CELEBRATING THE SHOW'S MILESTONE 200TH EPISODE, FRANKIE MUST FIND AN ITEM TO PLACE IN THE ORSON TIME CAPSULE; MIKE IS STUNNED WHEN BILL NORWOOD INFORMS HIM THAT HE AND PAULA ARE SEPARATING, AND BRICK TRIES TO WIN CINDY BACK, ON ABC'S 'THE MIDDLE'

"The 200th" - "The Middle" celebrates its milestone 200th episode! When Orson is named as one of the top 200 most livable cities in Indiana, Frankie is reminded that she has to come up with something to place in the time capsule that will be buried in the base of the newly rededicated Orson Cow. Meanwhile, when Bill Norwood informs Mike that he and Paula are separating, Mike is gobsmacked and starts to appreciate Frankie more; in order to win back Cindy, Brick must complete three acts of bravery for her; and Axl volunteers Sue to be his personal assistant to impress prospective employers, on "The Middle," TUESDAY, DEC. 5 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

"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 Jen Ray as Nancy Donahue, Sean O'Bryan as Ron Donahue, Casey Burke as Cindy, Pat Finn as Bill Norwood, Brittany Ross as Courtney, Natalie Lander as Debbie and Brian Doyle-Murray as Mr. Ehlert.

"The 200th" was written by Roy Brown 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.