As one of the most prominent figures in the Roseanne series, both on-screen and behind the scenes, Sara Gilbert has shared her thoughts about the controversial ending of the revival and its abrupt cancellation. Gilbert, who played Darlene Conner, the witty and sharp-tongued daughter of Roseanne Barr’s character, was also an executive producer for the show’s revival in 2018. Her involvement in both the original series and the revival has made her a central voice in reflecting on the show’s legacy, the unexpected events that led to its end, and the transition to the spinoff series The Conners.
Sara Gilbert’s Deep Connection to Roseanne
Gilbert has often spoken about her deep connection to the show and her character, Darlene Conner. Since joining the original Roseanne in 1988 as a child actor, she grew up on the set and became an integral part of the Conner family dynamic that resonated with millions of viewers. As Darlene, she portrayed a character who was both sarcastic and vulnerable, reflecting the struggles and complexities of working-class life in America.
When the Roseanne revival was announced in 2017, Gilbert was instrumental in bringing the cast back together and securing the show’s return to television. In interviews, she described how much it meant to her to revive the series for a new generation of viewers while staying true to the show’s roots. “The Roseanne revival was about bringing back a voice that was missing in television — that of a working-class family struggling with real-life issues in an authentic way,” Gilbert said in one interview.
The revival was meant to address contemporary issues, such as healthcare, economic challenges, and political divisions, while still capturing the humor and warmth that made the original show so beloved. Gilbert was proud of the show’s efforts to address these issues and provide a platform for conversations that were both timely and relevant.
The Controversial Cancellation of Roseanne
However, the revival was cut short due to a series of controversial tweets from Roseanne Barr in May 2018, which led to the show’s abrupt cancellation by ABC. Barr’s remarks, widely condemned as racist, created a public relations crisis for the network and forced ABC to cancel the highly rated revival after just one season.
For Gilbert, who had been instrumental in reviving the show, the cancellation was a difficult and painful moment. As both a cast member and producer, she found herself in a challenging position — grappling with her own feelings about the situation and the impact it had on her co-stars, crew, and fans.
In a public statement following the cancellation, Gilbert expressed her disappointment but also emphasized her strong disapproval of Barr’s comments. “Roseanne’s recent comments about [former Obama advisor] Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast, crew, or anyone associated with our show,” Gilbert said. She went on to say, “I am disappointed in her actions, to say the least.”
Despite her personal connection to the show and her history with Barr, Gilbert made it clear that she supported the network’s decision to cancel the show, understanding that Barr’s actions had undermined the integrity and values that the Roseanne series aimed to represent.
The Transition to The Conners
While the cancellation of Roseanne was a significant blow, it didn’t mark the end of the Conner family’s story. Shortly after the show’s cancellation, ABC announced that a spinoff titled The Conners would continue without Roseanne Barr. This decision allowed the rest of the cast, including Gilbert, John Goodman (Dan Conner), and Laurie Metcalf (Jackie Harris), to return to their roles.
Gilbert played a pivotal role in developing The Conners and ensuring that the transition from Roseanne to the new series was handled sensitively and respectfully. In interviews, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue telling the story of the Conner family while acknowledging the challenges of moving forward without the central character of Roseanne.
“It was tough, but the heart of the show has always been the family,” Gilbert said about The Conners. “The Conners are a family who keep going despite all the hardships they face, and we felt that continuing the story in a new way was true to that spirit.” She emphasized that the decision to move forward was about honoring the legacy of the Conner family while recognizing that Roseanne’s character could no longer be part of the narrative.
When asked about the challenges of taking on a larger leadership role with The Conners, Gilbert admitted that it was a difficult but necessary step. “I’ve always loved playing Darlene, but stepping into a producer role with The Conners was a new experience for me. It was a way for me to ensure that the show remained true to what we originally intended — to show the struggles, humor, and resilience of a working-class family in America.”
Gilbert on the Future of the Conner Family
As The Conners gained traction and found its own identity, separate from the legacy of Roseanne, Gilbert remained optimistic about the future of the show. In interviews, she expressed hope that The Conners could continue for many more seasons, focusing on the evolving lives of the family members and addressing relevant social issues in the same candid, humorous way that the original show did.
Gilbert has spoken about her character Darlene’s growth and development in The Conners, where Darlene steps into more of a parental and leadership role within the family. “It’s been great to explore Darlene as an adult and see how she’s navigating the same kinds of challenges that her parents faced. She’s now a single mother raising kids and struggling with work, relationships, and finances — it’s a real, relatable story.”
Gilbert also noted that while The Conners has a different tone without Roseanne Barr’s presence, it continues to reflect the same core themes of family, perseverance, and humor in the face of adversity. “What I love about The Conners is that it still has the heart of the original, but it’s evolving. We’re telling new stories and exploring new dynamics, but at the end of the day, it’s still about family.”
Reflecting on the Legacy of Roseanne
Despite the controversy surrounding the end of Roseanne, Gilbert has always been clear about the positive impact the show had during its original run and in the early episodes of the revival. She frequently acknowledges that Roseanne broke new ground in television by portraying a working-class family in a way that felt authentic and relatable to millions of viewers.
“At its best, Roseanne was about representing a voice that wasn’t often heard on television,” Gilbert said in one interview. “It showed real struggles — financial, emotional, and societal — and it did so with humor and heart.”
Gilbert has also reflected on her own journey as an actor and producer on the show, expressing gratitude for the opportunities Roseanne gave her throughout her career. “It’s been an amazing journey, from growing up on the show to now being a producer and continuing the story with The Conners. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited to keep telling these stories.”
Conclusion
Sara Gilbert’s reflections on the final episodes of Roseanne and its controversial cancellation reveal a deep emotional connection to the show, both as an actor and a producer. While the end of Roseanne was fraught with disappointment and controversy, Gilbert has remained a steady and positive voice, focused on continuing the Conner family’s story through The Conners. As she navigates the challenges of leadership and storytelling in the aftermath of Roseanne, Gilbert continues to emphasize the importance of family, resilience, and humor in both her personal and professional life.
