The highs and lows of the Roseanne revival, and why fans couldn’t get enough of it.
When the revival of Roseanne hit TV screens in 2018, it was met with both excitement and skepticism. Fans who had grown up watching the original series were thrilled to see the Conner family back together, but the revival also sparked controversy—both on-screen and behind the scenes. So, was the Roseanne reboot as good as the original? Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and the reason fans were hooked from the first episode.
The Revival: A Nostalgic Return to the Conners
For fans who had missed the Conner family, the 2018 reboot was a welcome return to the world they had loved so much in the late ’80s and ’90s. The opening moments of the revival felt like slipping into an old, familiar pair of shoes. The characters were still there, and they were just as sharp, funny, and relatable as before. Roseanne was still the blunt, hilarious matriarch; Dan was still the hard-working, lovable dad; and Darlene, Becky, and DJ had all grown up but retained the personalities that fans remembered.
The revival’s focus on today’s issues—such as political division and economic challenges—made the show feel both timely and relevant. Many fans loved that the show acknowledged the real world’s current climate, addressing themes like the 2016 election and the struggles faced by working-class families. For some, it was a welcome change from the increasingly polished, idealized portrayals of family life in other sitcoms.
The Controversy: Roseanne Barr’s Personal Scandal
However, the reboot quickly ran into trouble due to the actions of Roseanne Barr herself. The show’s success was overshadowed by Barr’s controversial tweet, which led to her firing from the show and the eventual cancellation of the revival. The scandal ignited debates about the intersection of celebrity behavior and the impact on the shows they represent.
While Barr’s behavior created a major disruption, the remaining cast and crew worked to salvage the show by shifting the focus to the other characters. This shift eventually led to the spin-off series, The Conners, which continued the story of the Conner family without Roseanne herself.
Why Fans Still Loved It
Despite the controversies, the revival of Roseanne was a hit with many fans who found the return of the Conner family both entertaining and cathartic. The reboot managed to capture the same energy that made the original series so beloved while adding a modern twist. The chemistry between the cast was still as strong as ever, and viewers appreciated the series’ willingness to tackle contemporary issues with the same unflinching honesty that made the original so great.
