Twenty-six years after its debut on Fox, the hit sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” has returned as a four-episode miniseries reboot on Disney+. The show, which is titled “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair,” catches up with Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) and his family as they gear up to celebrate Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois’ (Jane Kaczmarek) 40th wedding anniversary. Like the countless reboots that have been conjured up throughout the past decade, from “The Conners” to “Will & Grace” and “Fuller House,” the original cast (except for Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed Dewey in the first series) reprises their roles. Yet, neither the nostalgia nor the whimsy present makes this revival feel worthwhile.
With original “Malcolm in the Middle” creator Linwood Boomer at the helm, as “Life’s Still Unfair” opens, fans are given a rapid-fire recap of some of the most memorable moments of the earlier show. From there, the audience catches up with Malcolm himself. Breaking the fourth wall, he declares he’s happy and successful. The Harvard alum also shares that he can be productive even when he’s surrounded by idiots. In addition to running his charity business, Malcolm also reveals that he’s a single dad to his teenage daughter, Leah (Keeley Karste), and he’s in a loving relationship with his girlfriend, Tristian (Kiana Madeira). However, he explains he’s able to thrive because he’s chosen to have very limited contact with his parents and siblings. In fact, he’s already concocted a plan to avoid attending Lois and Hal’s soiree.
Malcolm has seemingly turned over a new leaf, but the rest of his family are exactly who they’ve always been. Hal remains loving, emotional and completely oblivious. Meanwhile, Lois is just as fearsome and controlling as ever. Though she and Hal still treat each other tenderly, in “Life’s Still Unfair,” she’s on a rampage, determined to plan the perfect party despite her children (and Hal’s) continued antics and any financial strain it’s causing them.
The siblings are exactly who fans will remember them to be (for the most part). Eldest son Francis (Christopher Masterson) and his wife Piama (Emy Coligado) remain in a happy marriage, but the couple now lives in Hal and Lois’ garage, so it’s a bit too close for comfort. Second-born Reese (Justin Berfield) has, unfortunately, as expected, not amounted to much. However, he and Hal do spend a great deal of time doing odd jobs around the house. Dewey (now portrayed by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark) has taken his musical gifts across the globe and is primarily seen in this show via video chat. Fifth son Jamie (Anthony Timpano) now works for the Coast Guard. And finally, Kelly (Vaughan Murrae), the baby Lois was pregnant with in the series finale, is a thoughtful teenager, trying to keep sane in their chaotic household.
Though Malcolm has effectively distanced himself from his family, his choices all come to a head after Lois and Hal make a surprise visit to his home, demanding his presence at their anniversary party. This drop in reveals numerous secrets and lies Malcolm has hidden from his parents, Leah and Tristian. Composed of just four 30-minute episodes, “Life’s Still Unfair” feels more like a reunion special bursting with cameos than an actual reboot.
This finale certainly has a heartfelt moment or two, but the show overall is wholly unnecessary. Aside from Cranston and Kaczmarek, who remain pitch-perfect nearly three decades later, none of the other jokes truly land or reveal anything significant about the original sitcom — the majority of the comedy in “Life’s Still Unfair” feels clunky and forced. Still, there is one notable delight in the series. The final episode ends with a charming and heartfelt (albeit chaotic) display that will make even the most reboot-fatigued viewer crack a smile or two. Yet, as the credits roll, it’s quite clear that “Malcolm in the Middle” was of a different era. And that era is long gone.
All four episodes of “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” premiere on April 10 on Hulu.
From Variety US