When Roseanne was abruptly canceled in 2018 after a controversial tweet by Roseanne Barr, many assumed that would be the end of the Conner family’s TV journey. However, The Conners proved that there was still life in the Conner family saga — even without its namesake matriarch. Fans were skeptical at first, wondering how a show could possibly continue without the star who had been its anchor for so long. But, to everyone’s surprise, The Conners not only survived, it thrived.
What made the transition so seamless and why did The Conners succeed where many other spinoffs fail? There are many factors at play, from the remaining cast members’ talents to the show’s willingness to evolve and embrace change. Here’s how The Conners became a success and how it continues to captivate audiences even today.
1. A Bold Move: The Decision to Kill Off Roseanne
After Roseanne Barr’s departure from the show, the producers faced an important decision: how would they write off the character of Roseanne Conner? Instead of opting for the typical TV cop-out — such as having Roseanne disappear off-screen or the character leaving the family — the writers made the bold choice to kill off Roseanne. In the premiere of The Conners, the family is devastated by her sudden death from an opioid overdose, which sets the stage for a deeper exploration of grief and loss.
While this was an unexpected choice, it worked. By tackling such a tough issue head-on, The Conners allowed its characters to process real emotions in a way that felt grounded in reality. Dan, Jackie, Darlene, and Becky each had to confront their individual feelings of loss, but the show also highlighted how the family would survive — and even find a way to thrive — despite the absence of the woman who had always been at the center of their lives.
2. The Legacy of Roseanne Conner: Honoring Her Memory
Though Roseanne was no longer present, her legacy lived on in The Conners. The show made sure to honor her memory while showing that the family could still move forward. Roseanne’s impact on her children and her extended family was still felt throughout the show, and her death provided a chance for the characters to grow and evolve. For example, Darlene (played by Sara Gilbert) stepped up in a way she hadn’t before, taking on more responsibility and becoming an even stronger anchor for her family.
By making Roseanne’s death a central plot point, the show didn’t just sidestep her absence; it made her part of the narrative, reinforcing the idea that family members, even when they’re gone, continue to shape and influence those who remain.
3. The Strength of the Remaining Cast
While Roseanne Barr’s departure from the show was a huge challenge, the remaining cast members brought enough talent and heart to keep The Conners moving forward. John Goodman’s portrayal of Dan Conner, the grieving widower, was heartbreaking and cathartic to watch. Laurie Metcalf’s Jackie Conner became even more integral to the storyline as she helped her family cope with the loss, showing just how important her character had become over the years. And Sara Gilbert’s Darlene was given even more depth as she navigated motherhood, career struggles, and the complexities of being a daughter without her mother.
The show’s ability to evolve while still keeping the heart of the Conner family intact is one of the main reasons it’s worked so well. The chemistry among the remaining cast members was undeniable, and their commitment to telling authentic, relatable stories about family — even in the face of unimaginable loss — helped The Conners earn its place in the hearts of audiences.
4. Tackling Real-World Issues with Humor and Heart
One of the things that always set Roseanne apart was its ability to tackle serious issues while still making audiences laugh. The Conners carried that tradition forward by continuing to address difficult topics, including addiction, mental health, and the struggles of living in a working-class family. These themes were often depicted through humor, but they also had real emotional weight that made the show feel incredibly relevant in today’s world.
By continuing to explore issues that affect many families — and doing so in a way that was both respectful and funny — The Conners proved that it was more than just a spinoff. It was a continuation of the same spirit that made Roseanne a TV legend. It was real. It was raw. And it was exactly what audiences needed.
5. The Conners Today: A Show That Evolved with the Times
One of the reasons The Conners has been able to succeed after losing its biggest star is its willingness to evolve. The show’s writers embraced the changing landscape of television and addressed topics that felt timely and important. Whether it’s the ongoing struggles of a working-class family in America or the way it tackles social issues, The Conners keeps its finger on the pulse of modern life, which makes it feel fresh and necessary.
