General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: While I won't waste my time watching that asshole Roseanne's revival, if it garners enough viewers, [View all]PatSeg
(47,501 posts)The show is not about Roseanne Barr, it is about the Conner family and their friends in a Midwest working class town. I was raised outside of Chicago and I've known people like the Conners, though not always as funny or open minded. Few shows have captured blue collar families and their problems as well as Roseanne.
The original show was extremely popular, as well as cutting edge, but even back then Roseanne Barr was controversial and often outrageous. That did not effect the quality of the show, however, and people still tuned in, even if they did not like or approve of Barr.
Roseanne the show had covered topics that few programs had touched - homosexuality, mental illness, domestic abuse, etc. The reboot has already shown that they will touch on many subjects that reflect the real world average people live in. Darlene's grade school son likes bright colors and girls' clothes, Becky is deep in debt and wants to become a surrogate mother for the money, D.J. has a mixed race child (haven't seen his wife yet), Rosanne and Dan have health conditions related to age and cannot afford their medication so they split them up between them.
As for politics, Jackie supported Hillary and Roseanne supported Trump, because he promised jobs. Jackie pointed out that things have only gotten worse and implies that Roseanne only gets her news from Fox, though the network was not mentioned by name. They argue about politics, much like many families do today. Perhaps it is healthy for people to see this on TV, with a bit of humor, and know that they are not alone.
This show has an ensemble cast with some really talented actors and top notch writers. Roseanne, the person, has suffered from mental illness and has had several nervous breakdowns. As such, I take that into consideration when she says off-the-wall crap. Meanwhile, the rest of cast and writers deserve recognition.
I love John Goodman and his Don Conner is the most realistic husband and father I've seen in a sitcom. I go out of my way to watch anything he is in. Laurie Metcalf is an amazing actress and comedian. Her performance alone makes it worth watching the show.
If Donald Trump and his core supporters think the show validates his presidency, they weren't paying attention or they didn't really watch the show. Most likely the latter I think.