The Sitcom That Shaped Wednesday Addams: Jenna Ortega’s Secret Past

Before her breakout role as the dark, emotionless Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s smash hit Wednesday, Jenna Ortega was already leading another successful television series. Long before gothic wardrobes, psychic visions, and monster chases, Ortega was the heart and soul of a cheerful Disney Channel sitcom that ran for three seasons and showcased her charisma and talent.

That show was Stuck in the Middle, a family-oriented sitcom where Ortega portrayed a bright, inventive middle child navigating life in a household full of chaos. And although it’s now overshadowed by her more mature projects, Stuck in the Middle was a formative experience that set the stage for her future success.

Jenna Ortega as Harley Diaz: The Smart, Quirky Middle Child

In Stuck in the Middle, Jenna Ortega stars as Harley Diaz, a young inventor and the middle sibling in a family of nine. The show first premiered on Disney Channel in 2016, with Ortega just 13 years old when she began filming.

Harley isn’t just the central character—she’s also the narrator. In every episode, she breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience, offering insight into her life as the middle child between three older and three younger siblings. In a clever bit of foreshadowing, Harley even jokes in the first episode, “If my family were a week, I’d be Wednesday.” Little did anyone know how prophetic that line would become.

As the middle sibling, Harley is constantly overlooked, but she proves her value through her intelligence, engineering genius, and emotional maturity. She’s the voice of reason in a hectic household and often devises creative solutions to help her family overcome challenges.

What Made ‘Stuck in the Middle’ Unique

The show’s structure—each episode beginning with “Stuck in…”—followed Harley and her large family through relatable, often hilarious situations. Whether it was Harley’s forgotten birthday, sibling rivalry, or neighborhood pranks gone wrong, she always found a clever way to make things work.

Stuck in the Middle stood out among other Disney Channel shows thanks to its strong central character, quick pacing, and heartwarming message. Jenna Ortega’s performance as Harley was full of energy and warmth, showcasing her natural ability to connect with young audiences.

Harley Diaz vs. Wednesday Addams: Total Opposites

It’s nearly impossible to overstate how different Harley Diaz is from Wednesday Addams. Where Harley is outgoing, optimistic, and emotionally available, Wednesday is cold, sarcastic, and stoic.

Harley smiles often, shows her emotions freely, and constantly works to keep her family happy. She’s full of empathy and enthusiasm. In contrast, Wednesday is darkly introspective and emotionally guarded. Yet, both characters have one major trait in common: they are fiercely independent and incredibly intelligent.

This contrast makes Jenna Ortega’s transformation all the more impressive. She seamlessly moved from a lighthearted Disney sitcom into the world of supernatural drama, proving her incredible range as an actress.

From Inventions to Impact: Harley’s Ingenious Mind

Throughout Stuck in the Middle, Harley uses her inventive mind to tackle everyday challenges. From building a roller coaster in her backyard to creating a dining table with built-in ketchup dispensers, her inventions are both fun and functional.

But Harley isn’t perfect. Her intelligence sometimes turns into manipulation, especially when using her younger brothers Lewie and Beast as unwilling test subjects. These missteps usually lead to heartfelt lessons, reminding viewers that being smart isn’t just about creating gadgets—it’s also about knowing right from wrong.

Harley’s balance of flaws and strengths made her a relatable role model for young viewers, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and family values.

How ‘Stuck in the Middle’ Prepared Jenna Ortega for Success

The experience of leading a show from a young age gave Ortega a head start in developing the skills needed to carry a series. Stuck in the Middle required her to deliver humor, emotional depth, and voiceover narration—all while maintaining a likeable and dynamic presence.

After the show concluded with Harley’s quinceañera in 2018, Ortega didn’t take long to expand her horizons. In 2019, she appeared in the psychological thriller You as Ellie Alves, a street-smart teenager who added complexity to an already intense series. Then came her critically praised performance in The Fallout (2021), followed by roles in Scream, Scream VI, and Miller’s Girl.

Each role was more mature than the last, but Ortega’s ability to ground her characters with emotional authenticity remained constant—a skill she first honed as Harley Diaz.

The Rise of a Star: Jenna Ortega in ‘Wednesday’

In 2022, Ortega landed her most iconic role yet: Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday. The show, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and directed in part by Tim Burton, turned Ortega into a household name and cultural icon.

As Wednesday, Ortega transformed into a cold, calculated, and darkly witty teenager attending Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. Her performance received widespread acclaim, and her version of Wednesday became instantly iconic.

The second season of Wednesday continues to explore darker themes, family secrets, and psychic visions. Yet, just like Harley, Wednesday is determined to protect her loved ones, even if she goes about it in very different ways.

Season 2: A Darker Chapter Unfolds

In Season 2 of Wednesday, Jenna Ortega returns not only as the lead but also as an executive producer, allowing her greater creative influence over the story and character development.

The new season introduces a deeper focus on the Addams family, including expanded roles for Morticia, Gomez, and Pugsley. Viewers also see Wednesday’s emotional walls begin to crack, adding depth to her mysterious persona.

Jenna Ortega brings a new level of intensity and nuance to the role, seamlessly blending comedy, horror, and emotional complexity. Her work on Wednesday has cemented her status as one of the most versatile young actresses of her generation.

Jenna Ortega’s Versatility and Star Power

From the cheerful, gadget-building Harley Diaz to the sharp, shadowy Wednesday Addams, Jenna Ortega’s career has been defined by her range and depth. Her success didn’t come overnight—it was built through years of dedication, skill, and willingness to take on diverse roles.

Her early work in Stuck in the Middle laid the groundwork for everything that followed. It taught her how to carry a series, build rapport with viewers, and explore the emotional core of a character. That foundation is what made her transition into darker roles like Wednesday so natural—and so powerful.

The Sitcom That Shaped a Star

Six years before dominating screens as Wednesday Addams, Jenna Ortega was already captivating audiences in Stuck in the Middle. Although the show may now seem like a forgotten Disney relic, it played a major role in shaping the actress we see today.

The contrast between Harley Diaz and Wednesday Addams highlights Ortega’s rare talent: the ability to inhabit completely different worlds and make both feel real. Her journey from Disney Channel to Netflix stardom is a testament to her versatility, ambition, and deep understanding of the characters she plays.

As Wednesday continues to grow in popularity, it’s worth remembering the sunny, inventive middle child who started it all. And for those who want to witness the origins of a star, Stuck in the Middle remains a charming and impressive starting point in Jenna Ortega’s evolving legacy.