Decided to pick up a "Malcolm in the Middle" rewatch, and it's wild how much it holds up.
First, there's the unique single-camera style for a sitcom with a deeply realized sense of place in every location (particularly their home and the constant wild transformations that happen to it).
Then there's the comedy, which is peak, but also there's how it's immediately balanced with a deep sincerity and love between these characters. It's easy to remember Lois as a tyrant on first impression, but the many subtle ways she shows a deep love for her kids are there from Episode 1.
Next, the cast's chemistry is astounding from just the first few episodes! Especially with a cast of child actors, it's incredible how everything one remembers about them and their relationships later in the series is seeded IMMEDIATELY. This includes the ways Reese is always there for Malcolm in his own screwed-up manner, Lois and Hal's wildly unique dynamic, Lois and Francis's tense love/hate dynamic, and Dewey's bizarre personality.
Lastly is just how bonkers creative it is. It feels fresh even compared to modern sitcoms, to be honest. It's near to things like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" in the size of swings it takes with scenarios and characters in a "realistic" setting. Most family comedies since this show have gotten very tame, predictable, and saccharine (even if I still enjoy some of them), and this show is not scared to be immensely bombastic and have its own voice while tempering that with the foundations of a good family comedy.
A+ so far, no notes, I'm excited to watch all of it now.