ABC’s ‘The Middle’ to Conclude Next Season

ABC sitcom “The Middle,” a consistent performer for the past eight seasons often forgotten in the “Modern Family” hoopla, will come to a conclusion following the upcoming ninth season. “We sat down with the cast at the end of last year,” said executive producer Eileen Heisler. “It was important to have a year to say goodbye. We want to be able to tell all the stories.”

Launched in 2009, the single-camera comedy stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie Heck, a working mom who, together with her husband Mike (Neil Flynn), has three children named Axl (Charlie McDermott), Sue (Eden Sher), and Brick (Atticus Shaffer).

“The Heck family has been part of the ABC family for almost a decade. It’s rare for a series to have this type of longevity, and we are proud to have been its home,” noted Channing Dungey, President of ABC Entertainment “We’ve watched Axl, Sue and Brick grow up right before our eyes under Frankie and Mike’s unique parenting style. I’m looking forward to the fitting and happy ending the producers will give the Hecks and our viewers.”

In its move to the Tuesday 8 p.m. ET anchor position this season, “The Middle” improved its half-hour by 22 percent in total viewers and was ABC’s most watched comedy in the time period since “Last Man Standing” in the 2011-12 season. The cast will be present at the Summer Press Tour for a session during ABC’s portion on Saturday.