“Roseanne” returned to ABC in March 2018, and the reboot proved to be a success. The “Roseanne” reboot garnered 25 million viewers on their debut episode, and ratings held strong during week two, with 15 million. In its third week, the show brought-in 13.47 million. A decline from the week prior, but still massive ratings.
The show has appealed to conservative viewers, because Roseanne Barr’s character in the show is pro-Trump, and the show has plenty of jokes that appeal to those with conservative tendencies. Admittedly it seemed a bit odd, as the “Roseanne” reboot came not long after the network canceled “Last Man Standing,” another conservative-leaning show that had spectacular ratings. Many people believe that ABC canceled the show (which has since been picked up by Fox) for political purposes, a charge they deny.
Still, it looks like the network will be toning down any hints of conservativism on the network.
According to Fox News:
ABC entertainment president Channing Dungey put the kibosh on “Roseanne” remaining political in the second season – apparently ditching the strategy the network touted only two months ago.“I think that one of the things that was fresh for us with ‘Roseanne’ on the air is that it is focusing (on) a family that is in a different economic status than some of the other family comedies that are on the air,” Dungey reportedly said.
Dungey said that the show will lean away from politics next season during a conference call with reporters as part of the network’s upfront presentation. Upon learning the news, conservative media icon Matt Drudge tweeted, “Corporate cannibals stripping Roseanne of her fun.”
Dungey also says that the show’s rating success had little effect on ABC’s plans for the fall, which is a bit bizarre because you’d think they’d want to keep the current formula for success.
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