ABC’s family-sitcom, The Middle, is starting its 8th season on October 11. Frankie (Patricia Heaton) and Mike (Neil Flynn) along with their three children, are back portraying a middle class family dealing with their day-to-day struggles in a small suburban town in Indiana. The struggles are real and the Heck’s add humor to it!
I viewed the premiere episode “The Core Group” and I’m sure the topic will hit home for many parents. The kids are growing up and Frankie is realizing that her days with her “core group” are numbered. Axl has a new girlfriend. Sue is changing majors in school and Brick is trying to fit in on his first year of high school. The episode was endearing and I felt for Frankie. It’s hard for a Mom (and dad) to let their kids spread their wings and not feel as “needed” but at the end of the day all we want for our family is happiness.
On a recent set visit to Warner Brothers Studios we visited The Middle for a behind-the-scenes look. The process is really interested and it’s amazing how many people are involved in the process of producing a show. We watched the cast rehearse from a monitor and that’s when I learned that the show is a single camera sitcom opposed to a three camera setting like most other sitcom. It’s not shot in front of a live-studio audience which means that you won’t hear any “laughter”. We took advantage of a couple of photo opps and then we met this fabulous TV Family!
We also explored the wardrobe trailer and met with Costume Designer Julia Caston. The trailer was draped in long rows of plaid shirts, colorful solids and fun patterns for each star to wear. Julia has a variety of outfits because she never knows what the color combination will be especially when you have 5 people in each scene. She purchases the clothes from everywhere and has tried to build an iconic relatable American look. She goes for color and stays away from black unless it’s a funeral. The wardrobe process is past the process of creating. Now that the show is on season 8, the process for wardrobe is set. Julia has created a pattern and the show is more about keeping true to the characters and watching them evolve in their lives. The wardrobe for this cast isn’t trending, it’s about what they are they are comfortable with. I noticed that there multiples sets of most of the clothing. Julia told me that she purchases 5 or 6 of an item so it’s available especially since they do a lot of stunts on the show.
Again, it’s amazing how much detail, time and passion goes into the production of a weekly sitcom. See the cast, the set and their clothes on the premiere episode of The Middle October 11. Thanks to Warner Bros/ABC for creating this experience!
ABC has other awesome shows to watch including:
- The all new “AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE” airs at 8:30/7:30c
- “FRESH OFF THE BOAT” airs at 9/8c
- “THE REAL O’NEALS” at 9:30/8:30c
* I attended an all-expense trip courtesy of ABC/Disney. Our opinions are our own.
1 comment
You have a good taste.