FRANKIE AND MIKE FINALLY MEET THE LOVE OF AXL'S LIFE BUT DISCOVER THAT SHE HAS A QUIRKY PERSONALITY TRAIT; SUE WANTS TO CHANGE HER MAJOR TO THEATER; AND BRICK IS STARTING HIGH SCHOOL AND TRIES TO CHANGE HIS IMAGE FROM WEIRD TO COOL, ON ABC'S 'THE MIDDLE'

Two-time Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations, on "The Middle," TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network. Middle-aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country in Orson, Indiana, Frankie Heck is a harried wife and mother of three who uses her wry wit and sense of humor to get her family through each day intact. Frankie works as a dental assistant, and her unflappable husband, Mike, is manager at the local quarry and her sardonic partner in the daily grind that is raising their average - yes, most definitely average - family. (Rebroadcast. ABC OAD: 10/11/2016)

This year, the kids will find themselves breaking out of their comfort zones and navigating new situations than what they're used to - which may or may not be very comforting to Frankie and Mike.

On the season premiere episode, "The Core Group," Frankie and Mike are excited to meet April (Greer Grammer) - the love of Axl's life - but discover that love may indeed be blind when April reveals a quirky personality trait. Meanwhile, after getting bit by the acting bug while working at Dollywood over the summer, Sue wants to change her major to theater, and Brick is starting high school and making it his mission to try for a fresh start and not be considered one of the weird kids.

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue and Atticus Shaffer as Brick.

Guest starring are Greer Grammer as April, Casey Burke as Cindy, Will Green as Jeremy, Brock Ciarlelli as Brad Bottig, Matt Cornett as Duncan, Crystal Shannon as freshman girl, Ted Stavros as freshman boy and Martha Thatcher as girl.

"The Core Group" was written by Ilana Wernick and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.