After 37 years, The Conners concluded its run on ABC with an emotionally charged series finale. Executive producers Dave Caplan, Bruce Helford, and Bruce Rasmussen discussed the challenges of closing out the show while honoring its legacy, particularly the character of Roseanne Conner, portrayed by Roseanne Barr.
The revival of Roseanne in 2018 was a success, but it was abruptly canceled when Roseanne Barr faced backlash for posting racist tweets. In light of Barr’s exit, the producers made the decision to kill off Roseanne’s character in The Conners. Her death, caused by an opioid overdose, tied into the show’s ongoing exploration of addiction and its social impact. This narrative choice allowed the show to address her absence while still maintaining the authenticity of the Conner family dynamic.
“We knew the family would have a certain kind of regret that she’s not around now to see all the wonderful things that are happening,” Caplan explained. Acknowledging Roseanne’s absence was vital to the storyline, as her character had been the cornerstone of the show for decades.
The series finale included an emotional graveside scene where the family gathered to say goodbye to Roseanne. The producers chose not to provide a neat, happy ending but instead opted for a realistic and fitting conclusion. The family’s lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company linked to Roseanne’s death resulted in a modest payout, which allowed for humor without sacrificing the show’s grounded approach to life’s challenges.
-ABC.
Caplan emphasized that it was Roseanne Barr’s decision to allow The Conners to continue after her departure. “It was by her grace that we were allowed to continue,” he said. This gesture of support allowed the producers to honor her legacy by maintaining the show’s spirit and focusing on the Conner family’s ongoing struggles.
Although the finale marked the end of the series, the show’s impact, especially Roseanne’s, will continue in syndication. The producers also hinted at a possible spinoff involving Jackie’s (Laurie Metcalf) return to the police force, though no concrete plans are in place. “We want to honor the legacy,” Helford stated, underscoring their commitment to respecting the show’s history.
