The revival of Roseanne on ABC has brought the beloved Conner family back to television screens, sparking nostalgia and excitement among both longtime fans and new viewers. With its bold take on working-class America, Roseanne has always stood out for its raw and real portrayal of family life. Now, the new season brings back the original cast to continue their story in a modern context, navigating today’s complex social and economic issues while staying true to its humorous and heartfelt roots. In this article, the cast shares their thoughts on returning to the iconic roles and what fans can expect from the new season.
Roseanne Barr: A Character That Stands the Test of Time
At the heart of Roseanne is, of course, Roseanne Barr herself, reprising her role as Roseanne Conner, the outspoken and hilariously blunt matriarch of the family. For Barr, stepping back into this role after so many years felt like coming home. She spoke candidly about how much the world has changed since the show first aired in the late 1980s and how those changes will be reflected in the new season.
“We wanted to show how the Conners have adapted to the world we live in now. Roseanne has always been about real issues, and this season, we’re addressing topics like healthcare, the economy, and the political divide in the country,” Barr said during a recent interview. “It’s important to me that we keep the same authenticity we had before but also acknowledge the challenges that families like the Conners face today.”
The new season explores how Roseanne, now a grandmother, deals with the shifting family dynamics while maintaining her signature quick wit and practicality. For Barr, this was a chance to bring her character into the present without losing the essence of who Roseanne is: a tough, loving, and fiercely protective mother and wife.
John Goodman: Dan Conner’s Return
John Goodman, who plays Roseanne’s husband, Dan Conner, returns to the role that helped define his career. Many fans were left wondering how the revival would handle Dan’s death, which was revealed in the original series finale. Goodman admits he was initially unsure how they would bring his character back but was thrilled with how the writers chose to handle it.
“Dan’s always been such a solid presence in the family, and when we started talking about the revival, it just didn’t feel right to do it without him,” Goodman explained. “They came up with a great way to bring him back, and it was seamless. It’s like we never left.”
In the new season, Dan continues to be the rock of the Conner family, albeit older and a bit wiser. Goodman mentioned that Dan’s role as a grandfather will take center stage, and viewers will see how he’s grown as a father figure to his adult children while also providing support to his grandchildren. His dynamic with Roseanne remains a core element of the show, filled with the same humor, love, and occasional friction that fans have always loved.
Sara Gilbert: Darlene’s Journey
Sara Gilbert, who plays Roseanne’s sarcastic and sharp-tongued daughter, Darlene, has taken on a more prominent role both in front of and behind the camera. As an executive producer of the revival, Gilbert has been instrumental in bringing the show back to life.
For Darlene, the new season portrays her as a single mother struggling to raise her two children after a divorce. The show dives deep into the realities of being a working-class single parent in today’s society, and Gilbert is excited for audiences to see this new side of Darlene’s character.
“Darlene is going through a lot in this season, and I think it will resonate with so many people,” Gilbert said. “She’s trying to hold it all together, but life keeps throwing obstacles in her way. But like her mother, she’s tough and doesn’t give up easily.”
The relationship between Darlene and Roseanne will be a significant focal point, with both characters learning from each other in new ways. Gilbert also hinted at some emotional moments between Darlene and her father, Dan, as they both navigate their respective parental roles in a more modern era.
Laurie Metcalf: Jackie’s Evolution
Laurie Metcalf, who plays Roseanne’s quirky sister Jackie, has always been a fan favorite. Her character, known for her dramatic personality shifts and often humorous lack of direction in life, remains a central figure in the Conner household. Metcalf shared that Jackie will once again provide comic relief in the new season, but there will also be more depth to her character as she deals with aging, relationships, and her place in the family.
“Jackie has always been a bit of a wild card, and that hasn’t changed,” Metcalf said with a laugh. “But she’s also more reflective now. She’s looking at her life and trying to figure out what she wants for the future. There’s some real vulnerability there that I think audiences will connect with.”
Jackie’s interactions with Roseanne are as volatile and loving as ever, with the two sisters bickering, supporting, and leaning on each other in the way only siblings can. Metcalf teased that Jackie’s romantic life will be explored this season, adding a fun and unpredictable storyline to her character’s arc.
Michael Fishman: Growing Up as DJ Conner
Michael Fishman, who played the youngest Conner child, DJ, has grown up in front of the audience’s eyes. In the new season, DJ is now a veteran returning home to raise his daughter with his wife, who is still serving in the military. Fishman expressed his excitement about how DJ’s story will reflect the experiences of many military families across America.
“It’s a big responsibility to portray someone who has served, and I’m grateful for the chance to tell that story,” Fishman said. “DJ is dealing with a lot—raising his daughter while his wife is away, adjusting to life after service. It’s a different kind of challenge, but like the rest of the Conners, he’s doing his best.”
A Modern Take on Classic Roseanne Themes
The new season of Roseanne retains the essence of what made the original series so groundbreaking: its willingness to tackle tough topics with humor and honesty. The Conner family is still struggling with financial issues, health concerns, and political differences, but they face these challenges with the same love, resilience, and humor that made them a beloved television family.
“We’re not shying away from anything,” Barr said. “The world is different now, but the Conners are still the Conners. They’re just dealing with new problems, but they’re doing it together.”
The cast’s chemistry is as strong as ever, and their return to television has been met with both critical and fan acclaim. As they navigate new challenges in a modern world, the Conners remind us all of the power of family, love, and laughter.
