As The Conners enters its fifth season, fans of the show continue to speculate about which characters from the original Roseanne series might make a return. With its roots deeply embedded in Roseanne, The Conners has consistently brought back familiar faces, paying homage to the legacy of the original sitcom. While some characters have already made appearances in previous seasons, Season 5 presents new opportunities for long-time favorites to rejoin the Lanford universe.
Throughout its run, The Conners has thrived on both its connection to Roseanne and its ability to create fresh stories that stand on their own. However, every time a former character reappears, it brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement to viewers who grew up with the original series. So, who might we see return in Season 5 of The Conners? Let’s explore the possibilities.
1. David Healy (Johnny Galecki)
David Healy, Darlene’s ex-husband and father to her children, Harris and Mark, has made several appearances throughout the first four seasons of The Conners. Johnny Galecki, who portrays David, is beloved by fans for his awkward yet lovable persona. While Galecki has been busy with other projects, including his role in The Big Bang Theory, he has still managed to make guest appearances on The Conners.
Given David’s crucial role in Darlene’s storyline, fans are hopeful for more appearances from him. Season 5 could see David involved in more family dynamics, especially as Darlene navigates her relationship with her new husband, Ben. David and Ben have had an awkward and sometimes tense relationship, and a potential return of David could create interesting conflict, particularly as both men strive to co-parent Harris and Mark.
Galecki’s return, however, depends on his availability and his willingness to dive back into the Conners world. But considering the importance of his character to Darlene’s arc, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pop up at least once in Season 5.
2. Becky’s Daughter, Beverly Rose’s Father
One of the more complex and emotional storylines on The Conners involves Becky’s journey as a single mother to her daughter, Beverly Rose. During Roseanne and the early seasons of The Conners, Becky struggled with fertility issues, making Beverly Rose’s birth a poignant moment in her storyline. The identity of Beverly Rose’s father, Emilio, has also been a significant part of the plot, with him being deported and struggling to stay connected with Becky and their daughter.
Emilio’s sporadic presence on the show has left fans wondering if he will return in Season 5, and if so, how his relationship with Becky might evolve. Emilio’s character adds emotional depth to Becky’s storyline as she deals with the challenges of raising a child on her own. A potential return could address the ongoing immigration issues, as well as explore how Emilio’s absence has affected both Becky and Beverly Rose.
3. Crystal Anderson (Natalie West)
One of the most iconic recurring characters on Roseanne was Crystal Anderson, Roseanne’s best friend and later Dan’s stepmother. Crystal’s quirky personality and emotional vulnerability endeared her to fans throughout Roseanne‘s original run. While she has made a few brief appearances in The Conners, Crystal has not been a major part of the new show’s narrative.
Crystal’s return could bring some light-hearted moments, but it could also open up new storylines regarding her relationship with the Conner family, particularly Dan. Given how close Crystal was with Roseanne, a return in Season 5 might also bring back old memories, especially as the family continues to cope with the loss of Roseanne.
In addition, Crystal could provide support to her stepson Dan as he continues his new life with Louise. A reunion between Crystal and the Conners would not only serve nostalgia but also create opportunities for fresh and engaging plots.
4. Jerry Garcia Conner
A character that many fans have been eager to see return is Jerry Garcia Conner, the youngest son of Roseanne and Dan. Born during the later seasons of Roseanne, Jerry was still a young child when the series originally ended. However, since The Conners began, Jerry’s absence has been a topic of interest, with only occasional mentions that he is living away from home.
Season 5 presents the perfect opportunity for Jerry to finally return to Lanford and reconnect with his family. While Jerry’s absence has been explained in previous seasons (he is said to be working on a fishing boat in Alaska), his return could offer a deeper exploration of how his parents’ death and his siblings’ struggles have affected him.
Bringing Jerry back could add a fresh dynamic to the show, allowing the writers to explore new sibling relationships and introduce new conflicts. Fans have long wondered what kind of person Jerry has grown up to be, and his reappearance could answer those lingering questions.
5. Jackie’s Exes: Fred or Fisher
Laurie Metcalf’s portrayal of Jackie has been a cornerstone of both Roseanne and The Conners, and over the years, Jackie’s tumultuous love life has been a major part of her character’s arc. Two significant figures from Jackie’s past are Fred (her ex-husband and father of her son, Andy) and Fisher (her abusive ex-boyfriend from Roseanne).
A return from Fred could offer closure to the long-lingering question of what happened to Andy, who has been notably absent from The Conners. Fans have been curious about the fate of Jackie’s son, and Fred’s return could provide an explanation while also reintroducing him into the Conner family dynamic.
On the other hand, a return from Fisher would be a bold and dramatic choice. Fisher’s abusive behavior toward Jackie was one of the most emotionally charged storylines on Roseanne, and while he has not been mentioned in The Conners, his return could reopen old wounds. Such a storyline could explore Jackie’s growth and how she has healed from past trauma.
6. Roseanne’s Mother, Beverly Harris (Estelle Parsons)
Another character that fans would love to see return is Roseanne’s mother, Beverly Harris. Estelle Parsons has made a few appearances on The Conners, and her sharp wit and biting humor have always brought laughs. Beverly, who is in her 90s, has been a hilarious yet sometimes troublesome presence in the family, and her interactions with Jackie and the rest of the Conners often lead to comedic moments.
Given her age, Beverly’s potential return could explore themes of aging and family responsibility. Season 5 might bring back Beverly to resolve her story, possibly dealing with issues related to her health or relationships with her children.
Conclusion
The Conners Season 5 holds great potential for bringing back beloved Roseanne characters, providing both nostalgia and fresh storylines. Whether it’s David Healy, Jerry Garcia Conner, or even Beverly Harris, these returns could deepen the show’s connection to its Roseanne roots while allowing for new growth in the current storyline.
As The Conners continues to carve out its own legacy, the reappearance of familiar faces will undoubtedly bring joy to long-time fans and remind viewers why they fell in love with the Conner family all those years ago.
