‘Malcolm In the Middle’ Revival Series Scores Solid Reviews

"Malcolm in the Middle: Life is Still Unfair," is set to premiere on Hulu and Disney and now early reviews say it's a solid show. The ‘Malcolm In the Middle’ Revival Series Scores Solid Reviews first appeared on The Blast

Revival series are all the rage when it comes to beloved older sitcoms. Now, the latest show to return to the airwaves is none other than “Malcolm in the Middle,” which aired on Fox for seven seasons. The new show, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life is Still Unfair,” is set to premiere in April and will feature Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Berfield, and Christopher Masterson returning.

Erik Per Sullivan is the only original cast member not to return. Now, ahead of the premiere, reviews for the new show are mostly positive.

Early Reviews Heap Praise On The ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Revival

The review embargo for “Malcolm in the Middle: Life Is Still Unfair” was lifted on April 9. Currently, the show sits at an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although lower than many expected, this easily makes the show “certified fresh” on the platform. This is based on 27 reviews.

One reviewer, Akos Peterbencze from Looper.com, wrote, “I can’t speak for every fan, but ‘Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’ is almost every bit as delightful, bonkers, and mad fun as the original was.”

Robert Lloyd from the LA Times stated, “It’s true to itself. It gets a little sentimental and a little serious in the clutch; there will be closure, self-realization, and ego death. And, as if embarrassed by the whole business, the show will do something crazy to blast the tear from your eye.”

Lastly, Alan Sepinwall from What’s Alan Watching said, “If Boomer and the others wanted to keep periodically returning to these misfits, I would grow wary. But in the short-term, there’s just enough of that old ‘Malcolm’ feeling that I was glad, Mr. Cranston, to get more of this.”

Not All Critics Are Happy With The ‘Malcolm’ Series

Regarding the reception to “Malcolm in the Middle: Life is Still Unfair,” there are also several negative reviews, with some stating that the show overall just doesn’t work the way the creators intended. In a negative review, Dave Nemetz from TV Guide wrote, “Family reunions are nice and all… but this one might only prove you really can’t go home again.”

Nathan Chizen from Exclaim! said, “The original Malcolm in the Middle looks like a product of its time, and, unfortunately, so does its revival.” Additionally, Aramide Tinubu said for Variety, “This finale certainly has a heartfelt moment or two, but the show overall is wholly unnecessary.”

Lastly, Daniel Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter reviewed the show, saying, “Life’s Still Unfair is far from comfort food. It’s bizarrely discomfiting. It’s almost audaciously unpleasant.”

Still, some of the negative reviews praised the performances, especially those of Cranston and Kaczmarek.

What To Know About The ‘Malcolm’ Revival Series

“Malcolm in the Middle: Life Is Still Unfair” has been in the works for quite some time now. Filming for the show reportedly began in April 2025 and concluded the following month. From there, Hulu and Disney+ announced in December that the show would premiere on April 10.

In total, the limited series will consist of four episodes. Regarding the plot, it involves Muniz returning to the role of Malcolm, this time estranged from his family, including Cranson’s Hal, Kaczmarek’s Lois, and Berfield’s Reece.

As mentioned, Sullivan won’t be returning to the show as Dewey. Instead, the role will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark as Sullivan is currently studying at Harvard and has left acting behind. The cast held the series’ premiere event in New York City on April 7.

Bryan Cranston Says Comedy Is Essential

Cranston has made a major name for himself since the end of “Malcolm in the Middle” with more serious roles, such as in “Breaking Bad.” However, in a recent interview with The Guardian, the veteran actor opened up about why comedies, like the new show, are “essential.”

He told the outlet, “Comedy is essential right now. It’s not even important. It’s essential. Because it’s a break from the bombardment of non-stop information. People who have the news on 24 hours a day in their homes, I don’t think they realize the damage they’re doing. You might as well make a house full of asbestos or just have radiation constantly emitting through your house.”

He went on to joke about appearing naked on camera, including in the official trailer for “Malcolm in the Middle: Life is Still Unfair.”

The actor said, “Taking my clothes off seems to be my whole life. I thought a nudity clause meant that it was circumspect as to when someone was going to be naked. I didn’t know my agent viewed a nudity clause as ‘nudity is essential.’ So here I am, a 70-year-old man parading around in his skivvies – or less.”

Frankie Muniz Recently Reflected On Getting Older

It has been almost 20 years since “Malcolm in the Middle” ended its original run in May 2006. Now, with the reboot, the chartacters are are all more advanced in life. Recently, Muniz spoke with USA Today, saying he can’t believe he’s now in his 40s, as Malcolm is on the show.

He told the outlet, “I ride a Peloton, and now it says ‘Frankie Muniz, 40s.’ I’m like, ‘Whoa, bro, my mom’s 40.’ She’s not; she’s 70, but in my head, I think that.”

The actor also reflected on now being near the same age as Cranston was when he began playing his dad on the original show. According to Muniz, “It’s pretty wild when you think that because I remember thinking he’s so old, you know? I’m not that old!”

The ‘Malcolm In the Middle’ Revival Series Scores Solid Reviews first appeared on The Blast