In 2018, fans of the Roseanne series were stunned when the long-running character Roseanne Conner, portrayed by Roseanne Barr, was abruptly killed off in The Conners, the spinoff that followed the revival’s sudden cancellation. Barr’s character had been a central figure since the original show premiered in 1988, and her departure marked a dramatic shift in the show’s narrative. However, Barr was far from pleased with the decision and has been vocal about her anger over how her character’s death was handled.
The controversy over Roseanne Conner’s fate reflects the complexity of reviving old shows, especially when iconic characters are at the heart of both the story and the fanbase. With The Conners moving forward without her, the question arises: was there a better way to handle her exit? Here’s a closer look at the unfolding drama, the cast and creators’ decisions, and how the situation impacted both Barr and the series.
1. The Background: From Revival to Controversy
The Roseanne revival was initially met with success in early 2018. ABC revived the show with nearly all the original cast members returning to their roles, and it quickly became a hit, drawing large audiences and sparking discussions about how the Conners’ story was more relevant than ever. With plotlines touching on family dynamics, healthcare, politics, and blue-collar struggles, the revival aimed to capture the spirit of the original series.
However, Barr’s controversial social media post shortly after the show’s return led to the series’ abrupt cancellation. ABC swiftly announced that Roseanne would not continue, severing ties with Barr due to her remarks, but expressed interest in finding a way to continue the Conner family’s story. Thus, The Conners was born, but the question of what to do with the character Roseanne Conner loomed over the project.
2. The Decision to Kill Off Roseanne Conner
When ABC announced that The Conners would continue without Roseanne Barr, fans were curious about how the show would explain her absence. In the premiere of The Conners, it’s revealed that Roseanne Conner has died from an opioid overdose. This storyline shocked many viewers, as it not only departed from the series’ usual comedic tone but also mirrored a storyline from the Roseanne revival in which her character struggled with prescription painkillers. The decision to kill off Roseanne in such a tragic way stirred significant controversy, with Barr herself calling it “morbid” and accusing the network of mishandling her character’s legacy.
For Barr, this decision felt like a harsh punishment rather than a respectful goodbye. In interviews, she voiced her frustration, stating that the overdose storyline was not only unnecessary but offensive. She argued that Roseanne Conner deserved a happier, more dignified end, suggesting that a simple move to another location or a different explanation would have sufficed.
3. The Cast and Creators’ Perspective on Roseanne’s Death
From the creators’ standpoint, choosing to kill off Roseanne Conner wasn’t easy. The writers wanted a plot that would give the remaining characters space to address the absence of a loved one in a realistic, impactful way. By having Roseanne’s death tied to an opioid overdose, they hoped to address a growing social issue affecting many families across America. Executive producer Bruce Helford commented that it was a storyline that they approached with seriousness and respect, adding that the decision was meant to highlight the opioid crisis rather than disparage the character.
John Goodman, who plays Dan Conner, expressed his own mixed emotions about Roseanne’s departure. In interviews, he described the atmosphere on set as bittersweet. Goodman acknowledged that Roseanne Conner’s death was a difficult storyline to film, especially after working alongside Roseanne Barr for decades. However, he, along with the rest of the cast, remained committed to the show’s new direction and hoped that The Conners could continue exploring meaningful, timely topics even without the central character.
4. How Fans Reacted to the Morbid Departure
The response from fans was equally divided. Some felt the opioid overdose storyline was a powerful choice that tackled a critical issue, while others thought it was overly dramatic and an ill-fitting end for a character known for her humor and resilience. Fans had watched Roseanne Conner for years, and many felt her character deserved a gentler exit from the series.
Social media was flooded with comments and debates, with some fans empathizing with Barr’s outrage, while others expressed understanding for the writers’ choice. Those in favor of the storyline appreciated that The Conners used Roseanne’s departure to explore grief and addiction, which they felt was in line with the show’s tradition of tackling real-life issues. Conversely, fans who opposed the decision argued that it undermined Roseanne’s contributions to the series and felt the storyline was a poor tribute to the character they loved.
5. The Impact on Roseanne Barr and Her Relationship with the Show
Roseanne Barr’s frustration over her character’s death has affected her relationship with the show and its legacy. Barr has publicly criticized The Conners, and the abruptness of her character’s departure has created lasting tension between her and the network. Since then, she has largely distanced herself from the project, often emphasizing that she no longer feels a connection to the storyline or the characters. For Barr, who helped create the Roseanne show and crafted her character’s personality, the opioid storyline felt like a betrayal of what she believed the character represented.
In interviews, Barr has expressed regret over the way things ended, stating that she wishes the situation had been handled differently. Her departure left a lasting impact on her personally and professionally, and it has marked a significant turning point in her career. Roseanne Barr continues to be outspoken about her disappointment, and although The Conners has moved forward without her, her absence remains a notable gap in the hearts of many fans who watched her bring Roseanne Conner to life.
6. The Future of The Conners Without Roseanne
Despite the controversy surrounding Roseanne’s departure, The Conners has found success as a stand-alone series. With new storylines and a focus on the remaining characters, the show continues to address real-life issues while exploring how the Conner family navigates life after loss. The writers have been able to expand on other family dynamics, giving characters like Darlene, Dan, and Jackie more room for development and growth.
While some fans continue to feel the absence of Roseanne Conner, the show has managed to create a distinct identity. The cast has worked hard to honor the spirit of the original series, even as they embrace new challenges and themes. The Conners’ resilience, humor, and unbreakable bond have resonated with audiences, allowing the show to carry on even without its titular character.
Conclusion
The decision to kill off Roseanne Conner marked a pivotal moment in the series, changing both the storyline and the relationships among fans, cast, and creators. For Barr, the handling of her character’s death remains a painful chapter, one that she feels did not honor the spirit of the character she portrayed for so many years. Despite the controversy, The Conners has successfully continued its legacy of tackling real-life challenges, evolving in new directions while staying true to its core themes.
Ultimately, the question of how best to say goodbye to such a beloved character highlights the challenges of reboots and revivals, especially when the story involves characters who have become icons in television history. The Conners has shown that it can stand on its own, but the shadow of Roseanne Conner—and the impact of her departure—will forever be a part of its story.
