And it is official.
Roseanne will continue without its creator and star Roseanne Barr.
ABC officially announced the canceled series will continue on this fall as The Conners with a 10-episode straight-to-series order set to premiere this fall on Tuesdays at 8PM, the series' former timeslot.
According to several sources, out actress Sara Gilbert's character 'Darlene' may become the focus of the new series. Gilbert was instrumental in the recent reboot of the hit sitcom acting as producer as well as actor in the series.
“The Conners’ stories demonstrate that families can always find common ground through conversation, laughter and love,” said the statement from ABC. “The spinoff will continue to portray contemporary issues that are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago.”
The press release also included, “Roseanne Barr will have no financial or creative involvement in the new series.”
Shortly thereafter, Barr issued her own statement:
“I regret the circumstances that have caused me to be removed from Roseanne. 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.”
The Conners cast, including Sara Gilbert (as Darlene), John Goodman (Dan), Laurie Metcalf (Jackie), Lecy Goranson (Becky) and Michael Fishman (DJ), soon followed up with a joint statement:
“We have received a tremendous amount of support from fans of our show, and it’s clear that these characters not only have a place in our hearts, but in the hearts and homes of our audience. We all came back last season because we wanted to tell stories about the challenges facing a working-class family today. We are so happy to have the opportunity to return with the cast and crew to continue to share those stories through love and laughter.”
While the network hasn’t addressed how Roseanne will depart the show, it appear as though her character is being killed off. Here’s the official logline:
“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. 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.”
