ABC has made it official: The high-rated “Roseanne” is too good to give up on, and it will return to the air as “The Conners.”
Why the name change? Because the original show’s star, Roseanne Barr, will not be involved. Barr will have no creative or financial stake in the new production.
As TMZ first reported, the negotiations were being finalized and the only delay involved negotiations with Barr herself.
All the other actors have confirmed they will be returning to the show which was TV’s highest-rated sitcom in more than three years until it was abruptly canceled after Barr sent a racial tweet to former Obama White House advisor Valerie Jarrett on May 29. (RELATED: ‘Roseanne’ Canceled on ABC After Crude Tweets). As a result, 200 cast and crew members lost their job. (RELATED: Roseanne Gets Emotional Over Cancellation, Tackles Cast Mates Who Denounced Her).
Now, the problem for the show’s writers is to develop a story which will take Roseanne Barr out of the show. Former executive producer Whitney Cummings wasn’t sure how it would be done, but it will be something for viewers to watch.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the remaining cast members announced, “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.”
Barr also sent out a statement on Thursday, stating that she regrets “the circumstances that have caused me to be removed” from her show. She added, “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.”
ABC says the new take will explore issues with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging, and in-laws in working-class America. But it’s difficult to see why fans of the original ‘Roseanne’ and the recent reboot, would tune in without the actress that the show is named after.
ABC has ordered 10 episodes of “The Connors” and they are expected to be released in the Fall of 2018.
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