“Roseanne Barr will have no financial or creative involvement in the new series,” ABC said in announcing its 10-episode straight-to-series order for The Conners spinoff, premiering this fall and starring Sara Gilbert, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Lecy Goranson and Michael Fishman. Executive producer Tom Werner and showrunner Bruce Helford will also be back. ABC didn't announce how the spinoff would move forward without Roseanne Conner, but a description hinted that she might be killed off. “After a sudden turn of events, the Conners are forced to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before," ABC said in its announcement. "This iconic family — Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. — grapples with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging and in-laws in working-class America. Through it all, the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns – with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails.” ABC's announcement included a statement from Barr herself: “I regret the circumstances that have caused me to be removed from Roseanne," Barr said. "I agreed to the settlement in order that 200 jobs of beloved cast and crew could be saved, and I wish the best for everyone involved." ALSO: Roseanne Barr is expected to retain all rights to her Roseanne Conner character, including for future spinoffs/reboots beyond The Conners.
TOPICS: Roseanne, ABC, The Conners, Bruce Helford, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Lecy Goranson, Michael Fishman, Roseanne Barr, Sara Gilbert, Tom Werner, Revivals