ABC BIDS FAREWELL TO THE HECK FAMILY, WHO TAKES A ROAD TRIP TO DENVER WHERE AXL WILL START A NEW JOB AND LIFE AWAY FROM HOME, ON THE ONE-HOUR SERIES FINALE OF 'THE MIDDLE'

"A Heck of a Ride: Part One/A Heck of a Ride: Part Two" - After nine hilarious and heartfelt seasons, a Heck leaves the nest as the family takes a road trip to Denver, where Axl will start his new job - and new life away from home, on the one-hour series finale of "The Middle," TUESDAY, MAY 22 (8:30-9:30 p.m. EDT), 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 Beau Wirick as Sean Donahue, Jen Ray as Nancy Donahue, Sean O'Bryan as Ron Donahue, Brock Ciarlelli as Brad Bottig, Daniela Bobadilla as Lexie Brooks, Paul Hipp as Reverend TimTom, Pat Finn as Bill Norwood, Katlin Mastandrea as Weird Ashley, Laura Ann Kesling as Dotty Donahue, Kayla Madison as Shelly Donahue, Reagan Rundus as Gracie, O'Neill Monahan as Lucas, Beau Hart as Riley, Terrence Beasor as Mr. Johnson, Heather Olt as paramedic, Steve Trzaska as Randy, David Figlioli as security man, Luenell as security woman, Toby Grey as 11-year-old, Allan Fisher as 13-year-old, Josiah Cerio as 15-year-old and Corwin Allard as quirky kid.

"A Heck of a Ride" was written by Eileen Heisler & DeAnn Heline 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. This episode carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.