Roseanne

"Roseanne" is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1997, and briefly returned for a ninth season in 2018. The series centers around the Conner family, a working-class family struggling to get by in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. Roseanne Barr takes the lead as the matriarch, Roseanne Conner, delivering a performance that's tough, slightly uncouth, but always humorously endearing.

John Goodman stars as her husband, Dan Conner, who shares Roseanne's quick wit and pragmatic worldview. The grounded performances of the lead actors provide an authentic portrayal of middle-class American life. The Conners are not wealthy or particularly successful, but they are warm, witty, and indisputably real, which stands in stark contrast to other sitcom families of the era.

The Conner family also includes their children: Becky (played by both Alicia Goranson and Sarah Chalke at different times), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and DJ (Michael Fishman). Each child adds unique dimensions to the show, and their individual trials and triumphs invite viewers into a relatable coming-of-age story. Additionally, Laurie Metcalf stars as Roseanne's neurotic but loving sister, Jackie Harris, who becomes a iconic character in her own right.

Underneath its humor, "Roseanne" also provides a critical commentary on social issues of its era, such as gender dynamics, women's rights, addiction, class struggles, homophobia, racism, and more. The show broke barriers in television history, offering an unvarnished and often unflattering depiction of American life that struck a chord with many viewers.

The rich array of supporting characters ensures that no two episodes of "Roseanne" are quite alike. George Clooney, Ned Beatty, Martin Mull, and Tom Arnold play recurring characters, each one providing a unique flavor to the canvas of the Conner's life.

Notably, the show explores the extended family and friendships of the Conners, adding depth to the series with notable appearances by Sandra Bernhard, Estelle Parsons, Glenn Quinn, Natalie West, and others. Many other big names had cameos on Roseanne, including Bruce Willis, Tobey Maguire, Sharon Stone, and many more, further enriching the diverse world of the series.

Between its realism, humor, powerful themes, and exceptional performances, "Roseanne" remains a significant touchstone in television history. Even with its closure, its cultural impact hits home today, speaking candidly to real-life challenges encountered by countless individuals and families.

The final season in 2018 offered an intriguing opportunity to revisit the Conner's journey two decades after their final season. It provides a fresh perspective, but with the same brand of edgy, honest humor and loveable characters that made the original series a classic. The return manages to stay true to the essence of the series while nuancedly updating the narrative universe of the Conners for a new generation.

Together, the cast and writers of "Roseanne" created a portrayal of middle-class American life that was pioneering in its time and remains influential to this day. Whether for its raw humor or unique portrayal of the American family, "Roseanne" is a landmark series that continues to hold a cherished place in the history of television programming. From the wry, yet caring Roseanne Conner to her gruff and nurturing spouse Dan, and their three individualistic children, the Conners remain one of the most endearing and real families ever portrayed on the small screen.