We’re taking a look at some of this years new comedies and TV shows and this one with Patricia Heaton is a little strange. It’s one of four half hour comedy shows that will air on US TV network ABC this autumn but it reminds me of one that came way before.

The show is aptly titled ‘The Middle’ and is about being middle-class, middle-aged and living in the middle of the country. However it is way too like ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ to be considered original in the slightest. In fact unless I am seriously mistaken the annoying kid in the clip is Erik Per Sullivan, better known as Malcolm’s little brother ‘Dewey’. Of course he’s called Rick in this show, but who’s splitting hairs?