'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair' Is Finally Here: Is the Revival Worth Watching?

Hulu has released a reunion of the popular 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, subtitled Life's Still Unfair. After 20 years, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, and Frankie Muniz return to their roles.

Linwood Boomer's original show was a hit, innovating by abandoning studio recordings with laugh tracks in favor of a more cinematic single-camera shoot.

While the reunion captivates with its great premise and interesting conflicts, it suffers from the typical affliction of all comebacks: sentimentality.

What Is 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair' About?

Lois and Hal are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and expect all their children and relatives to attend. Their fourth son, Dewey, cannot come because he is performing for the Queen in England – a valid excuse.

However, their third son, Malcolm, avoids direct contact with his family and only communicates with them via email. The parents take the time to travel and arrive to talk face-to-face.

When they arrive, they discover that Malcolm has been so avoidant that he "forgot" to tell them about their teenage granddaughter, Leah. Leah, in turn, grew up completely convinced that her grandparents were dead.

'Life's Still Unfair' Focuses on Hal and Retains Almost All of the Original Show's Best Elements

The reunion puts special emphasis on Hal, even though he wasn't as prominent as the younger actors or Jane Kaczmarek in the original show. However, Cranston has become famous for his leading role in Breaking Bad, and for many viewers, he has become the center of attraction.

Cranston found a great storyline that showcases his tragicomedy talent – his character embarks on a surreal journey to understand the meaning of his existence.

Leah, Malcolm's granddaughter, has the ability to break the fourth wall and address the audience, a trait she inherited. This nods to the original's signature gimmick while offering a fresh take on an old trope.

Hal and Lois remain charming in their love, which they have sustained through 40 years of marriage and raising a bunch of kids.

'Life's Still Unfair' Suffers From the Same Problems as Most Other Reunions and Revivals

The main problem with Life's Still Unfair is its finale. The characters carefully resolve their relationships, publicly confess, and display excessive affection. This is a common issue with reunions – the desire to give fans a warm, cozy ending at any cost, even if it goes against the spirit of the original.

After all, the original Malcolm in the Middle was famous for its chaotic, unpleasant, and far from sentimental view of family life.

The showrunner is now trying to get his house in order, however, the final sentimental ending might turn off viewers who loved the show for its audacity and unexpected twists.

Overall, the reunion is a good comedy that will delight fans and give them a chance to see their favorite characters again. However, if you were expecting something revolutionary it's best to lower your expectations.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair'?

• Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair has 80% from critics and 73% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.1/10.

Where to Watch 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair'?

Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is available to stream on Hulu.