Why Hulu’s Malcolm In The Middle Revival Wrote Off An OG Family Member

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After 20 years, the beloved show Malcolm in the Middle is returning with a four-episode revival on Hulu, starting April 10th. The series will reunite the family for a significant event, but one member will be noticeably absent.

The missing family member everyone’s wondering about isn’t Dewey, who will still be in the new Malcolm in the Middle: Life Still Unfair series, even though his original actor, Erik Per Sullivan, isn’t participating. Some viewers were worried Dewey might only have a quick appearance via video chat, but he’ll have a more substantial role.

By the time the new 2026 TV show airs, he’ll be attending to honor another family member who has died. The show will bring back familiar faces like Dewey, Francis, Reese, and Malcolm, and we’ll also meet grown-up versions of Jamie and Hal and Lois’s youngest child, Kelly, who hasn’t been seen before.

Sadly, Lois’ difficult mother, Ida, won’t be appearing in the reunion show. This isn’t due to recasting, but because the character has passed away. The show will actually feature a memorial service for Ida, highlighting the family’s grief and loss.

Ida’s Death Reflects The Real-Life Passing Of Cloris Leachman

A recent storyline on Malcolm in the Middle reflects reality, as actress Cloris Leachman, who played Ida, passed away five years ago. She was on the show for five seasons, starting with the 2001 episode “The Grandparents,” and her memorable portrayal of Lois’s tough and cynical mother created some of the show’s most humorous and impactful moments.

Cloris Leachman isn’t the only original cast member who has passed away, making a return to the revival impossible. Kenneth Mars, who played Otto, is also no longer with us. However, many believed Cloris Leachman, whose character Ida was closely connected to the show’s main family, was more likely to have rejoined the series if she were still alive.

I heard some really cool news about Life’s Still Unfair! Apparently, they’re bringing back Cleachman’s character – a nice nod to how amazing she was on the show, if you ask me. It’s sweet that even though the actress is gone, Grandma Ida still gets to cause trouble, especially by getting under Francis’ skin. That brother always had a special way of showing his…disrespect!

Life’s Still Unfair Depicts Ida’s Memorial Service

The new trailer for the Malcolm in the Middle revival shows a memorial service for Ida will be part of the story. In one scene, the family is dressed in black, standing with two of Ida’s friends who are smoking. A priest is leading the service near Ida’s flower-covered grave.

While the family watches, Francis and Malcolm start fighting over an urn. Eventually, Francis angrily dumps the urn’s contents onto the ground, much to the priest’s shock.

It’s not certain whose remains are in the urn – it could be Ida’s, or those of her late husband, Victor. However, based on who attended the memorial service, it’s clear the event was mainly to honor Ida.

Okay, let me tell you, the memorial service for Cloris Leachman in this episode was perfect. It was darkly funny, which is exactly how she’d have wanted it, and a beautiful tribute to her iconic role on Malcolm in the Middle. Now, Francis scattering his relative’s ashes might seem a bit…much, in other shows. But honestly, it totally captures the wonderfully chaotic and often detached dynamic Ida had with her family. It felt authentic, and that’s what made it work so well.

Cloris Leachman would have really appreciated this tribute to her character, who always provided hilarious moments by playfully teasing Lois, Hal, and the kids. While Malcolm in the Middle ended Ida’s story, Life’s Still Unfair beautifully honors her memory.

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2026-04-07 23:18