Ken Kwapis, and Gail Berman, who played a pivotal role in developing and selling the original series. They are joined by New Regency’s Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann, along with co-executive producers Jimmy Simons and Laura Delahaye.
“Malcolm in the Middle captured the chaos, humor, and heart of family life in a way that resonated with viewers across generations,” said Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television. “We’re thrilled to reunite the original cast to bring that magic back to life. With Linwood Boomer at the helm, fans can expect the same hilarious, heartfelt moments they loved — plus a few new surprises.”
When Malcolm in the Middle premiered on Fox in 2000, it redefined the TV comedy landscape with its single-camera format, paving the way for shows like The Office and Modern Family. The series’ debut drew 23 million viewers, a record-breaking audience for Fox at the time, and its popularity soared further in subsequent weeks. Over its seven-season run, Malcolm earned critical acclaim, winning seven Emmy Awards, a Peabody, and even a Grammy.
Currently, all 151 episodes of Malcolm in the Middle are available for streaming on Hulu, with access also included for Disney+ bundle subscribers. Whether these episodes will transition to standalone Disney+ alongside the revival’s release remains unclear.
“Malcolm in the Middle changed the game for television comedy, showing what the genre could achieve,” said Karey Burke, President of 20th Television. “When Linwood Boomer suggested reuniting the family, it was an easy yes. This show remains one of the most beloved and influential comedies ever created, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with its extraordinary cast.”
As reboots and revivals continue to trend, Malcolm in the Middle joins a wave of nostalgic returns, including an upcoming Scrubs sequel for ABC and a new chapter of Prison Break for Hulu.
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