The Middle Spinoff Gets Title, Adds Sue’s BFF as Series Regular
Sue Heck will have at least one familiar face from Orson joining her when she makes her way to the Windy City. Brock Ciarlelli, who recurred as best friend Brad in all nine seasons of ABC‘s recently ended The Middle, has joined the potential spinoff as a series regular, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition, the Sue-centric offshoot now has an official title: Sue Sue in the City. (As longtime fans of The Middle will recall, the middle child’s full name is Sue Sue Heck.)
Ciarlelli was first introduced in Season 1 of The Middle as Sue’s flamboyant boyfriend. They broke up when Sue learned that Brad… smoked cigarettes. Then, in Season 7, Brad came out as gay. The pair remained inseparable for the duration of the series’ run.
Sue Sue in the City received an official pilot order back in August. The potential series will find Sue leaving Indiana to pursue a career — and young adulthood — in Chicago. Middle creators Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline are penning the pilot script and will serve as EPs.
Last May’s series finale of The Middle left off with Sue still in college, although a flash-forward revealed that she eventually married neighbor Sean (after a number of breakups and makeups). The would-be Sue series would pick up several years after the finale but before Sue settled down with Sean, Sher told TVLine at San Diego Comic-Con. (Watch her SDCC interview below.)
If ordered to series, Sue Sue in the City could, in theory, take over ABC’s Tuesday-at-8 pm time slot at midseason after Roseanne spinoff The Conners wraps its 10-episode run. In the meantime, hit the comments with your reactions to the spinoff’s official title.
You may also like
Should’ve been Suecago.
THIS!!! LOL!
Good name!
Omg. This!
I like ChiSueGo better…keeps Sue in The Middle but implies forward movement…
I agree!
I’m hoping Sue’s friend Lexi played by Daniela Bobadilla returns as a series regular too.
Agreed. Her chemistry with Sue was clever and perfect.
Her boyfriend better be a main character as well.
Lexi married Sean in real life
Lexi married Axl if I recall correctly!
Reread his comment…you’re talking about the show, he’s talking about real life…
Love the title!!!
Best news I’ve heard all day! I was hoping Brad would come along with Sue, and I hope he is employed in a Second City like comedy troupe. RE: the title, I am lukewarm. Too close to Caroline in the City for my liking. I almost think “What the Heck” would be better…
I instantly thought of Caroline in the City as well. I was hoping for something more original and a bit more tongue in cheek with Sue’s unique personality. I had a title in mind months ago, but I forgot it. It was definitely not that one though.
I thought g rated No Sex in the City.
How about “Out of the Middle” as a title? Pays homage to the original title/concept of life in middle america, as well as implies Sue is on a journey up…
The Sue and Brad interactions were always highlights in any episode. I really hope this pilot gets picked up. I’m curious to see who else will be in the cast.
“Sue Sue in the City”, meh title.
Sue in the City would have make sense.
They better have Lexi and Sean as series’ regulars.
I’m so so on the title. (Or, rather, sue sue on the title!!). I was thinking “The Year of Sue”, or possibly “The Life of Sue”. Anyway, no matter what they call it I’m all in and hope that it gets picked up to series.
That’s funny. I thought of The year of Sue as the title when news broke of it being picked up. It just seems like a natural fit. Definitely a missed opportunity in the title department.
Maybe it will be on sooner after The Connors early cancellation.
Bite your tongue. I hope it gets reneweed for a 2nd season.
Guys, I forgot that Axl’s friend Hutch lives in Chicago now.
Do you think that he will be on the series as well?
That would be awesome! Would love to see Lexi at least reoccur as well. Would also love to see Sean play a role as well.
LOVE IT
Eh title… Suecago, as someone else suggested, would be better! Or Life of Sue…But we all really want to watch Sue Sue Donohue happen, more than anything!
I absolutely loved the middle. Think the title is great. Cant wait.
I’m neutral. I would have liked The Year of Sue .
The Year of Sue would’ve been good.
I kinda hope the bring back Darren. Even just as a friend for Sue and Axl
To me, that would imply only one season {year} the show needs several seasons.
I am so looking forward to seeing this spin off. I hope the other Hecks make appearances!! Eden brings the optimistic Sue to life!!
Best news ever. Shes such a good actress and deserves her own show
It has been a long time since I so badly wanted something to succeed. Sue Sue Heck is truly adorkable! I pray this is a thoughtfully written and produced sitcom that stands on its own. It should. all the working parts are there!
We love Sue Sue!
Awesome news!! Can’t wait to know more about the show. Keep this news coming.
I forgot Brad smoked!
I like the title…
Now for that overdue Emmy!
Love the name!! Hope all the Middle castrated will make an appearance at one time or more. Can’t wait!!
that’s truly an unfortunate autocorrect!
Omg, your comment made lol for real
Yes! Brad!!! Love him!
Yes!! I like that one! Maybe The Sue Life, Sue Betcha!, Totally Sue. That was fun lol!
So cute I think it will be a hit looking forward to it
What, was “A World of Heck” taken?