“A new ‘sequel’ to the popular sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle, is now to carve out its own identity in a new era,” writes streaming columnist NICK OVERALL. 

Malcolm in the Middle was always a show about trying to carve out one’s own identity.

Frankie Muniz’s beloved teenage misfit trying to survive the chaos of his early 2000s suburban life made the show a cult classic and a noughties television staple.

It’s fitting then, that a new “sequel” to the popular sitcom is now to carve out its own identity in a new era, one of remakes, revivals, and binge-worthy comedy series pumped out on streaming platforms by the day.

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair (Disney Plus) brings the titular character back for four new episodes that show what life is like for him 20 years later.

Grown up and shockingly normal, Malcolm has succeeded academically, finding his way into a decent career and, with a teenage daughter, is now a long way away from the dysfunctional family viewers know and love.

But with his parents’ 40th anniversary coming up a reunion is in store and so is all the mayhem that comes with it.

Almost all of the cast have returned including Bryan Cranston as Hal, an absurdly funny juxtaposition to his role in Breaking Bad that cemented him as an actor of his generation.

What’s refreshing about this reboot is that it’s condensed the story into just four episodes and decides to leave it at that.

It’s enough time to get fans reacquainted with all their favourites while not dragging things out and cashing in on brand recognition like so many other of its sitcom reboot counterparts.

And with that, Malcolm once again finds a unique and hilarious identity in a totally new era.

THE final season of The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

This superhero satire parodies all the caped crusaders of modern pop culture and society’s relentless obsession with them.

In this universe though the “supes” as they’re affectionately referred to are the bad guys, projecting a thin veneer of heroism while behind the scenes using their powers for sadistic and absurd pleasures.

Not for the faint of heart, The Boys is unapologetically gory, gross and gutsy in its takedown of modern pop culture and politics.

Its schtick is to be “in your face”, sometimes veering into cringeworthy territory but more often than not landing the punches it wants to. 

The fun here is just never knowing what’s going to happen scene-by-scene. After 30 episodes since 2019 there are still many, many twisted surprises to enjoy.

Antony Starr, who plays the egomaniacal Homelander (a hyper-patriotic, evil version of Superman), is still the best thing about it.

He’s become a fascinating and now iconic villain, thanks to the internet transforming many of his funniest scenes into memes that advertise the show on their own far better than a marketing team ever could.

Despite a fantastic first and second season The Boys felt like it lost a bit of the edge that makes it so addictive during the third and fourth installments.

So far, season five is firing on all cylinders, meaning the creators may have just saved their best for last.

Here’s hoping this superhero hit can soar its way towards the explosive finale it needs to cement itself as one of the greats.

IN recent years Bradley Cooper has shown off not just his acting talent but also his directing skills.

Spearheading the films A Star is Born and more recently Maestro, Cooper now looks to the story of another struggling talent and their pursuit of greatness.

It’s not music this time though, but comedy.

Is This Thing On? follows a stand-up comedian trying to make it big in New York’s comedy scene.

It’s Apple TV Plus that snapped up this star-studded script.

Will Arnett features in the leading role as comedian Alex Novak. Desperate for purpose and on the edge of divorce with his wife Tess (Laura Dern), he finds a new lease on life after being unable to pay to get into a bar one night.

In an attempt to cover the door charge, Alex signs up for an open mic evening, sending him on a new chase for comedy greatness.

Things get awkward though when Tess coincidentally rocks up to the same club hoping to enjoy a laugh with a new date.

Despite its subject matter, this one does feel more drama than comedy at times, but some solid writing here keeps the jokes landing and makes the price of admission worth it.