FRANKIE'S PLANS TO HAVE A SIMPLE HOLIDAY ARE THREATENED WHEN HER PARENTS COME TO TOWN TO SPEND THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH THE FAMILY, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

Marsha Mason ("The Goodbye Girl," "Chapter Two") and Jerry Van Dyke ("Coach") Guest Star as Frankie's Parents, Pat and Tag

"A Simple Christmas" - The Hecks count down the 12 days of Christmas with Frankie's parents, Pat (Marsha Mason) and Tag (Jerry Van Dyke), when they come to town to spend the holiday with the family - much to Mike's dismay. But when Frankie decides that she wants to take the focus off of the gifts and make it a simple Christmas, Pat and Tag have other ideas, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Note: This program will repeat Wednesday, December 22 from 8:00-8:30 p.m., ET.

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob.

Guest starring are Marsha Mason as Pat Spence, Jerry Van Dyke as Tag Spence, Jeanette Miller as Aunt Edie, Frances Bay as Aunt Ginny, David Chandler as Derrick Glossner, Parker James Bolek as Wade Glossner, Gibson Sjobeck as littlest Glossner and Kurtis Bedford as Kevin.

"A Simple Christmas" was written by Mitch Hunter & Jana Hunter and directed by Elliot Hegarty.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.

For more information on "The Middle," visit ABC.com