MIKE IS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT FRANKIE HAS SET HIM UP ON AN ADULT PLAYDATE, AND A DETERMINED SUE AND HER WRESTLERETTES GO UP AGAINST THE CHEERLEADERS, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"The Friend" - Mike is upset with Frankie when he discovers that she set him up on an adult playdate with a new neighbor who shares the same interests. Meanwhile, when the school cheerleaders announce that they're taking over cheering for the wrestlers - thus putting Sue and her Wrestlerettes out of business - a determined Sue demands a cheer off; and Brick makes a lovesick Axl begin to question whether he's intellectually stimulating enough for his smart, new girlfriend, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

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

Guest starring are David Koechner as Jeff Webber, Galadriel Stineman as Cassidy, Brock Ciarlelli as Brad Bottig, French Stewart as Principal Cameron, Gabrielle Carteris as Colleen Webber, Brittany Ross as Courtney, Natalie Lander as Debbie, Katlin Mastandrea as Ashley, Grace Bannon as Ruth, Jessica Marie Garcia as Becky, Peter A. Hulne as Robby and Ron Ostrow as Mitch.

"The Friend" was written by Robin Shorr and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

"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/TheMiddle