The Middle: A Look at the Unaired Pilot
Before the beloved sitcom The Middle aired, there was a different version! Find out how it differed from the final show!
What's the Difference Between the Unaired Pilot and the Final Pilot?
In 2007, a The Middle unaired pilot episode was produced! It included a very different The Middle cast! Most importantly, each actor except Brick, played the same character, though those characters were different in a few key ways! Axl was initially named Elvis! These subtle, yet key changes, demonstrate why those small tweaks make such a big impact in storytelling!
What Characters Are Different From The Unaired Pilot?
Fans might not have realized the iconic characters they know and love are just as powerful as the original pilot. You can compare the main characters from the pilot:
- Frankie played by Ricki Lake instead of Patricia Heaton
- Mike played by Lex Medlin instead of Neil Flynn
- Sue played by Brenna O'Brien instead of Eden Sher
- Axl played by Michael Mitchell instead of Charlie McDermott
How Did the Setting Change in The Middle?
The original The Middle unaired pilot episode had the family living in the town of Jasper, Indiana. This is just a small change in detail! But when it comes to television shows, you can see how details like this have a big impact. When it comes to television shows, sometimes the tiniest changes mean so much!
What is the Storyline for The Middle?
In a humorous and heartfelt way, The Middle focuses on a loving family trying to survive everyday life. The The Middle show follows their adventures and exploits, but it's a light-hearted view on a typical family experience.
Why Were the Changes to The Middle a Good Thing?
This was definitely the right move! The show's casting worked out beautifully, and fans continue to celebrate their chemistry! Even though it's entertaining, the unaired pilot missed that special, intangible ingredient that made the show such a favorite.
What is the Story Behind The Middle's End?
With the release of season nine, the story for The Middle came to an end. The The Middle cast was ready to say goodbye, and even though there were whispers of a spin-off show called Sue Sue in the City, it didn't make it past the planning stages.
