The Middle Television Show: A Conversation with its Creators

The journey of DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler, the creators of the hit sitcom The Middle, from the Midwest to Hollywood is a testament to their talent, unwavering confidence, and enduring partnership. Their work on shows like How I Met Your Mother and Roseanne paved the way for their long-running success with The Middle. This article delves into their unique creative process, the challenges they faced as women in the entertainment industry, and the inspiration behind their beloved show.

Eileen’s passion for television and theater began in her childhood. Her early love for Saturday Night Live, which she would reenact for her family, foreshadowed her future career. DeAnn, despite a different upbringing without direct exposure to the arts, discovered her passion for writing through The Dick Van Dyke Show, realizing that creating comedy could be a profession.

Their fateful meeting at Indiana University, a “romantic comedy meet-cute” as DeAnn describes it, cemented a lifelong bond and professional partnership. Dissatisfied with their academic programs, they made a bold decision to transfer to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, a pivotal moment that shaped their careers.

After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles, where Eileen’s experience as a temp on the set of Doogie Howser led to a crucial realization: opportunities must be actively pursued. This led to their first big break, pitching ideas to the producers of Doogie Howser, which ultimately landed them an agent and opened doors to work on iconic shows like Roseanne and Murphy Brown.

The landscape for women in television writing was vastly different when they started. They often found themselves as the sole female writers on staff, facing a competitive environment. However, they believe that the industry has evolved, fostering a more supportive atmosphere for women. Their partnership, they emphasize, has been a source of strength and resilience, allowing them to navigate the challenges of the industry together.

Their journey was not without its hurdles. They faced the daunting task of balancing motherhood with demanding careers in television. Hiding Eileen’s pregnancy with twins for five months underscored the pressures and expectations placed on women in the industry at the time.

The challenges of motherhood, however, provided a rich source of inspiration for their comedic writing. Drawing from their own experiences, they created The Middle, a show that resonated with audiences for its relatable portrayal of family life. Eileen’s son, Justin, who is on the autism spectrum, inspired the character of Brick, showcasing their commitment to authenticity and drawing from their “plot of land.”

DeAnn emphasizes the importance of authenticity and bringing one’s unique perspective to their work. This philosophy is evident in The Middle, a show that celebrated the ordinary and found humor in the everyday struggles of a middle-class family. Even being fired from the show Lipstick Jungle, a devastating experience at the time, taught them resilience and the importance of perseverance.

The success of The Middle is a testament to their ability to find humor in everyday life and to their enduring partnership. Their advice to aspiring writers and anyone seeking success is simple: focus on what you can control, be humble, be kind, be smart, and keep moving forward.