The Middle deserves more recognition as one of TV's best sitcoms 

When it comes to choosing TV's best sitcom, viewers usually pick The Office or Friends. ABC's sitcom The Middle, however, remains one of the most underrated sitcoms of all time. Created by DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler, the series is set in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. It follows the Hecks, a lower-middle-class family of five navigating the everyday challenges of life and work.

At the centre of the family is Frankie Heck, who works at a used car dealership, and her husband Mike, who is a manager at a local quarry. They have three children: the eldest son Axl, their daughter Sue, and their youngest child Brick. On one hand, Axl is quite popular and often rude, and Sue is highly enthusiastic yet awkward. Frankie and Mike's youngest son, Brick, is highly intelligent, a compulsive reader with odd traits.

Here's why The Middle can be considered one of the best TV sitcoms.

Why is The Middle one of the best TV sitcoms?

Friends, Seinfeld, The Office, Frasier, Veep, 30 Rock, I Love Lucy, and Curb Your Enthusiasm are among the most talked-about TV sitcoms. Even though some shows ended a decade or two ago, they continue to hold a special place in television history. ABC's hit sitcom The Middle rightfully deserves a spot among the best TV sitcoms of all time. The series premiered on September 30, 2009, and wrapped up on May 22, 2018, after nine successful seasons.

What makes The Middle special is its ability to find humor in ordinary family life. Unlike other sitcoms, which are usually based on extraordinary circumstances or glamorous lifestyles, this series focuses on the financial struggles of lower-middle-class families, parenting struggles, awkward discussions, and moments that describe everyday life. The Hecks are far from being a perfect family, and that is what makes them relatable. One of the most remarkable things about the sitcom is that it features characters dealing with real-life problems, but things never turn ugly. Thus, it makes for a fun, comforting, and realistic experience at the same time.

The show gives each character a distinct personality. For instance, the matriarch of the family, Frankie, tries her best to balance her work and personal life. However, most of the time she fails, yet never gives up. Elsewhere, Mike struggles to balance dad duties, work, and his marriage.

Their youngest son, Brick, is the brightest in the family, yet his compulsive reading habits and odd traits often cause problems at school. Axl, the eldest son, is often rude and self-centred. Sue Heck, the only daughter of Frankie and Mike, is one of the most interesting characters. She is energetic and highly enthusiastic. However, she miserably fails at each task. Sue is often neglected by her parents, but she never gives up her optimistic attitude. She is the family and the show's emotional centre.

Despite its long run and fun storytelling, this series rarely receives the attention that other sitcoms usually get. The subtle humor and realistic portrayal of family life make it one of the best sitcoms on TV. If you are in the mood for funny, familiar, and genuinely heartfelt shows, The Middle is the perfect pick. The series brings back throwback gags, which many series fail to do.

The Middle is available to stream on Netflix in selected regions.

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Also Read: Who plays Sue Heck in The Middle? Actor's career and notable projects explored

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