Charlie McDermott as Axl Redford Heck, the oldest son of Frankie and Mike.

In season 7, he and Rusty start a business in designing disposable diapers with sports team logos on them named 'Li'l Rivals', which he sells off in the next season to pay for Sue's college tuition. Mike loves all sports but is particularly passionate about seeing the Indianapolis Colts play in the Super Bowl. It is revealed in season 8's 'Clear and Present Danger' that Mike's mother died of lung cancer at age 42, and his father made him do his homework and go to school the next day instead of allowing Mike time to mourn.

Mike's reclusive, emotionally distant father, 'Big Mike' ( John Cullum), and Mike's well-meaning but unreliable brother Rusty ( Norm Macdonald) both live in Orson. It has been said on several occasions that Mike's favorite film is Reservoir Dogs and that he only asked Frankie out on a second date because she lied and said she also liked the film. Despite his no-nonsense approach to work and family, Mike is a devoted and understanding husband and father who always seems to come through for Frankie and the kids. He reached his 25-year work anniversary at the quarry in the season 9 episode 'The Crying Game', wherein he was promoted to Regional Manager. Mike works at the local limestone quarry as the manager.

Neil Flynn as Michael Bartholomew 'Mike' Heck Jr., Frankie's husband, known for his straightforward manner and lack of emotion.

After she loses this job in season 4, Frankie completes dental assisting school and gets a job at a dentist's office near the end of the season, a job she would keep for the remainder of the show's run. She initially works as an under-performing salesperson at Ehlert Motors, a job she took after losing her position as a dentist's receptionist when the office closed. When the family goes on a trip, she always forgets 'the blue bag' which has the food in it. She is often busy with work and does not have time to volunteer at her children's school activities. Frankie attended college but did not finish. She often forgets family members' birthdays (most frequently Brick's) and her and Mike's anniversary.

Her motto, 'You do for family', guides her daily routine, despite the frustrations she encounters with her husband and three kids, as well as her older ailing relatives who often depend on her.

She is a devoted wife and mother and sees family as the most important thing in her life.

Frankie is the central character in the show, as her voice is heard narrating at various points in every episode. Patricia Heaton as Frances Patricia 'Frankie' Heck (née Spence), wife of Mike and mother of Axl, Sue, and Brick.

7 first kisses season 1 episode 8