Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am on the set of The Middle with you #ABCTVEvent #TheMiddle

****Disney provided an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this great event ****

What a big night for comedy tonight is! There are a bunch of big premieres for ABC favorites (and soon to be favorites) what a funny night this is going to be.  Are you going to tune in? Tonight marks the 8^th season premiere for the hit show The Middle, premiering at 8/7c. 

THE MIDDLE - ABC's "The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Atticus Shaffer as Brick, Eden Sher as Sue and Neil Flynn as Mike. (ABC/Craig Sjodin)

“Two-time Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. 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". 

Recently while in LA, I was very fortunate to be able to check out the set of this

great show.  I love this show because the characters remind me of my own family and so does the house! I can admit it, my home is not the most organized and there is stuff everywhere, so it seems and while on the set I felt very comfortable and at home.

The “rooms” were all very real, with older furniture, and stuff in most of the corners, it had a very lived in feel. From laundry to just extra “stuff” things were everywhere. It was pretty cool, the set designers really got the look of a messy yet clean house down. 

Getting to see some of the set decoration that you have seen on the show for many years was very neat. As a fan to get an up close look at the little things like this collage that hangs in the living room, this showcases the actual photos of the stars when they were younger, the attention to detail is amazing! 

We got to hang out a bit with the shows cast including Patricia Heaton (“Frankie Heck”),Charlie McDermott (“Axl Heck”) Neil Flynn (“Mike Heck”) and Atticus Shaffer (“Brick Heck”) and we were able to tour and take photos on the Heck House set. The cast were all super nice and really seemed to enjoy what they did. Atticus Shaffer was the sweetest, he took the time from his busy schedule to shake each and every one of our hands and introduce himself personally, it was very nice of him to take the time for us. 

It was funny that we came when they were filming a scene where they were to be in their pajamas! So we met them in their pj’s it was pretty cool.

An interesting fact I learned on set was, The Middle is shot on actual film and is not shot digitally. The creators like the look of the show, on film so that is how it is filmed now, and from the very beginning.  I never knew that, did you? I guess that filming this way give the show its unique look and feel.

While on set we got a tour of “The Middle” wardrobe trailer from Costume Designer Julia Caston. Julia, gave us a back stage look at all that goes into costuming all of the characters on the show. Did you know that in the old days there was an actual costuming book that was filled with Polaroid pictures to ensure to continuity of the costumes for the scenes of the show? 

Fortunately now everything is on the computer, so if a scene ever has to be added to or re-shot, Julia just needs to look up the episode and she can find out more about what costumes she needs to find.

Just think about it, she needs to know were the sleeves rolled up in the scene, how many buttons where buttoned on the shirt, was Patricia wearing earrings? There are so many factors that go into making the costume look perfect.  It was great being able to see how the costumes are stored, it was like taking a look into your favorite characters closets! 

The costumes are lined up for the weeks’ worth of filming, complete with a photo of each character wearing the outfit, to be sure the look is perfect. It was interesting finding out how much goes into making these stars into the characters you love. 

                                              ABC/Michael Ansell

I also checked out a sneak peek of The Middle, season 8, premiere episode, and I have to say the show is as funny and real as ever!  Season 8 starts with an episode called "The Core Group," an episode that was fun and had some great new characters, that I think would be fun for them to stay around for a bit to see what happens. I don't want to spoil it, but you are going to love this episode. Stay tuned tonight! 

ABC/Michael Ansell

Be sure to check out all of the funny ABC Tuesday Night Comedies, tonight starting with The Middle at 8:00/7:00c, American Housewife at 8:30/7:30C  Fresh Off the Boat at 9:00/8:00C,  and The Real O’Neals at 9:30/8:30C! 

Like The Middle on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheMiddle/

Follow The Middle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMiddle_ABC

The Middle Season 8 premieres on ABC Tuesday, October 11 at 8/7c

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .