The seventh and final season of Malcolm in the Middle premiered on September 30, 2005, on Fox, and ended on May 14, 2006, with a total of 22 episodes. Frankie Muniz stars as the title character Malcolm, and he is joined by Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan. Episodes Cast and characters Main Frankie Muniz as Malcolm Jane Kaczmarek as Lois Bryan Cranston as Hal Christopher Kennedy Masterson as Francis Justin Berfield as Reese Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey Recurring David Anthony Higgins as Craig Feldspar Craig Lamar Traylor as Stevie Kenarban Gary Anthony Williams as Abe Kenarban Hayden Panettiere as Jessica Cloris Leachman as Ida Rheagan Wallace as Raduca Emy Coligado as Piama Production In March–April 2005, Fox renewed Malcolm in the Middle for a seventh season. The following month, it was reported that series creator Linwood Boomer would not continue as showrunner, instead retaining an "executive consultant credit" while Matthew Carlson, would replace Boomer as showrunner. In January 2006, it was announced that it would be the final season; the decision behind this was widely attributed to declining viewership. Main cast members Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan return as Malcolm, Lois, Hal, Francis, Reese and Dewey respectively. As with the sixth season, Masterson made fewer appearances than the rest of the main cast. Release Broadcast history The season premiered on September 30, 2005 on Fox, and ended on May 14, 2006 with a total of 22 episodes. Home media The season was released on Region 2 DVD on October 7, 2013, and on Region 4 DVD on September 4, 2013. Reception In his review of the series finale, Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe said it "sails by, with none of the grandstanding and schmaltz many finales rely on to make an ending profound." Alan Pergament of The Buffalo News said, "Since it isn't exactly a warm and fuzzy comedy, you shouldn't expect Malcolm to get sappy at the end. Fortunately, it strikes a nice balance between maintaining its insanity (there's a messy explosion), having a few sweet moments and a suitably nightmarish ending." Rob Owen of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, "At a half-hour, it's not a bloated finale, nor is it particularly memorable, but this last "Malcolm" does send the show out in a style that's familiar to the show's fans."