The third season of Malcolm in the Middle premiered on November 11, 2001, on Fox, and ended on May 12, 2002, 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 Notable guests Brenda Wehle as Lavernia Craig Lamar Traylor as Stevie Kenarban David Anthony Higgins as Craig Feldspar Daniel von Bargen as Edwin Spangler Eric Nenninger as Eric Hanson Evan Matthew Cohen as Lloyd Kyle Sullivan as Dabney Merrin Dungey as Kitty Kenarban Tania Raymonde as Cynthia Sanders Susan Sarandon as Meg Bradley Whitford as Meg's husband Production 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. The season introduces the recurring character Piama Tananahaakna, with Emy Coligado cast in the role. It is also the final one to feature Eric Hanson, played by Eric Nenninger. The season's parallel plot involving Francis shifts from Marlin Academy to a resort in Alaska. The episode "Clip Show", true to its title, serves as a clip show, incorporating footage from previous episodes presented as flashbacks. Release Broadcast history The season premiered on November 11, 2001 on Fox, and ended on May 12, 2002 with a total of 22 episodes. Home media The season was released on Region 2 DVD on February 4, 2013, and on Region 4 DVD on September 4, 2013. Reception Greg Braxton of Los Angeles Times lauded the season premiere for its comedy, particularly Cranston's performance. For her performance as Meg in the two-parter "Company Picnic", Susan Sarandon was nominated in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category, but lost to Cloris Leachman. In 2019, Angelo Delos Trinos of Screen Rant criticized the episode "Cynthia's Back" as being outdated. He said, "While not the worst of its kind, Cynthia's Back suffers from depicting outdated stereotypes about women being too emotional and casual sexual harassment." References 2001 American television seasons 2002 American television seasons Malcolm in the Middle