The Middle is a family show, not a snarky sitcom about a bitch or an emotionally unstable female roommate. But after the panel, Heisler said the show will continue to borrow as guest stars the veterans of that classic comedy about the “girl” who’s gonna make it after all, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Harking back to his Lou Grant character, Ed Asner will portray the editor of the local paper.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/tv-showrunners-on-women-comedy-and-what-it-takes-to-be-funny-these-days-tca/#more-212947

Good news...and I loved Betty's appearance on the show (as a librarian no less). I am not a regular watcher, but I've liked what I've seen from The Middle.