Despite receiving critical acclaim during its original run, Roseanne often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Its portrayal of working-class America, its groundbreaking social commentary, and its complex characters set it apart from other TV shows, yet somehow, it remains underrated by many. In this article, we’ll explore why Roseanne deserves a second look, and why it should be considered one of the most influential TV shows of the late 20th century.
Breaking the Mold of Traditional Sitcoms
In the late 80s and early 90s, TV sitcoms were largely dominated by families living in perfect, albeit quirky, households. From The Cosby Show to Full House, the typical sitcom family was depicted as happy, healthy, and economically stable. However, Roseanne was different— and that’s why it stands out.
The Conner family wasn’t wealthy, and they weren’t pretending to be. They struggled with bills, faced the stresses of living paycheck to paycheck, and had to deal with real-world problems, like alcoholism, mental illness, and the challenges of raising kids. This was the reality for many viewers at the time, and they finally had a show that mirrored their everyday struggles. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the perfect, glossy sitcom families that had come before.
Not only did Roseanne present a more realistic portrayal of working-class life, but it also revolutionized the way we thought about sitcoms. It made humor out of the everyday challenges of life, showing that even when things are tough, there’s always room for laughter. This was a departure from the light-hearted, feel-good comedy that dominated TV at the time.
Tackling Social Issues Head-On
Another reason Roseanne deserves more recognition is the way it tackled important social issues with boldness and sensitivity. In an era when sitcoms mostly avoided controversial topics, Roseanne addressed issues like financial hardship, racism, domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ rights. The show’s willingness to engage with such topics made it ahead of its time and set a precedent for other TV shows to follow.
Take, for instance, the groundbreaking episode in which Roseanne’s character supports her daughter Darlene (Sara Gilbert) through her struggles with anxiety and depression. Mental health wasn’t often discussed in sitcoms back then, but Roseanne brought these issues into the mainstream with humor, warmth, and understanding. This approach made difficult topics accessible and allowed viewers to see that it was okay to talk about mental health struggles.
Additionally, the character of Roseanne’s sister Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) dealt with domestic abuse, and the show handled it in a way that felt real, compassionate, and never overly dramatic. These were not just throwaway plot points, but core parts of the show that helped give it emotional depth and credibility.
Complex Characters and Relationships
One of the hallmarks of Roseanne was its well-developed characters. While many sitcoms of the time relied on one-dimensional characters with catchphrases or predictable behavior, Roseanne introduced us to fully realized people with flaws, dreams, and challenges. Roseanne herself was no perfect mother—she could be sarcastic, irritable, and even unkind at times. But it was this realism that made her a compelling character. She wasn’t just a typical TV mom. She was a woman trying her best in a tough world, and viewers related to her because of that.
The relationships within the family were equally complex. Roseanne’s relationship with her husband, Dan (John Goodman), was grounded in real-life issues—arguments, misunderstandings, but also unconditional love. They weren’t a perfect couple, but they were a team. Their chemistry was magnetic, and it gave the show an emotional backbone that many sitcoms lacked.
Even the children—Darlene, Becky, and later, the character of DJ—had their own arcs, making them feel like real people with their own unique personalities and struggles. The show gave these characters room to grow, and they often found themselves navigating difficult terrain, just like their parents.
The Lasting Legacy of Roseanne
The truth is, Roseanne is often overlooked in the discussion of the greatest TV shows of all time, but it should be remembered as a pioneering force in television. Its ability to address social issues, its portrayal of a realistic family dynamic, and its willingness to challenge the norms of the typical sitcom made it a true game-changer. If you haven’t watched it—or if you haven’t seen it in a while—it’s time to give Roseanne another look. This underrated gem deserves its rightful place in the pantheon of classic TV shows.
