Disney Announces 'Malcolm in the Middle' Revival for 25th Anniversary
Ever since Malcolm in the Middle concluded in 2006–and especially with a bevy of recent revivals and reboots of TV properties from the '90s and 2000s–fans have been asking if the hit comedy series would ever come back with new episodes. For years, the creators and Fox answered, "Yes, no, maybe. I don't know. Can you repeat the question?"
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But now we have a definitive answer, and it's a great one! Disney has announced that the family comedy will return for a limited run in 2025, timed out to the series' 25th anniversary in January. How much of the Wilkerson family–including Bryan Cranston, Frankie Muniz, and Jane Kaczmarek–will we get to see on our screens again? Here's everything to know about the Malcolm in the Middle revival.
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Is Malcolm in the Middle returning in 2025?
Yes! As first revealed by Deadline, Malcolm in the Middle will return with new episodes. The announcement was made in a video with stars Cranston, Muniz, and Kaczmarek.
They’re back! Malcolm in the Middle returns with 4 brand-new episodes on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/6nYVzjRq3M
— Disney+ (@DisneyPlus) December 13, 2024
When does the Malcolm in the Middle 2025 revival premiere?
It's unknown when the Malcolm in the Middle revival will premiere. Though, given the anniversary of the series premiere is happening in 2025, it would be safe to say Disney would try their best to have it drop that year.
Who is in the cast of the Malcolm in the Middle 2025 revival?
The announcement of the revival confirmed that Frankie Muniz would be reprising his role as the titular middle child of the Wilkerson family. We'll also be seeing his parents, played by Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek.
The fate of the rest of the boys in the family, however, is unknown. Since the conclusion of Malcolm in 2006, all of the actors who played the Wilkerson sons have left the entertainment industry. That includes Christopher Kennedy Masterson (eldest son and delinquent turned family man Francis), Justin Berfield (second son and impulsively violent Reese), and Erik Per Sullivan (neglected and genius youngest son Dewey). That said, Deadline wrote that the announced trio are expected "to be joined by other cast members." Whether that includes series mainstays or recurring characters remains to be seen.
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What will happen in the Malcolm in the Middle 2025 revival?
According to Deadline, the synopsis for the Malcolm in the Middle revival reads, "Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party." Like many reboots and revivals of nostalgic properties, the show is bringing in another generation, as Malcolm will be navigating all of the chaos that tends to follow his family around with daughter in tow.
How many episodes is the Malcolm in the Middle 2025 revival?
While Malcolm in the Middle fans are thrilled to have new episodes back in their lives, they'll have to appreciate the short, but sweet return. The revival has been announced to run only four episodes. Though perhaps audience reception–and goodwill of getting the family together–might mean the reunion will become extended a la shows like The Conners.
How to watch the Malcolm in the Middle revival
The Malcolm in the Middle revival will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+. While the series initially aired on Fox, Disney has brought much of 20th Century Fox's library over to their streaming platform after purchasing the company in 2019.
When did Malcolm in the Middle end?
Malcolm in the Middle originally concluded on May 14, 2006, after seven seasons and 151 episodes. The series finale, "Graduation," revealed Lois' grand plans for Malcolm, forcing him to attend Harvard so he would continue on his path to becoming President of the United States. Additionally, Hal and Lois get their own surprise when they find out she is pregnant with their sixth child.