Even the most recognisable faces shift and change with time. Family sitcom casting means fans get to grow up alongside their favourite characters, whether you went from the confusion of your 20s to a more settled family life with Rachel Green or experienced those awkward tween years parallel to Brick Heck.
We've charted the journeys of your sitcom favourites from their pilot episode to the last instalment of their comedy life on-screen. Read on as we wind back the clock and hit play on a healthy dose of nostalgia.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesBrick Heck was a fan favourite and an icon for bookworms everywhere
Atticus Shaffer – Brick Heck in The Middle
The Middle debuted in 2009 and quickly became a staple of sitcom television. Brick Heck, the youngest of the three Heck children, was a fan favourite for his niche interests and relatably awkward demeanour.
Sadly, our time with the bookish Brick came to an end as the series closed in 2018, almost a decade after its first episode. Fast forwarding through time in the season's final moments, we see Brick's childhood obsession with reading transformed into a successful career as an author.
© NBCUniversal via Getty Images,Getty ImagesRachel Green underwent a famous character arc throughout the show's 10 seasons
Jennifer Aniston – Rachel Green in Friends
Friends wouldn't be Friends without Rachel Green. The socialite-turned-barista-turned-fashion buyer went through an epic journey into independence and inspired countless haircuts across the world during the '90s.
Jennifer Aniston is still a beloved actress today but her most iconic role remains rich girl Rachel who ended the famous sitcom as a successful career woman, loved up and a mother to daughter Emma.
© Getty ImagesFrankie Muniz starred as the titular Malcolm who suffers the trials of being a teenager and middle child
Frankie Muniz – Malcolm in Malcolm in The Middle
Being clever isn't enough to get you out of the trials of those painful teenage years. Middle child Malcolm knows that better than most and viewers got to enjoy his journey as part of a dysfunctional family for seven seasons.
Starting in 2000, the series won audiences over with Malcolm's witty conversations to camera. While the original series wrapped in 2006, it's since returned for a reboot two decades on, Frankie now happily married and a father off-screen
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesJohn Krasinski's Jim was a favourite in 'The Office', particularly when the show explored his love for receptionist Pam
John Krasinski – Jim Halpert in The Office
John Krasinski has many famous roles, but there are two that are perhaps most well-known, namely, as husband to Emily Blunt and Jim from The Office. The everyday lives of Dunder Mifflin's employees captured the attention of global audiences and is still a regular rewatch pick today.
Jim is especially loved as viewers follow his yearning love for receptionist Pam which, fortunately, ends happily ever after – this is the world of TV sitcoms after all. From longing glances to a wedding ring, there's plenty to enjoy throughout Jim's journey.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesAlex was the Dunphys' brightest kid and had plenty of witty lines to prove it
Ariel Winter – Alex Dunphy in Modern Family
Younger daughter Alex is the middle child of the Dunphy family trio and the smartest of her siblings. Her down-to-earth humour and obvious intelligence made Ariel Winter's Alex an indispensable member of the Modern Family cast.
In the end, Alex decides against corporate success and ends up happily coupled in Switzerland. Following the Dunphy kids through all their ups and downs, there's no doubt many shed a tear to see the sitcom sibling all grown up.
© WireImage via Getty Images,The Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesSue Sue Heck is the only daughter of Mike and Frankie Heck and the family's most optimistic member
Eden Sher – Sue Heck in The Middle
Sue Sue Heck brought a bright, optimistic energy to an otherwise more cynical household, with the colourful wardrobe to match. Eden Sher brought the loveable Heck sibling to life and forever made her mark on 2000s sitcom history.
The Middle's middle child went through a romantic roller coaster with several of her older brother's friends but fast-forwarding into the future we see her happily married to someone equally optimistic.
© The Boston Globe via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesErik starred as Dewey on 'Malcolm in the Middle' from 2000 to 2006
Erik Per Sullivan – Dewey in Malcolm in The Middle
Dewey was the youngest sibling for much of Malcolm in the Middle's original run, until the arrival of brother Jamie later in the show. Now, he joins Malcolm in the middle with the addition of sibling Kelly for the revival.
The actor has since been recast for the show's 2026 reboot as he's stepped away from acting, with actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark cast as his replacement.
