The Shocking Cancellation of Roseanne: What Happened with ABC and the Cast?
Hello there, TV enthusiasts! We're here to spill the tea on one of the most talked-about events in recent TV history: the abrupt cancellation of Roseanne by ABC. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and abc cancelled roseanne.
The Revival of Roseanne
In 2018, ABC brought back the classic sitcom Roseanne after a 21-year hiatus, and fans were thrilled. The show, which originally aired from 1988 to 1997, was a massive hit in its heyday, known for its hilarious take on the working-class American family. The revival promised more of the same, with the original cast, including Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, reprising their roles.
The first season of the reboot was a smash hit, drawing in an average of 18.2 million viewers per episode. It was the highest-rated show of the season, and it seemed like Roseanne was here to stay. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. And, boy, did this one end with a bang!
The Tweet that Changed Everything
On May 29, 2018, Roseanne Barr took to Twitter and sent out a racist tweet that targeted Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. The tweet read, "Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj." The backlash was immediate and fierce.
Fans, celebrities, and even ABC were quick to condemn the tweet. ABC released a statement saying, "Roseanne's Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show."
The Aftermath: The Cancellation and the Spinoff
Just two hours after ABC's announcement, Roseanne was officially cancelled. It was a shock to the system, and fans were left wondering what would happen next.
But, as it turns out, the story of the Conner family wasn't over just yet. In June 2018, ABC announced that they were developing a spinoff of Roseanne, titled The Conners. The show would focus on the rest of the Conner family, with the exception of Roseanne Barr's character.
The cast, including John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, and Michael Fishman, signed on to the spinoff. They released a joint statement saying, "We have received an enormous amount of support from fans and promo partners wanting to know the status of the show and we are grateful for their understanding and patience as we work through the potential outcomes of all this."
Roseanne's Response and Apology
After the cancellation, Roseanne Barr released a series of tweets apologizing for her actions. She claimed that she was "on Ambien" when she sent the tweet, and that she had no idea it was racist. She also said that she was leaving Twitter, but later returned.
In an interview with Joe Rogan, Barr insisted that she wasn't a racist and that she had been "tricked" into making the tweet. She also claimed that she had been "ambushed" by ABC and that they had used her to get ratings.
The Lessons Learned
The cancellation of Roseanne was a wake-up call for many. It highlighted the power of social media, the importance of responsible tweeting, and the consequences of hate speech. It also showed that networks are willing to take a stand against racism, even if it means losing a hit show.
As for The Conners, the spinoff premiered in October 2018 and has been a ratings success for ABC. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Conner family, and a reminder that, even in the face of controversy, great storytelling can triumph.
So, there you have it, folks! The shocking cancellation of Roseanne and the rise of The Conners. It's been a wild ride, and we're sure there's more drama to come. Until next time, stay tuned!