Sue Sue In The City: The Unseen Spinoff Of The Middle
The Enduring Legacy of Sue Heck and The Middle
*The Middle*, which ran from 2009 to 2018, carved out a unique niche in the landscape of family sitcoms. Unlike its more glamorous counterparts, it embraced the mundane, the messy, and the truly middle-class existence of the Heck family. Axl, the jock; Brick, the eccentric bookworm; and at the heart of it, Sue Heck, the perpetually optimistic, often overlooked, yet relentlessly determined middle child. Her journey was one of constant self-discovery, marked by countless failed attempts at extracurricular activities, an unwavering belief in the good of others, and an infectious enthusiasm that could brighten even the dullest of days.A Character Who Resonated with Millions
Sue Heck wasn't just a character; she was an archetype. Her struggles with fitting in, her earnest attempts at everything she tried, and her eventual triumphs resonated deeply with viewers who saw a piece of themselves in her. She taught us to never give up, to embrace our quirks, and to find joy in the smallest victories. Her positivity was indeed "worth aping," as many fans noted. It was this deep connection that fans felt with Sue that made the prospect of a spinoff, specifically *Sue Sue in the City*, so incredibly appealing. After nine seasons of watching her grow, the idea of seeing her navigate the challenges of young adulthood in a new environment felt like a natural, much-desired progression of her story. The potential for new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges for Sue was limitless, and fans were ready to follow her every step of the way.The Genesis of Sue Sue in the City: A Spinoff Dream
The concept of *Sue Sue in the City* wasn't just a fleeting idea; it was a concrete plan. The new show was intended to be set a few years in the future from *The Middle*'s series finale, chronicling the next stage of Sue's life as a young adult. The setting was to be Chicago, a stark contrast to the familiar suburban landscape of Orson, Indiana. This move to a big city was meant to symbolize Sue's newfound independence and the challenges that come with stepping out of one's comfort zone. The series was envisioned as a comedy, maintaining the lighthearted and heartwarming tone that made *The Middle* so beloved, while exploring themes relevant to young adulthood – career aspirations, new relationships, and finding one's place in a bustling urban environment. The very title, *Sue Sue in the City*, playfully highlighted Sue's full name (Sue Sue, though she nearly changed her middle name to Lily) and her new metropolitan adventure, promising a fresh yet familiar take on the character.The Cast and Creative Minds Behind the Pilot
For any new series, especially a spinoff, the cast is crucial. *Sue Sue in the City* was designed to feature Eden Sher reprising her iconic role as Sue Heck, which was undoubtedly the cornerstone of the project's appeal. However, Sue wouldn't be alone in her Chicago adventures. The show was set to introduce a new ensemble of characters around her, brought to life by a talented cast. Joining Eden Sher were actors like Finesse Mitchell, Kimberley Crossman, and Aaron Branch. This new cast was poised to create a fresh dynamic, providing Sue with new friends, colleagues, and perhaps even romantic interests, as she navigated her new life.Meet the New Faces of Sue's World
The pilot episode, which was indeed filmed, was directed by Eileen Heisler, a seasoned professional with a clear understanding of the sitcom format. While specific details about the roles of Finesse Mitchell, Kimberley Crossman, and Aaron Branch in the pilot remain somewhat under wraps given the show's unaired status, their involvement hinted at a diverse and engaging supporting cast. Finesse Mitchell, known for his comedic background, likely would have brought a new layer of humor, while Kimberley Crossman and Aaron Branch were set to round out Sue's new circle of friends and acquaintances. The synergy between Eden Sher and these new actors was undoubtedly a key element the network was evaluating, and by all accounts from those involved, "all the actors were so excited about it," suggesting a positive working environment and strong potential for on-screen chemistry.The Pilot Episode: High Hopes and Positive Reviews
The pilot for *Sue Sue in the City* was not just a concept; it was a tangible piece of television. It was shot, bringing the vision of Sue's Chicago life to fruition. The narrative arc of the pilot, as revealed by those familiar with it, saw Sue eventually finding herself at her "lowest point." This dramatic moment was intended to set the stage for a heartwarming rescue, with Sue’s best friend, Brad (portrayed by Brock Ciarlelli), coming "flying in on a taxi" to save the day. This snippet alone suggests that the pilot aimed to retain the emotional depth and character-driven storytelling that defined *The Middle*, while also introducing new comedic elements and a fresh setting. Despite the fact that the pilot was never picked up for a full season, it reportedly received "positive reviews." This feedback, coupled with a strong "fan campaign" advocating for the show, underscored the belief that *Sue Sue in the City* had genuine potential. The idea of Brad, a beloved character from *The Middle*, making a grand entrance to support Sue, highlights the show's intention to honor its roots while moving forward. The enthusiasm from both the cast and the early viewers who saw the pilot was undeniable, making its ultimate fate even more perplexing and disappointing for many.The Unfortunate Reality: Why ABC Passed on Sue Sue in the City
The journey of *Sue Sue in the City* took an unexpected turn in November 2018 when ABC, the broadcast network that aired *The Middle*, ultimately passed on the pilot. This decision meant that the planned comedy series, which had generated considerable excitement among fans and critics alike, would not be getting a season order. The news was met with widespread disappointment, particularly given the positive reviews the pilot had garnered and the strong fan base Sue Heck commanded.The Network's Decision and Fan Disappointment
While the exact reasons for ABC's decision were not publicly detailed, many speculated that it came down to network strategy, scheduling, or perhaps a perceived lack of fit within their evolving programming slate. However, as one sentiment captured, "Nine seasons of *The Middle* taught me to never underestimate Sue Heck, yet as far as I can tell, that’s precisely what ABC did when they chose to pass on 2018’s *Sue Sue in the City*, a charming" concept. This suggests a feeling among some that the network might have misjudged the enduring appeal and potential of Sue's character in a new setting. The decision was a blow to fans who had eagerly anticipated continuing Sue's story, and it left a void that no other show has quite managed to fill. Despite the pilot being shot, it "ultimately not picked up by ABC or any other network," cementing its status as a promising project that simply never got its chance to shine. "So sad it didn't make it," was a common refrain among the show's dedicated followers.Eden Sher Beyond Sue Heck: A Look at Her Journey
While *Sue Sue in the City* never saw the light of day, Eden Sher's career certainly didn't stop there. The actress, who portrayed Sue Heck with such memorable earnestness, has continued to build a diverse and interesting career in the entertainment industry. Fans who followed her journey on *The Middle* are often curious about what she's been up to since the show concluded. **Biography and Personal Data: Eden Sher** | Category | Detail | | :----------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Full Name** | Eden Rebecca Sher | | **Date of Birth** | December 26, 1991 | | **Place of Birth** | Los Angeles, California, U.S. | | **Occupation** | Actress, Voice Actress, Writer | | **Known For** | Sue Heck in *The Middle*, Star Butterfly in *Star vs. the Forces of Evil* | | **Spouse** | Nick Cron-DeVico (m. 2020) | | **Children** | Twins (b. 2021) | | **Education** | Studied at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) |From Heck to Here: Eden Sher's Post-Middle Endeavors
Since *The Middle* wrapped, Eden Sher has remained active. She lent her distinctive voice to the animated series *Star vs. the Forces of Evil*, where she voiced the titular character, Star Butterfly, for its entire run. This role showcased her versatility and ability to bring vibrant characters to life through voice acting. Beyond her acting roles, Eden has ventured into other creative avenues. She got married to screenwriter Nick Cron-DeVico in 2020, and the couple welcomed twins in 2021, marking significant personal milestones. Moreover, Eden Sher has explored her talents as a writer, releasing a book titled "The Emotionary: A Dictionary of Words That Don't Exist for Feelings That Do." This project further highlights her unique perspective and creative mind. Fans also eagerly anticipate her "upcoming comedy project," which promises to bring her comedic timing and relatable humor back to the forefront. Seven years later, Eden Sher is still contemplating where Sue Sue Heck ended up, often looking back on the unaired spinoff pilot she filmed for *Sue Sue in the City*, which centered on... well, Sue, of course. Her continued engagement with her past roles and her ongoing creative pursuits demonstrate her enduring passion for storytelling and performance.The Lingering Question: What Could Have Been?
The cancellation of *Sue Sue in the City* left a significant "what if" in the minds of many. The middle spinoff "had potential," as acknowledged by those who followed its development. It offered a chance to see Sue Heck, a character so meticulously developed over nine seasons, tackle the unique challenges of young adulthood in a new, exciting environment. Would she have found success in Chicago? Would her eternal optimism have been tested in new ways? How would her quirky personality have adapted to a big city? These are questions that fans continue to ponder. The show was meant to explore Sue's life "as a young adult with a new cast of characters around her," promising fresh narratives and comedic situations. The idea of Sue navigating career paths, building new friendships, and perhaps even finding love in Chicago was a compelling prospect. The pilot's plot point, where Sue reaches a "lowest point" only to be rescued by Brad, hinted at the show's commitment to maintaining the heartfelt moments and strong character bonds that were hallmarks of *The Middle*. For many, *Sue Sue in the City* represented a continuation of a beloved story, and its absence leaves a void that reminds us of the many promising television projects that, for various reasons, never quite make it to air.Finding "Sue Sue in the City" (Or Not): The Search for the Pilot
Given the significant fan interest and the fact that a pilot episode was indeed filmed, a common question among fans is: "Want to watch *Sue Sue in the City* (2018) without the hassle?" The desire to "discover instantly where it’s streaming, whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, Peacock, or one of the 50+ other services" is understandable. People want to "find the cheapest way to watch, including options to buy, rent, or even snag a free trial!" However, the unfortunate reality is that the pilot episode of *Sue Sue in the City* was never officially released to the public. As it was not picked up by ABC or any other network, it remains an unaired pilot, typically held by the studio for internal review or potential future development that never materialized. Therefore, despite the fervent hope of fans, there is no legitimate platform where you can stream, buy, or rent *Sue Sue in the City* (2018). The "TV Movie 2018" listing and its "cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more" simply refer to the unaired pilot episode that was produced. "Anyway, I don’t think they released the pilot of that show," is a sentiment shared by those who have searched in vain. It remains a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been, locked away from public view. **Conclusion** The story of *Sue Sue in the City* is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of television production. What began as a highly anticipated spinoff, designed to continue the beloved journey of Sue Heck from *The Middle* into young adulthood in Chicago, ultimately never made it past the pilot stage. Despite a talented cast including Eden Sher, Finesse Mitchell, Kimberley Crossman, and Aaron Branch, positive reviews for the pilot, and a strong fan campaign, ABC chose to pass on the series in November 2018. This decision left many fans heartbroken, pondering the potential that was lost and what adventures Sue might have embarked upon in the big city. While *Sue Sue in the City* remains an unseen chapter in Sue Heck's story, Eden Sher has continued to thrive, building a successful career in acting, voice acting, and writing, and embracing new personal milestones. The enduring legacy of Sue Heck and *The Middle* continues to resonate, and the curiosity surrounding *Sue Sue in the City* is a testament to the profound impact the character had on viewers. Though we may never see the full series, the dream of Sue Heck in the city lives on in the hearts of her dedicated fans. What were your hopes for *Sue Sue in the City*? Share your thoughts and memories of Sue Heck in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site to revisit more beloved characters and shows!- Bbc Sissies
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