The iconic Roseanne series, which originally ran from 1988 to 1997, made a brief yet controversial return in 2018 before the spinoff The Conners took its place. Since Roseanne Barr’s departure from the show following her controversial remarks, fans have speculated whether the franchise could continue evolving, possibly focusing on one of the standout characters—Darlene Conner.
Darlene, played by Sara Gilbert, emerged as a central figure in The Conners, leading to speculation that she could take the reins in a potential Roseanne reboot without Barr. But what would such a revival look like? Could a Darlene-led series successfully capture the magic of the original without its titular character? Here’s a deeper dive into the possibility of Roseanne returning, centered around Darlene Conner.
Darlene’s Rise in The Conners
Since The Conners premiered, Sara Gilbert’s Darlene has become one of the leading figures, balancing her life as a mother and career woman, while struggling with financial hardships and personal relationships. Much like her mother, Darlene embodies the sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude that made Roseanne Conner such an iconic character.
Over the course of The Conners, Darlene’s journey has mirrored many of the challenges her mother faced, from raising rebellious children to navigating complicated love lives and work issues. As a result, Gilbert has garnered praise for carrying the torch of the Conner family and becoming the emotional and comedic core of the show.
Why a Darlene-Focused Revival Could Work
- Strong Fan Base: Fans have long been invested in Darlene’s character, dating back to the original Roseanne. Her sarcastic humor, intelligence, and emotional depth made her a fan favorite, and her evolution into an adult with her own set of challenges has only deepened that connection. A Darlene-centric revival would have an established audience eager to see more of her life unfold.
- Sara Gilbert’s Talent: Gilbert has proven she has the chops to lead a show. In addition to her work on The Conners, she’s also a successful producer and co-hosted The Talk for years. Her ability to balance humor with emotional weight makes her the perfect candidate to take on a starring role in a reboot.
- Focus on the Next Generation: A new Roseanne or Conners spin-off could focus not just on Darlene but on the next generation of the Conner family. Darlene’s children, Harris and Mark, have become more prominent in the show, with Harris developing her own rebellious streak reminiscent of teenage Darlene. The dynamic between Darlene and her kids could provide fresh and relevant storylines that mirror the family’s generational struggles.
- Socially Relevant Storylines: One of Roseanne’s strengths was its willingness to tackle real-life issues faced by working-class Americans, from financial struggles to healthcare concerns. A Darlene-led revival could continue this tradition, addressing modern issues like economic disparity, single parenthood, and workplace challenges, all with the Conner family’s trademark humor.
Life Without Roseanne Barr
The absence of Roseanne Barr from a potential Roseanne reboot is a major factor to consider. While Barr’s departure left a void in The Conners, the show’s success without her has proven that the family’s story can continue, even without its namesake. A Darlene-led revival would further solidify the idea that the Conners’ narrative is bigger than just one character.
That said, Barr’s absence would still be felt. In the original series, Roseanne Conner was the glue that held the family together, and her wit and perspective shaped much of the show’s tone. While The Conners has done an admirable job of redistributing that weight among the other characters, a Roseanne comeback without Roseanne Barr would require the show to lean even more heavily on its supporting cast—particularly Gilbert’s Darlene.
The Challenges of a Darlene-Led Revival
Despite the potential for a Darlene-focused reboot, there are challenges to consider. First and foremost, The Conners has already established itself as the direct continuation of Roseanne. If a new Roseanne revival were to happen, it would need to differentiate itself from The Conners in terms of tone and direction, while still maintaining the elements that made the original series so beloved.
Moreover, would fans be open to a Roseanne revival without the woman who started it all? While The Conners has succeeded without Roseanne Barr, it’s unclear if a reboot under the original Roseanne banner could do the same. The franchise would have to rely heavily on nostalgia while carefully crafting new stories to engage both longtime viewers and a new generation of fans.
What the Future Could Hold
As The Conners nears its final episodes, speculation about what comes next for the Conner family is only growing. While there have been no official announcements about a Darlene-led Roseanne revival, the idea isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. After all, Hollywood has a long history of bringing back beloved franchises in new forms.
If a Darlene-centered revival were to happen, it could serve as a fitting continuation of the Conner family’s legacy. Sara Gilbert has proven herself as a capable and beloved lead, and with the right writing and direction, a Darlene-focused show could bring back the Roseanne magic in a fresh, relevant way.
Conclusion: A Possible Future Without Roseanne Barr
While the future of the Roseanne franchise is uncertain, the potential for a Darlene-centered revival is an exciting possibility. Without Roseanne Barr, the show would need to rely on the strength of its remaining characters—particularly Darlene Conner, who has already proven herself a worthy successor. With the right balance of humor, heart, and real-world issues, a Darlene-led Roseanne could be the perfect way to keep the Conner family’s legacy alive. Whether or not this revival becomes a reality, fans can take comfort in knowing that Darlene and the Conners have become an indelible part of television history.
