Seven years ago today, on October 16, 2018, ABC premiered The Conners, a sitcom that emerged from the ashes of a controversial revival to continue the legacy of one of television’s most beloved working-class families. Starring Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, and John Goodman, the show debuted without its former star, Roseanne Barr, whose exit followed a high-profile scandal. The premiere marked a bold move to preserve the spirit of the original Roseanne series while forging a new path forward.
You can find The Conners on Amazon HERE.
The story of The Conners begins with Roseanne, which first aired in 1988 and ran for nine seasons until 1997. Created by Matt Williams and inspired by Roseanne Barr’s stand-up comedy, the show followed the Conner family—Dan (John Goodman), Roseanne (Barr), and their children Becky, Darlene, and D.J.—as they navigated life’s challenges in the fictional blue-collar town of Lanford, Illinois. The series was groundbreaking for its raw depiction of working-class struggles, blending humor with poignant social commentary on issues like financial hardship, gender roles, and family dynamics. Laurie Metcalf’s portrayal of Jackie Harris, Roseanne’s sister, and Sara Gilbert’s role as Darlene Conner earned critical acclaim, cementing the show’s place in TV history.
In 2018, ABC revived Roseanne for a tenth season, reuniting the original cast. The revival was a ratings smash, drawing millions of viewers nostalgic for the Conner family’s wit and relatability. However, the celebration was short-lived. In May 2018, Roseanne Barr posted a racially insensitive tweet about a former Obama administration official, prompting widespread backlash. ABC swiftly canceled the revival, citing Barr’s remarks as incompatible with the network’s values. Determined to preserve the show’s legacy and protect the jobs of the cast and crew, executive producer Sara Gilbert, alongside Goodman and Metcalf, spearheaded a spinoff.
The Conners premiered just months later, on October 16, 2018, picking up where the revival left off but without Barr’s character, who was written off as having died of an opioid overdose—a storyline that addressed the nation’s opioid crisis. The show retained its focus on the Conner family’s resilience, tackling contemporary issues like healthcare costs, job insecurity, and generational divides. New cast members, including Lecy Goranson as Becky and Michael Fishman as D.J., joined returning stars, while fresh faces like Emma Kenney as Darlene’s daughter Harris added modern flair.
The debut episode drew 10.5 million viewers, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Conner family. Critics praised the show’s ability to balance humor and heart, though some noted the challenge of filling the void left by Barr’s larger-than-life presence. Over its run, The Conners has carved out its own identity, earning multiple seasons and continuing to explore the complexities of American family life.
Seven years later, The Conners remains a staple of ABC’s lineup, proving that the heart of the Conner family beats strong, even through adversity. The show’s journey from Roseanne to its current form underscores its resilience, much like the family it portrays.
You can find The Conners on Amazon HERE.
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