Disney+ released the new Malcolm in the Middle reboot last week. One major change has upset original series fans. Stevie Kenarban, Malcolm's friend, is now gay. He lives with his partner and adopted son together.

Actor Craig Lamar Traylor returns as Stevie. The original character was heterosexual. The reboot shows how the old cast's lives look now. Many viewers praised this update. However, some critics online complain it is 'woke nonsense'.

We know these reactions well by now. Whenever an existing character becomes gay or transgender, outrage erupts. Yet many viewers say such development is perfectly normal. People often change their identity or relationships throughout life.

The reboot focuses on adults who were children in the original series. It would be strange if all characters remained heterosexual. A relationship between men in a reboot is no stranger than divorce or job changes.

How the series continues will become clear soon. The online debate points to something bigger though. If adding gay characters still triggers such anger, we clearly have work ahead.