ABC cancelled Roseanne in May 2018 in response to a particularly disturbing racist tweet by series star Roseanne Barr.
The network, which had already given the green light for season two, took the right step in response to Barr’s actions. However, almost immediately there were rumors of a Roseanne Barr-less version of Roseanne in the works.
Today the network officially confirmed they’re moving forward with a spinoff tentatively titled The Conners. The spinoff will air this fall and is set to star John Goodman (‘Dan’), Laurie Metcalf (‘Jackie’), Sara Gilbert (‘Darlene’), Lecy Goranson (‘Becky’) and Michael Fishman (‘D.J.’). Tom Werner, Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen, and Tony Hernandez are executive producing. In addition, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, and Bruce Rasmussen are confirmed to write the first season of the spinoff.
The network made clear in their announcement that Roseanne Barr “will have no financial or creative involvement in the new series.”
The Conners will air on Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT. Season one will consist of 10 half-hour episodes.
“The Conners’ stories demonstrate that families can always find common ground through conversation, laughter and love. The spinoff will continue to portray contemporary issues that are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago,” said ABC.
Cast members John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson and Michael Fishman issued a joint statement which read: “We have received a tremendous amount of support from fans of our show, and it’s clear that these characters not only have a place in our hearts, but in the hearts and homes of our audience. We all came back last season because we wanted to tell stories about the challenges facing a working-class family today. We are so happy to have the opportunity to return with the cast and crew to continue to share those stories through love and laughter.”
The Conners Plot: After a sudden turn of events, the Conners are forced to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before. This iconic family – Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. – grapples with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging and in-laws in working-class America. Through it all, the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns – with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails.
