Roseanne (Reboot)

Premise: The reboot of “Roseanne” revives the beloved Conner family two decades after the original series ended. The Conners, still in their trademark house in Lanford, Illinois, grapple with the societal and economic challenges of today’s America. The revival touches on issues like healthcare, addiction, unemployment, and politics, all while maintaining the humor and heart that made the original series iconic.

Main Characters:

1. Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) – The ever-vocal and opinionated matriarch who’s navigating the complexities of being a grandmother in today’s world.
2. Dan Conner (John Goodman) – Roseanne’s husband, presumed dead in the original finale, is very much alive and continues to be the rock of the family.
3. Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) – Now an adult, she returns to Lanford with her two children after losing her job.
4. Becky Conner (Lecy Goranson) – Trying to make ends meet, Becky faces the challenges of middle age, including the prospect of becoming a surrogate.
5. D.J. Conner (Michael Fishman) – A military veteran with a young daughter, navigating parenthood and his past.
6. Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf) – Still quirky as ever, Jackie provides comedic relief while dealing with the shifts in her relationship with Roseanne.

Themes: The “Roseanne” reboot boldly addresses contemporary social and political issues, reflecting the divisions and discussions in modern American households. From the opioid crisis to the challenges faced by the working class, and from LGBTQ+ issues to political polarization, the series doesn’t shy away from mirroring the current American zeitgeist.

Rating: 3.5/5 The reboot garnered significant attention for its willingness to tackle contemporary topics, and many critics applauded its relevance. The chemistry of the original cast remained a high point. However, it also drew criticism, particularly around Roseanne Barr’s off-screen controversies and some felt the show occasionally leaned too heavily on nostalgia. The reboot was short-lived due to a controversial tweet by Barr, leading to her dismissal and the subsequent spin-off, “The Conners.”

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG, reflecting its family-centric narratives but also its engagement with mature themes and occasional strong language.

Broadcast Details: The “Roseanne” reboot aired on ABC in 2018.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed the “Roseanne” reboot, consider:

1. “The Conners” – Directly continues the story of the Conner family post-Roseanne.
2. “One Day at a Time” (Reboot) – A fresh take on a classic, focusing on a Cuban-American family.
3. “Mom” – Addresses addiction, family dynamics, and personal growth with humor.
4. “The Middle” – Chronicles another working-class family’s humorous trials and tribulations in Indiana.
5. “Last Man Standing” – A sitcom that, like “Roseanne,” doesn’t shy away from political and societal commentary.