Frankie Muniz stars as the title character Malcolm, and he is joined by Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan.

Main cast members Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan return as Malcolm, Lois, Hal, Francis, Reese and Dewey respectively.

[27] Greg Braxton of Los Angeles Times lauded the season premiere for its comedy, particularly Cranston's performance.

[28] For her performance as Meg in the two-parter "Company Picnic", Susan Sarandon was nominated in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category, but lost to Cloris Leachman.

He said, "While not the worst of its kind, Cynthia's Back suffers from depicting outdated stereotypes about women being too emotional and casual sexual harassment.