The Conners Star Michael Fishman Leaving Series

The Conners is losing a family member. 

Legacy cast member Michael Fishman, who has played D.J. Conner since Roseanne's second episode, will not be returning to the spinoff for its fifth season. While no reason has been given for his departure, Fishman took a more behind-the-scenes role in recent seasons of the series, appearing less on screen and instead directing a handful of episodes. 

Fishman is not currently set to appear in The Conners Season 5, though the door is reportedly being left open for his return. 

In a statement, Fishman said the decision to leave The Conners was out of his control. "While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop," he said. "I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. As I venture into the world to build the future, I send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production."

It was 1988 when Fishman made his debut as Roseanne and Dan's son D.J. in the series' second episode, and he has since appeared in more than 250 episodes. John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, and the rest of the starring cast are expected to return to The Conners this season. 

The Conners Season 5 premieres September 21 at 8/7c on ABC.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.