The Roseanne saga, a cornerstone of American sitcom history, reached an emotional crescendo with the series finale of The Conners on April 23, 2025. Fans of the iconic working-class family were left teary-eyed as the show paid a heartfelt tribute to Roseanne Conner, the matriarch whose presence has loomed large despite her absence. The finale, aired on ABC, wrapped up seven seasons of The Conners and 37 years of storytelling that began with Roseanne in 1988. This blog dives into the latest news surrounding the finale, exploring how the show honored Roseanne’s legacy, the emotional weight of the closing episodes, and what’s next for the Conner family’s enduring story.
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Roseanne’s Grave Appearance: A Poignant Tribute
In a deeply moving moment, the Conners series finale saw the family gather at Roseanne’s gravestone, a scene that encapsulated the show’s ability to blend humor with heartbreak. As reported by People, the two-part finale centered on Dan Conner (John Goodman) pursuing a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company responsible for Roseanne’s opioid overdose, revealed in the spinoff’s premiere. This storyline wasn’t just a plot device; it was a way to give the family—and viewers—closure. The gravestone scene, where family members shared life updates with Roseanne, felt like a love letter to fans who’ve followed the Conners since the ‘80s. Executive producer Bruce Helford told TheWrap that the team aimed to honor 37 years of history without resorting to gimmicks like a ghostly cameo, ensuring the tribute felt authentic. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @WatsonFL noting nostalgic callbacks, such as Darlene’s “Meat Stinks” shirt, tying the finale to Roseanne’s roots.
How The Conners Honored Roseanne
The decision to revisit Roseanne’s death was bold, given her controversial exit from the 2018 revival due to racist tweets by Roseanne Barr. Entertainment Weekly detailed how the finale tackled this head-on, with Dan’s deposition scenes exposing raw emotions about Roseanne’s addiction. The show didn’t shy away from tough questions—did the family miss signs of her struggle? Lecy Goranson, who plays Becky, praised the “tasteful” handling of these references in a CBR interview, emphasizing moments that felt organic rather than heavy-handed. The lawsuit storyline, as TVLine noted, served as a throughline, symbolizing the “little guy” fighting for justice, a theme Roseanne championed. Fans on X, like @Galileo908, celebrated the unscripted ending where Dan broke the fourth wall, a nod to the original series’ meta-finale.
Key Moments in the Finale:
- Gravestone Scene: Family members spoke to Roseanne, sharing joys and struggles.
- Dan’s Deposition: Confronted painful truths about Roseanne’s addiction.
- Nostalgic Callbacks: References to Roseanne’s humor and iconic moments.
- Unscripted Ending: John Goodman’s improvised farewell added authenticity.
Emotional Weight and Fan Reactions
The emotional depth of the finale resonated widely. GoldDerby reported that producers were “a little nervous” about invoking Roseanne so prominently, but the risk paid off. Fans took to X, with @TVLine highlighting how the episode revealed fates of legacy characters, satisfying long-time viewers. The show’s ability to balance closure with hope—Goranson hinted at Becky’s optimistic future in Us Weekly—kept audiences engaged. Unlike the divisive 1997 Roseanne finale, which revealed the show as Roseanne’s fictional book, The Conners opted for grounded storytelling. This choice, as ScreenRant noted, avoided alienating fans while addressing the opioid crisis, a real-world issue Roseanne tackled in its revival. The result? A finale that felt like a warm hug from Lanford, Illinois.
What’s Next for the Conner Legacy?
With The Conners concluded, speculation swirls about the franchise’s future. Goranson expressed interest in a Becky-focused spinoff in CBR, though no plans are confirmed. Yahoo reported that producers haven’t ruled out addressing missing characters like David (Johnny Galecki) or Bev (Estelle Parsons) in future projects, though they didn’t appear in Season 7. The show’s impact endures—its focus on working-class struggles, humor, and resilience remains relevant. As
@TVInsider posted, the finale’s emotional weight left viewers satisfied, yet hungry for more. Could a new spinoff or revival emerge? Only time will tell, but the Conner family’s story feels far from over.
Why Roseanne Still Matters
Roseanne redefined sitcoms by portraying a flawed, relatable family navigating life’s messiness. The Conners carried this torch, proving the narrative could thrive without its titular star. The finale’s success lies in its refusal to erase Roseanne’s impact while forging a new path. As Collider noted in its Season 7 trailer coverage, the show blended archival clips with fresh stories, reminding us why we fell in love with the Conners. For fans, it’s not just about closure—it’s about carrying forward a legacy that speaks to the heart of America. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or a newcomer, the finale invites you to laugh, cry, and reflect on what family means.