The Middleman (2008)
A tongue-in-cheek sci-fi comedy-adventure series about a reluctant recruit battling the bizarre threats humanity refuses to acknowledge.
The Middleman - Series Information
- Original Title: The Middleman
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Les McClaine, Javier Grillo-Marxuach
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC Family
- Alternative Titles: The Middle Man (US)
- Production Companies: ProdCo, Grillo-Marxuach Design Bureau
The Middleman - Plot
Struggling female artist Wendy Watson, recruited by a secret agency, struggles to wrap her head around her bizarre new job -- fighting dangers humanity isn't prepared to face -- under the guidance of a handsome and relentlessly wholesome hero who calls himself "The Middleman" in this tongue-in-cheek adventure series.
The Middleman - Trailer
See the action unfold in the official trailer for this cult sci-fi comedy-adventure.
Where to Watch The Middleman
Looking for where to watch The Middleman?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Middleman - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Les McClaine
- Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Main Cast
- Matt Keeslar
- Natalie Morales
- Brit Morgan
- Mary Pat Gleason
- Jake Smollett
- Brendan Hines
- Drew Tyler Bell
- Sean Davis
- Elaine Hendrix
- Mark Sheppard
Writers
- Andy Reaser
- Jordan Rosenberg
- Sarah Watson
- Tracey Stern
- Javier Grillo-Marxuach
The Middleman - FAQs
Is The Middleman based on a comic book?
The Middleman is indeed rooted in comic book origins. Creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach developed the property as a comic book series before it was adapted for television. The show retains the source material's irreverent humor, genre-blending storytelling, and affectionate parody of superhero and spy fiction conventions.
Why was The Middleman cancelled after one season?
The Middleman was cancelled by ABC Family in 2008 after just one season, largely due to low ratings despite strong critical praise and a devoted cult following. The show's quirky, niche humor and dense pop-culture references may have made it a tough sell for a broader mainstream audience.
Where can you watch The Middleman?
The Middleman is currently available to purchase digitally. You can buy episodes or the full season on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. There are no current free streaming options, so purchasing is the best way to experience this beloved cult series.
Who are the main actors in The Middleman?
Matt Keeslar stars as the square-jawed, impossibly virtuous Middleman, while Natalie Morales plays the sharp and resourceful Wendy Watson. The supporting cast includes Brit Morgan, Mary Pat Gleason, Jake Smollett, Brendan Hines, Elaine Hendrix, and Mark Sheppard, all contributing to the show's vibrant ensemble energy.
How was The Middleman received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to The Middleman, praising its sharp wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and inventive genre parody. Reviewers highlighted the chemistry between Matt Keeslar and Natalie Morales and the show's fearless embrace of absurdist humor. It earned a loyal cult following that persists well beyond its brief single-season run.
What genre is The Middleman?
The Middleman blends action, adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy into a gleefully irreverent package. It functions as a loving parody of superhero and spy genres, delivering tongue-in-cheek humor alongside genuine adventure. Think comic book sensibility meets screwball comedy, wrapped in a secret-agency procedural format.
Did The Middleman ever get a proper finale?
The series was cancelled before a planned finale could air on television. However, the cast reunited in 2008 for a live staged reading of the unproduced finale script, titled "The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse," giving devoted fans a form of closure that has since become a celebrated part of the show's cult legacy.
What are similar shows to The Middleman?
Fans of The Middleman often enjoy Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law for its satirical superhero humor, and The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police for its absurdist crime-fighting comedy. Megas XLR and The Flash (1990) also share that affectionate, genre-savvy spirit that made The Middleman so distinctive.
More About The Middleman
Explore further details about The Middleman on these authoritative databases.