Malcolm in the Middle’s reboot branded “ridiculously enjoyable” and “written with impenetrable love”

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The revival of the popular sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, premiered today and is receiving mostly positive reviews from critics.

This new four-episode series picks up 20 years after the original show ended. It centers on the main character – once again played by Frankie Muniz – and his current life with his partner, Tristan (Kiana Madeira), and their daughter, Leah (Keeley Karsten).

Malcolm finds himself caught between his estranged family and a major milestone when his parents, Lois and Hal, celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. He’s been distant from them for years, but the anniversary brings him back into the family drama.

The new limited series is created by Linwood Boomer and directed by Ken Kwapis. Several original cast members – Christopher Masterson, Emy Coligado, and Justin Berfield – are returning to their roles. However, the character of Dewey will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, as Erik Per Sullivan, who originally played Dewey, has retired from acting.

The latest installment featuring Malcolm and his friends premiered today on Hulu and Disney+, and early reviews are positive. Rotten Tomatoes shows an 80% approval rating based on 30 reviews.

What to Read Next

You can read a selection of reviews below:

TV Insider

We really enjoyed how fast-paced and fun the reboot was! It’s hilarious, and it’s great to see these characters again, even if it’s just for a short, delightful visit.

Metro

If this really is the end for Malcolm in the Middle, it’s a fantastic way to finish the series. It shows how to successfully revive a beloved show, and it’s clear the writers put a lot of care and affection into the characters and the people who watched it.

Mashable

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair isn’t just a return to the past – it’s a fun way to celebrate everything that made the original show great, and it shows why bringing it back now is a good idea.

TheWrap

This show is a charmingly brief and heartwarming return to the past, filled with references that fans of Malcolm in the Middle will love. However, it doesn’t feel dated, as it also introduces a new cast of characters, keeping things lively and current.

Consequence

This four-part Hulu reunion effectively recreates the warm, chaotic spirit of the original Fox sitcom, and manages to pull it off despite a slightly unusual format.

Variety

The series finale has a few genuinely touching scenes, but ultimately, the show wasn’t really needed. While Bryan Cranston and Edie Falco still deliver fantastic performances after all these years, the rest of the humor just doesn’t quite work.

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair is streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautifully illustrated 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-04-10 14:19