Malcolm in the Middle was an instant hit when it premiered on January 9, 2000, quickly becoming one of the highest-rated and most beloved sitcoms of the 2000s. The FOX series followed the wild antics of the Wilkerson family and concluded in 2006 after 151 episodes, earning 33 Emmy nominations and seven wins during its original run.
The show centered on Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz, and his eccentric family, including parents Bryan Cranston (Hal) and Jane Kaczmarek (Lois), along with his siblings. Though the series ended nearly two decades ago, the cast has remained connected, and fans have long hoped for a reunion.
In December 2024, a reboot was officially announced for Disney+, and in late 2025 the first teaser trailer dropped, showing longtime fans what to expect from the continuation. The revival — titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair — reunites many original stars, including Muniz, Cranston, Kaczmarek, Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Francis), Justin Berfield (Reese), and Emy Coligado (Piama), alongside new cast additions and a recast for Dewey. The four-episode limited series will revisit Malcolm as an adult with a daughter while pulling him back into his family’s chaos around his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary.
Take a trip down memory lane as we explore what the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ family is up to now!
Frankie Muniz
Frankie Muniz then and now. (Everett/AP)
Frankie Muniz began playing the title character in Malcolm in the Middle at just 14 years old. Malcolm was one of Lois and Hal’s kids in the hit FOX series. Malcolm was a genius with a photographic memory. Frankie’s performance earned him an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations.
During Malcolm in the Middle’s 7-season run, Frankie starred in movies like Big Fat Liar,Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes. He also notably voiced the role of Chester McBadbat in The Fairly Oddparents and guest-starred in an episode of Lizzie McGuire in 2002.
Frankie would take a step back from acting to explore an open-wheel racing career in 2008. He was also a drummer in the band Kingsfoil from 2012 to 2014. Frankie was one of the celebrity contestants of Dancing With the Stars season 25. He came in third place. He went on to co-host Dancing With the Stars Juniors with Jordan Fisher in 2018.
The actor and his longtime love, Paige Price, announced their engagement in 2018 and married in February 2020. They welcomed their first child, a son, in March 2021.
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston then and now. (Everett/AP)
Bryan Cranston played Hal, the patriarch of Malcolm in the Middle. Following the show’s end in 2006, Bryan went on to nab his most memorable role to date, playing Walter White in the AMC series Breaking Bad. He was awarded 4 Emmys for his performance in the drama series.
He has also starred in movies like Argo, The Upside, Little Miss Sunshine, and Isle of Dogs. He earned an Oscar nomination for portraying screenwriter and novelist Dalton Trumbo in the 2015 film Trumbo.
Bryan is an acclaimed stage actor as well. He won his first Tony Award for playing former President Lyndon B. Johnson in All The Way in 2014. He reprised the role in the 2016 HBO film. He won a second Tony for his performance in Network. The actor also starred in and executive produced the Showtime limited series, Your Honor.
Jane Kaczmarek
Jane Kaczmarek then and now. (Everett/AP)
Jane Kaczmarek starred as Lois, Malcolm’s mother, in the FOX sitcom. She received 7 consecutive Emmy nominations for her role in Malcolm in the Middle. She also earned 3 Golden Globe nominations.
Since Malcolm in the Middle ended, Jane has appeared in shows like Law & Order: SVU, The Big Bang Theory, Carol’s Second Act, and This Is Us. She also had roles in films such as CHiPs and 6 Balloons. She guest-starred in an episode of the TV show mixed-ish in 2019.
Jane split from actor Bradley Whitford in 2009 after 17 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in 2010. They have three kids together.
Christopher Kennedy Masterson
Christopher Kennedy Masterson then and now. (Everett/AP)
Christopher Kennedy Masterson played Francis, Hal and Lois’ oldest son. Following the show’s end in 2006, Christopher appeared in several films and guest-starred on shows such as White Collar, Men at Work, and A Haven . His last TV and film projects were in 2014. Christopher is now a DJ.
Christopher is also the younger brother of That ’70s Show starDanny Masterson . His half-siblings areAlanna andJordan Masterson . He dated That ’70s Show starLaura Prepon from 1999 to 2007. Christopher is now married to actressYolanda Pecoraro . They share one daughter, Chiara, whom they welcomed in 2021.
Justin Berfield
Justin Berfield then and now. (Everett/Mega)
Justin Berfield played Reese , Malcolm’s older brother . His post – Malcolm in the Middle career has transitioned to more behind -the -scenes work . He notably produced the films Romance and Cigarettes and Blonde Ambition
Justin is the Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Produced , the film , television , and entertainment division of the British Virgin Group . Virgin Produced was launched in 2010 . He is now the father of a baby girl , whom he welcomed in 2020 with his wife Liza .
Erik Per Sullivan
Erik Per Sullivan then and now. (Everett/Mega)
Erik Per Sullivan starred as Dewey for all of Malcolm in the Middle’s 151 episodes . Dewey was Malcolm’s younger brother . Erik’s last acting credit was the movie Twelve in 2010 , and since then , it appears he has retired from acting.
He attended the University of Southern California in 2009.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
