The upcoming ninth season of ABC’s critically acclaimed fan-favorite series THE MIDDLE will be its final one.

It was announced by Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. After almost a decade on the air, the executive producers of the award-winning series have decided that the ninth season would be the best one in which to wrap up the story of the Heck family.

The show stars two-time Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton as a harried wife and mother of three (Frankie) who lives in the middle of the country in Orson, Indiana, and uses her wry wit and sense of humor to get her family through each day intact. The supporting cast included, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue and Atticus Shaffer as Brick.

THE MIDDLE farewell season begins Tuesday, October 3, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.