The Untold Truth Behind Malcolm In The Middle's Season 7 Finale: What Really Happened?

Summary

Malcolm in the Middle ended after season 7 due to low ratings, with viewership steadily declining throughout the show's run.

Fox's choice to alter the show's time slot was a contributing factor to the decline in viewership it experienced.

The eventual cancellation of Malcolm in the Middle played a significant role in paving the way for Bryan Cranston's memorable portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad.

Malcolm in the Middle, which aired on Fox in 2000, quickly gained popularity and left fans questioning why it concluded after season 7. The show revolved around the life of Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz, a gifted child navigating a dysfunctional lower-middle-class American family. Conceived by Linwood Boomer, the series was renowned for its clever humor, outrageous shenanigans, influence from pop punk, and vibrant depiction of youth culture in the 2000s.

Additionally, Malcolm in the Middle served as a platform that propelled Muniz to stardom and introduced Bryan Cranston to audiences. Cranston, now recognized as a distinguished dramatic actor for his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, established himself through comedic roles, most notably as Hal, Malcolm's endearingly goofy father. The show eventually became a cultural milestone during the early to mid-2000s, adding to the intrigue surrounding its sudden conclusion.

Fox Decided To Cancel Malcolm In The Middle Because Of Low Ratings

Malcolm in The Middle concluded its run due to declining viewership, a common trend among shows in the 2000s. In the earlier seasons, the show garnered an impressive 13-15 million viewers per episode. However, this number gradually decreased, with season 4 seeing a drop to around 10 million viewers. The decline was even more drastic in season 6, resulting in creator Linwood Boomer considering ending the show after season 7, although no official decision was made during production. The official announcement of cancellation came from Fox towards the end of Malcolm in the Middle's seventh season. The decreasing viewership of the show has been largely attributed to Fox's decision to change its time slot. Initially, the show aired on Sundays, during prime time, which greatly contributed to its sizable audience. However, in its final season, the show was moved to the less favorable "Friday night death slot," a time when young people, the network's most profitable demographic, are typically engaged in activities other than watching television. Even though the show returned to Sundays for a few episodes, the damage had already been done, resulting in the cancellation of Malcolm in The Middle.

How Malcolm In The Middle's Cancelation Led To Bryan Cranston Joining Breaking Bad

Malcolm in the Middle's cancellation in the mid-2000s was a setback for TV, but it led to Bryan Cranston's transformative role as Walter White in Breaking Bad. However, Cranston almost missed out on this opportunity as Malcolm in the Middle nearly returned for an eighth season in 2021. Cranston shared during an interview on the Smartless podcast that if the show had been renewed, he would have been committed and unavailable to shoot the Breaking Bad pilot. While Cranston was fantastic as the bumbling Hal, his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad solidified him as a remarkable dramatic actor. This decision not only benefited his career but also greatly contributed to the acclaimed status of Breaking Bad, widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Could A Malcolm In The Middle Reboot Still Happen?

As of August 2023, there has been no official confirmation about a potential reboot of Malcolm in the Middle, although rumors have been circulating. In 2015, Muniz expressed interest in reprising his role as Malcolm, and in a 2016 Reddit AMA, Cranston revealed that discussions about a Malcolm in the Middle movie had taken place and that he was open to the idea. Currently, it appears that a film is more likely than a continuation of the TV series due to the lesser commitment required from the cast and crew.

While it is positive that Muniz and Cranston are willing to return, there are other factors that need to be considered for a potential Malcolm in the Middle reboot. Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan, who played Reese and Dewey respectively, have retired from acting. Furthermore, any reboot would need to find a way to reunite the core family or introduce new characters while remaining true to the chaotic nature of the original series. It is worth noting that almost 20 years have passed since the final episode, and the characters would likely have their own children to contend with.