Why Did ‘The Middle’ End & Will There Be a Reboot?

On May 22, 2018, The Middle signed off after 9 seasons, and to this day, there are still a lot of viewers questioning why one of ABC‘s fan favorite comedies ended in the first place. That confusion is sure to continue as the series gears up for its Netflix arrival in February 2026, where it will no doubt delight new viewers and old fans.

Starring Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Eden Sher, Charlie McDermott, and Atticus Shaffer, the series debuted in 2009. But were dipping numbers the reason behind its cancellation? No, in fact, it was the creators’ choice to stop making the show.

“We felt it was a good time to end because we were all still loving it, loving each other, and enjoying ourselves, ” co-creator and executive producer Eileen Heisler told Deadline about their decision to wrap the series back in 2018.

“It isn’t because we ran out of stories. We had a whole board of stories we never got to,” Heisler revealed. “We never wanted to get to the point where we were retreading old stories, or anyone was feeling restless and wishing they were somewhere else… We feel very grateful we’ve gotten to do that, and hope we are leaving fans wanting more.”

Michael Ansell / ABC

She added, “Our ratings have been great, and ABC was very clear they did want more seasons — it was our decision to bring it to a close.”

For viewers, it was definitely a bittersweet ending, having to bid the beloved Heck family goodbye in the hour-long finale. However, Heisler’s words definitely invoked hope.

“I can’t tell you what’s next… gotta save it for the reboot,” she said. “See you in 10 years!” she teased at the time.

Not too long after The Middle ended in 2018, ABC explored the possibility of moving ahead with a spinoff as a series surrounding Sue Heck (Sher) was discussed. While rumors turned into confirmation in August 2018, it was revealed by November of that same year that the network wouldn’t move forward with the project.

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A pilot was shot for Sue Heck in the City, which would have explored Sue’s adventures as a young adult in Chicago after leaving her hometown of Orson, Indiana. While the Warner Bros. TV production had searched for a potential alternate home, the scrapped spinoff didn’t have such luck. But perhaps Heisler’s words prophesying a comeback in 10 years, which would be 2028, could ring true if The Middle‘s popularity reignites. We’re choosing to keep hope that we’ll catch a glimpse of the Hecks once again someday!

Would you watch more of The Middle if it were to return? Let us know in the comments section below and relive every hilarious moment when all nine seasons of the show drop on Netflix.