“ABC Announces New Spinoff: ‘The Conners’ to Replace ‘Roseanne’ After Controversial Cancellation”
ABC has officially greenlit The Conners, a spinoff series that continues the story of the beloved Conner family following the abrupt cancellation of Roseanne in 2018. This decision follows significant controversy and upheaval after a tweet from Roseanne Barr, the original show’s star and executive producer, which led to the immediate end of the popular revival. With Barr now entirely removed from the new series both financially and creatively, The Conners will feature familiar faces as it premieres in the Tuesday night time slot previously held by Roseanne.
A New Beginning Without Roseanne Barr
After the sudden shutdown of Roseanne, ABC faced the challenge of creating a show that could respect the legacy of the original series without involving Barr. Following a settlement with Roseanne producer Tom Werner, Barr agreed to relinquish her involvement entirely, ensuring The Conners could go forward without ties to her financially or creatively. In her statement, Barr expressed regret over her removal but wished the best for the cast and crew, acknowledging the approximately 200 jobs that would be saved by the spinoff.
This unique setup allowed the rest of the cast—including John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, and Michael Fishman—to continue their roles, and the spinoff will focus on the Conner family’s journey through new hardships and daily struggles. ABC has hinted that Barr’s character, Roseanne, will be written out in a “sudden turn of events” as the Conner family confronts life’s challenges without her.
What Fans Can Expect from The Conners
The Conners will spotlight each family member as they navigate challenges such as parenting, dating, unexpected pregnancies, financial difficulties, aging, and in-laws—all themes that resonate with working-class America. True to its roots, the spinoff aims to balance humor and poignancy, offering fans a window into the lives of an iconic American family that has connected with viewers for over three decades. ABC’s official statement emphasized that the show will maintain the same storytelling values, focusing on contemporary issues that echo the original series’ relevance.
In a joint statement, cast members John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, and Michael Fishman expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming fan support and excitement about returning to continue the Conner family’s story. “We all came back last season because we wanted to tell stories about the challenges facing a working-class family today,” they shared, reaffirming their commitment to portraying the Conners’ trials and triumphs through love, humor, and laughter.
Ensuring Continuity in Production
The creative team for The Conners includes many of the same writers and producers from Roseanne’s revival, preserving a seamless transition between the two series. Werner Entertainment, led by Tom Werner, will oversee production, with Sara Gilbert stepping into an executive producer role alongside showrunner Bruce Helford and writers Dave Caplan and Bruce Rasmussen. ABC’s commitment to continuity is further underscored by the involvement of much of the original writing team, many of whom received raises for their work on the new show.
Cast and Crew’s Commitment to The Conners
While the cancellation of Roseanne prompted adjustments, the core cast and crew maintained a strong commitment to The Conners. Original cast members signed new contracts for the spinoff series, reportedly with similar pay of around $300,000 per episode. With a 10-episode order, the cast’s dedication to the project reflects their loyalty to the characters and the larger Roseanne legacy. In addition, ABC’s commitment to keeping the team intact, despite the controversy, demonstrates the network’s recognition of the show’s enduring popularity and cultural significance.
A Future Without Roseanne Barr
The decision to proceed without Barr was significant for ABC, which was clear that the show could not involve her financially, creatively, or otherwise. The network maintained a firm stance, emphasizing that The Conners would only go forward under these conditions. After finalizing the settlement with Barr, ABC officially approved the spinoff within a seven-day window, holding back from publicly announcing a replacement for Roseanne until The Conners was confirmed.
Looking Ahead
With The Conners set to air in fall 2018, ABC remains optimistic about the show’s potential to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of the Conner family even in the absence of its original matriarch. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the new series will address Roseanne’s absence and evolve the beloved Conners’ story, a tale that continues to reflect the lives of everyday families across America.
As a continuation of the original Roseanne series, The Conners promises to honor its legacy while charting a new course. The enduring themes of love, resilience, and humor amid adversity will remain at the heart of this next chapter, ensuring that the Conner family’s journey will continue to captivate and connect with viewers for seasons to come.
