Roseanne was not just a sitcom—it was a cultural juggernaut, attracting millions of viewers and earning critical acclaim. However, the show’s legacy has been anything but smooth sailing. It has been marred by scandals, controversies, and public outbursts that threatened to unravel everything. But against all odds, Roseanne survived—and even made a dramatic return. Here’s a look at the shocking controversies that nearly destroyed the show and how it came back from the brink.
The Scandal That Ended Roseanne in 2018
The most significant controversy surrounding Roseanne came in May 2018 when Roseanne Barr, the show’s star, posted a racist tweet targeting Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Barack Obama. The tweet was widely condemned as offensive and inappropriate, leading to an immediate backlash. Within hours, ABC canceled the show, and the network was forced to sever ties with Barr.
This scandal seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Roseanne, especially considering how successful the reboot had been just a few months earlier. The show had garnered high ratings and praise for its bold approach to contemporary issues, making the cancellation all the more shocking.
Roseanne Barr’s Controversial Persona
Barr had always been a polarizing figure, known for her outspoken and often controversial views. Throughout her career, she had made several headlines for her political opinions and public behavior, but the 2018 tweet was the breaking point. It was seen as not just a personal failure but a betrayal of the show’s values. Fans and critics alike were outraged by her actions, and many wondered whether the show could ever recover from the damage caused.
The Fallout and Immediate Response
In the wake of the scandal, ABC quickly moved to distance itself from Barr, with network president Channing Dungey calling her comments “abhorrent, repugnant, and inconsistent with our values.” The immediate cancellation of the show was followed by widespread condemnation from across the entertainment industry.
For the cast and crew of Roseanne, the fallout was also personal. Many expressed their disappointment and frustration with Barr’s actions, as they had worked hard to make the show a success. John Goodman, who played Dan Conner, made it clear that he was devastated by the show’s cancellation but also empathetic to the fact that Barr’s actions had been inexcusable.
The Roseanne Reboot’s Comeback: The Conners
Despite the devastating cancellation, ABC did not give up on the Roseanne brand entirely. The network decided to continue the series, but without Barr. The reboot, now called The Conners, premiered in October 2018, featuring the rest of the original cast but without the character of Roseanne Conner. Barr’s character was written off the show by having her die of an opioid overdose.
This bold move allowed The Conners to continue the story of the Conner family while distancing the show from the controversy surrounding Barr. While the show’s reception was mixed, it proved that the Roseanne universe still had legs, even without its original star. The Conners has since enjoyed moderate success, with multiple seasons airing and addressing many of the same working-class struggles that made Roseanne such a beloved show.
A Lesson in Redemption and Resilience
The saga of Roseanne highlights the power of resilience in the entertainment industry. Despite the immense backlash and controversy, the show found a way to continue, adapting to the changing landscape of television. The success of The Conners proved that, even when faced with a scandal of unprecedented proportions, a beloved show can find a path forward—though not without some major changes.
Conclusion: Can Roseanne Ever Be the Same?
While the original Roseanne may never fully recover from its scandalous downfall, its legacy endures. The reboot The Conners has continued to explore themes of family, addiction, and social issues—proving that the core of what made Roseanne so special is still intact.
Though Barr’s actions nearly destroyed the show’s reputation, the ability to adapt and evolve allowed Roseanne to survive. It’s a testament to the resilience of both the cast and crew and to the undeniable appeal of the Conner family. While it may not be the same, Roseanne—or rather The Conners—remains a force in television.
