THE BEST LAID PLANS GO AWRY WHEN FRANKIE CONVINCES THE FAMILY TO HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT TO EXPOSE HIM TO LIFE IN AN AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"Foreign Exchange" - Frankie convinces Mike and the kids that the Heck family should host a foreign exchange student from Japan to expose him to life in an average American family. But the Hecks become frustrated when the student shows no sign of interest whatsoever in the family, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Note: this program will repeat Friday, October 22 from 8:30-9:00 p.m., ET.

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob.

Guest starring are Matthew Moy as Takayuki, Jen Ray as Nancy Donahue, Dierk Torsek as Reverend Hayver, Steven Krueger as Esteban, Laura Ann Kesling as Dotty Donahue and Toshi Toda as Takayuki's dad.

"Foreign Exchange" was written by Jana Hunter & Mitch Hunter and directed by Paul Lazarus.

"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.

For more information on "The Middle," visit ABC.com