The Middle : Season 1

Total Score: 61/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged season 1 of The Middle, and honestly, it feels like stepping into a family reunion where nothing’s perfect, but somehow, that’s what makes it fun. The Hecks are the definition of barely-getting-by, and while that might not sound like the most exciting setup, there’s something comforting about watching them fumble their way through life. Frankie Heck, the overworked mom, narrates the chaos from the moment the show kicks off, and it’s clear: this isn’t one of those picture-perfect TV families. They’re loud, messy, and half the time, they’re just trying to make it to the next day without a complete meltdown. But that’s kind of what makes it relatable. Season 1 doesn’t try to wow you with big twists or dramatic arcs. It’s about finding humor in the absolute circus of everyday family life – and depending on your mood, that can either feel like a warm hug or just background noise.

Plot score: 6/10

Season 1 plays things simple. There’s no grand storyline carrying through the episodes – just little snapshots of Heck family life. One episode, Frankie’s trying to sell cars at her job; the next, Sue’s failing (again) to make the cheerleading team. Nothing huge happens, but somehow that’s the charm. It’s not the kind of show where you sit on the edge of your seat wondering what’s next. You already know – things will go wrong, plans will fall apart, and the Hecks will somehow laugh their way through it

Characters score: 7/10

The heart of The Middle is 100% in its characters. Season 1 does a great job introducing the Heck family and making them feel like people you might actually know – or maybe are related to. Frankie Heck is the classic overstretched mom, juggling work and home life, and honestly, she feels real. She’s not some super-mom who has it all figured out; half the time, she’s winging it, and that’s what makes her so relatable. That said, the characters don’t grow much over the course of the first season. They’re fun, but a lot of their traits start to feel a little recycled. Sue keeps failing, Axl keeps making fun of her, and Brick keeps doing weird things. It’s endearing but can feel a little repetitive if you’re watching several episodes in a row.

Visuals score: 5/10

Let’s be real – The Middle isn’t winning any awards for cinematography. The whole thing looks… well, average. But that’s kind of the point. The Heck house is cluttered, outdated, and perpetually falling apart. The school looks like every public school you’ve ever been in. Even the local car dealership where Frankie works feels like it’s been stuck in the ‘90s.

Pacing score: 6/10

Season 1 moves at a steady, easy pace. Each episode wraps up neatly within 22 minutes, which makes it easy to digest, but if you try to binge too many episodes in a row, it can feel a little samey. The show thrives in small doses – it’s the kind of thing you can watch casually without feeling like you need to keep track of an overarching plot. Sometimes, the pacing drags when the humor doesn’t quite hit or the storyline feels too basic. But the lighthearted tone and quick resolutions keep things from ever feeling too heavy or slow.

Dialogue score: 6/10

The dialogue in season 1 is simple but effective. Frankie’s voiceovers add a lot to the show, giving us her inner thoughts and making her feel even more relatable. Most of the best lines come from Mike’s dry humor or Brick’s oddball comments, but overall, the conversations feel real – like the kind of awkward, sometimes hilarious exchanges you’d hear in any family’s kitchen.

Music score: 5/10

Let’s just say you’re not watching The Middle for the soundtrack. The music is there – it’s fine, but not memorable. Light, bouncy tracks fill the background during funny moments, and there are the usual emotional cues when things get sentimental. It works, but you probably won’t even notice it half the time. That said, the lack of a standout soundtrack fits with the show’s understated vibe. Anything more dramatic might feel out of place in the Heck family’s chaotic but grounded world.

Emotional Influence score: 7/10

For a sitcom, The Middle has its moments. Season 1 isn’t trying to make you cry, but there are plenty of small, touching moments sprinkled throughout. Sue’s unwavering determination, even when everything goes wrong, feels genuinely inspiring in a goofy way. Frankie’s exhaustion and constant guilt about not being able to do it all hit a little too close to home sometimes.

Direction score: 6/10

The direction in season 1 is solid but not flashy. It’s your classic sitcom setup – straight-on shots, simple blocking, and no fancy tricks. But that simplicity works for The Middle. The focus stays on the characters and the humor, and the directors clearly know how to get the best out of their cast. There’s a consistency in the tone that keeps things light without veering into overly silly territory. The directors understand the show’s strengths – the small, relatable moments – and they lean into that without trying to overdo it.

Bingeability score: 5/10

Here’s the thing – The Middle is not a binge-heavy show. It’s great for throwing on when you need something light and easy, but watching too many episodes in a row can feel repetitive. The humor is subtle, and the episodic nature means you’re not chasing a cliffhanger at the end of each episode. That said, it’s a perfect “comfort show” to have in the background or watch when you just need to unwind. It’s cozy, familiar, and sometimes that’s all you really need.

Overall Enjoyment score: 6/10

Season 1 of The Middle is enjoyable, but it’s not the kind of show that will blow you away. It’s simple, warm, and funny in a quiet way – the kind of sitcom that sneaks up on you. By the end of the season, you feel like you know the Hecks personally, and even if their antics don’t always leave you rolling with laughter, there’s a charm to watching their everyday struggles. If you’re looking for light, relatable comedy that doesn’t ask for much commitment, The Middle might just hit the spot. If you need something more fast-paced or dramatic, though, you might find yourself drifting.