Disney+ has ordered a new season of the cult series from the 2000s with some of the original cast: Frankie Muniz (Malcolm), bryan Cranston (Hal) and Jane Kaczmarek (Loïs).
Almost 20 years after the end of its broadcast, the series Malcolm he will return. Disney + announced on Friday, December 13, that it had ordered a new mini-season of 4 episodes of the cult program from the 2000s.
According to the american media Variety, some of the original cast – Frankie Muniz (Malcolm), Bryan Cranston (Hal) and Jane Kaczmarek (Loïs) – and its creator Linwood Boomer will return to the series. According to the official synopsis, this revival will tell “the 40th anniversary of the marriage of Hal and Lois, who will bring their family together again for the occasion, including Malcolm and his daughter.”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for 18 years (series finale, editor’s note),” said Frankie Muniz in a video published by Disney +.
“It was such a thrill to be able to shout at that kid again,” Jane Kaczmarek said in the same video. “We can’t wait to get together and see how this family grows.”
Project ongoing since 2019
Broadcast on Fox between 2000 and 2006, and from 2001 in France, Malcolm it follows the everyday life of a gifted young boy and his family in a middle-class American suburb.
In 2019, Frankie Muniz was already mentioned meeting project of this famous family consisting of Malcolm, Lois, Hal, Francis, Reese and Dewey in a film, initiated by Bryan Cranston.
The actor, who found success again by playing the main character of the series Breaking Badwanted to make a movie where Malcolm and his whole family would reunite, several years after the end of the series, to find out what happened to them all.
But in 2023 this project came to an end when Bryan Cranston confirmed, during an interview for the show Watch What Happens Live, after working on the script for the revival of the series.
How does the return of the original cast impact the success of television revivals?
Interview with Industry Expert on the revival of Malcolm in the Middle
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today! We’re excited to discuss the recent declaration by Disney+ about the revival of Malcolm in the Middle. What does this mean for the landscape of television revivals?
Expert (E): Thank you for having me! The revival of Malcolm in the Middle is quite notable,especially considering the series last aired nearly twenty years ago. It highlights a trend we’re seeing in the industry where nostalgic properties are being brought back to engage both old fans and new audiences.In an age where streaming services are vying for content,reviving popular shows can provide instant recognition and a built-in audience.
TNE: Right, nostalgia seems to be a powerful tool in television today. With Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek returning, what does their involvement say about the potential success of this mini-season?
E: The original cast’s return is a strong indicator of the revival’s authenticity and appeal. Actors like Bryan Cranston and Jane kaczmarek have continued to build their careers after Malcolm in the Middle, which adds credibility and interest to the project. By bringing back familiar faces, Disney+ is not just banking on nostalgia; they’re ensuring that the same chemistry and charm that made the original show a hit are preserved.
TNE: Captivating! The revival will focus on a significant family milestone—the 40th anniversary of Hal and Lois’s marriage. How do you see this theme resonating with audiences?
E: Family milestones resonate deeply, and this particular theme brings forth a blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance. It reflects the importance of familial bonds and celebrates the evolution of relationships over time. Many viewers can relate to family reunions and the complexities that come with them. This thematic focus could bridge generational gaps, allowing both fans of the original series and a younger audience to find something relatable in the narrative.
TNE: There was talk of a movie project featuring Malcolm in the Middle that didn’t materialize. What can we learn from this progression towards a mini-season instead?
E: The cancellation of the movie project and the transition to a mini-season indicates a strategic shift in how content is developed. A mini-season allows for a more concentrated return to the characters we love while facilitating the storytelling process. This format gives writers and actors the chance to reconnect with their roles and the story without the extensive commitment a full series would require. It’s a middle ground that capitalizes on nostalgia while minimizing risk.
TNE: This revival is part of a broader trend of reboots and revivals in the industry. How should marketers and content creators approach this kind of nostalgia-driven content?
E: Marketers and creators should focus on innovative storytelling that respects the original fans while also appealing to new audiences. This means finding ways to evolve characters and narratives without losing the essence of what made them great. Audience engagement thru social media can also play a significant role—its vital to involve fans in the conversation leading up to a revival. This can create buzz and anticipation.
TNE: Any final thoughts on what this revival means for Disney+ and its positioning in the streaming landscape?
E: The revival of Malcolm in the Middle places Disney+ in a strong position as a leader in nostalgic content.It shows their commitment to reviving beloved classics, which could differentiate them from other services that primarily focus on original productions. By attracting both veteran fans and newer audiences, they are expanding their viewer base while also tapping into the lucrative nostalgia market.
TNE: Thank you for your insights! It’ll be captivating to see how Malcolm in the Middle unfolds on Disney+ and what it brings to fans old and new.
E: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to it as well.