Roseanne follows the lives of the working-class Conner family, including headstrong mother Roseanne, more laid-back father Dan, daughters Darlene and Becky and son D.J. The Conners struggle with jobs and relationships and sometimes can’t make ends meet, but through it all they remain a tight-knit family.
Aired:
October 18, 1988-May 21, 1997 (nine seasons, 222 episodes) on ABC
See It:
All nine seasons are available on DVD.
History:
Roseanne grew out of the stand-up comedy of star Roseanne Barr, and premiered in 1988 as a working-class alternative to the dominant sitcoms about middle- and upper-class families. It struck a chord with audiences and became a ratings juggernaut and awards favorite (nominated for numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards, and winning several), even as frictions between Barr and producers became commonplace behind the scenes. In later seasons, the show got away from its realistic working-class roots as ratings declined, but it went out as one of the most popular and acclaimed shows of the 1990s.
Cast:
Roseanne Barr as Roseanne Conner
John Goodman as Dan Conner
Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner
Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner (Seasons 1-5, 8)
Sarah Chalke as Becky Conner (Seasons 6-9)
Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner
Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris
Creators:
Roseanne was created by Matt Williams, a former writer on The Cosby Show, inspired by the stand-up comedy of Roseanne Barr (although Barr has asserted that she’s the show’s true creator). Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner, prolific producers whose credits include The Cosby Show, Cybill and That ’70s Show, served as executive producers throughout the show’s run, along with Barr.
