One of the Best Sitcoms Returns After 20 Years With a First Look That Has Fans Laughing

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Fans of the early 2000s are in for a treat, as classic TV shows continue to make a comeback! Most recently, the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is returning with a brand-new four-episode special called Life’s Still Unfair.

This limited series will reunite the famously chaotic Wilkerson family for a big event, promising the same funny energy as the original. What’s most exciting is that almost all of the original cast members are returning to play their iconic roles.

Frankie Muniz will reprise his role as Malcolm, now dealing with the challenges of adulthood, and Bryan Cranston is back as the quirky Hal. They’ll be joined by Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Christopher Masterson as Francis, Justin Berfield as Reese, and Emy Coligado as Francis’s wife, Piama.

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The show’s return will feature both beloved characters and exciting new faces. Keeley Karsten will play Leah, Malcolm’s teenage daughter, and Vaughan Murrae joins the cast as Kelly, the youngest sibling. Kiana Madeira will portray Tristan, Malcolm’s girlfriend, adding a new dimension to his life. Long-time fans will also notice a recasting of Dewey, now played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark.

The story picks up twenty years later, revealing Malcolm has taken an unexpected path from his childhood genius. After years of avoiding his family due to their often-embarrassing behavior, he’s drawn back home by a big 40th wedding anniversary party thrown by Hal and Lois. They insist their middle son be there to celebrate with them, forcing a family reunion.

A new preview image from the upcoming special perfectly captures the feel of the show, showing Malcolm looking as stressed as ever during a family dinner. He’s got his arms outstretched and a clearly frustrated expression, suggesting his family is just as chaotic after twenty years.

Linwood Boomer, the original creator, is back to write and produce the special, promising the same clever humor and direct-to-camera style fans loved. Since the show ended in 2006, the actors have all had interesting lives.

Frankie Muniz has become a professional race car driver and will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year. Bryan Cranston, best known for his role in Breaking Bad, has hinted he might take a break from acting to spend more time with his wife in France.

Justin Berfield, known for playing Reese, has spent the years since the original show ended working as a producer and executive at Virgin Produced. This new revival marks his return to acting after a long break. Jane Kaczmarek, however, has continued to act consistently, recently appearing in a production of Our Town with Deaf West Theatre. Filming for the revival began in Vancouver in early 2025, and it’s being directed by Ken Kwapis, who also worked on the original series. The revival will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ starting April 10th.

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2026-02-28 13:44