The cancellation of the rebooted “Roseanne” series in May 2018 marked a pivotal moment in television history. Originally a beloved sitcom from 1988 to 1997, the revival had achieved substantial success, capturing the interest of both old fans and new viewers. However, the show’s resurgence was abruptly halted when its star, Roseanne Barr, posted a racist tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Barack Obama, to a cross between the Muslim Brotherhood and an ape. The tweet sparked immediate and widespread backlash, prompting ABC to cancel the show despite its high ratings and financial success. The network’s swift decision underscored a commitment to its values, reflecting a broader societal intolerance for hate speech. The controversy not only ended Barr’s association with the series but also led to the creation of the spin-off, “The Conners,” which continued the story without its original lead.
The Controversial Tweet and Immediate Fallout
In May 2018, Roseanne Barr posted a tweet that ignited a firestorm of controversy and ultimately led to the cancellation of her rebooted sitcom, “Roseanne.” The tweet likened Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, to a cross between the Muslim Brotherhood and the “Planet of the Apes.” This comment was widely condemned as racist and inappropriate.
Barr initially defended her tweet as a joke and later blamed the incident on her use of Ambien, a sedative. She expressed regret, stating, “I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me — my joke was in bad taste”.
Sara Gilbert, who played Barr’s on-screen daughter Darlene, quickly distanced herself and the rest of the cast from Barr’s remarks. She tweeted, “Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least”.
ABC swiftly responded to the backlash. Channing Dungey, the then-president of ABC Entertainment, announced the cancellation of “Roseanne,” stating, “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show”. The decision was also backed by Robert Iger, CEO of Disney, who emphasized that it was the right action to take.
Following the tweet, Barr faced significant professional and personal fallout. She was dropped by her talent agency and struggled with the loss of her show’s revival, which had been a significant success. Barr continued to defend herself in various interviews, maintaining that her comment was misunderstood and not meant to be racist. Despite her apologies and explanations, the damage to her career was profound.
ABC’s Cancellation Decision and Aftermath
Following Roseanne Barr’s controversial tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett to the “Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes,” ABC swiftly canceled the “Roseanne” reboot. Channing Dungey, President of ABC Entertainment, described Barr’s tweet as “abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values,” a sentiment echoed by Disney CEO Robert Iger. The decision was praised by prominent figures such as civil rights icon John Lewis and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who commended ABC for taking a stand against racism and bigotry.
The cancellation marked a significant blow to Barr’s career. Despite her attempts to apologize and explain the tweet, she faced severe professional repercussions, including being dropped by her talent agency. Barr expressed feeling deeply betrayed by her colleagues, particularly Sara Gilbert, whose public condemnation of the tweet played a pivotal role in the show’s cancellation. Gilbert stated that Barr’s comments did not reflect the beliefs of the cast and crew, emphasizing her disappointment in Barr’s actions.
The incident sparked broader discussions about racism, accountability, and the impact of social media on public figures’ careers. The cancellation of “Roseanne” set a precedent in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of aligning public actions with corporate values and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
Life After “Roseanne”
Following the cancellation of “Roseanne” due to Roseanne Barr’s controversial tweet, ABC decided to continue the story of the Conner family without its original matriarch. This led to the creation of the spin-off series, “The Conners,” which premiered in October 2018.
The transition from “Roseanne” to “The Conners” was a significant move for ABC and the show’s cast. Sara Gilbert, who played Darlene Conner and also served as an executive producer, spearheaded the effort to keep the show alive. She, along with John Goodman (Dan Conner) and Laurie Metcalf (Jackie Harris), felt a strong obligation to continue the narrative of the Conner family. Goodman expressed that there was a “debt owed to this fictional family,” emphasizing the importance of finishing their story.
“The Conners” was met with both anticipation and skepticism. Fans of the original show were curious to see how the series would fare without its leading character. Despite these challenges, “The Conners” managed to establish its own identity and garnered positive reviews. The show’s first season tackled the absence of Roseanne Conner by addressing her death, which was handled with sensitivity and realism.
The show maintained a solid viewership, averaging 3.4 million viewers and becoming one of ABC’s highest-rated scripted series. It tackled various social and personal issues, staying true to the original series’ commitment to portraying a working-class American family.
The cast and crew of “The Conners” have reflected on the transition period as a difficult but necessary step. Laurie Metcalf mentioned the initial uncertainty and risk involved in continuing without Barr. However, the collective decision to move forward was rooted in their belief in the story and the characters. Gilbert highlighted the emotional impact and the sense of responsibility to maintain the integrity of the original show while navigating new dynamics.
This compilation of reactions underscores the broad consensus against Barr’s comments and supports ABC’s decision, while also highlighting the complex discussions around free speech and accountability in today’s social media landscape.
Public and Media Reactions
The cancellation of “Roseanne” due to Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet generated significant reactions from both the public and the media.
Social media platforms were abuzz with opinions on ABC’s decision. Many people supported the network’s swift action, viewing it as a necessary stance against racism. Users praised Channing Dungey, the President of ABC Entertainment, for her leadership in making the decision. One user tweeted, “Thank you, @ABCNetwork. You did the right thing”. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “So proud of @ABCNetwork for having the ethical compunction to cancel #Roseanne despite the show’s huge numbers”.
The media extensively covered the fallout from the cancellation. Major publications and news outlets highlighted the broader implications of Barr’s tweet and the subsequent response from ABC. Channing Dungey’s statement was widely circulated: “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show”.
Prominent media figures and celebrities also voiced their opinions. Shonda Rhimes, a leading figure in television, tweeted, “As I tell my 4-year-old, one makes a choice with one’s actions. Roseanne made a choice. A racist one. ABC made a choice. A human one”. Viola Davis expressed her support with a tweet, “Thank you Channing Dungey!”.
The cast members of “Roseanne” had mixed but largely supportive reactions to the show’s cancellation. Sara Gilbert, who played Darlene, tweeted, “Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show”. Emma Kenney, who played Harris, tweeted, “I am hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed. The racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable”. Alicia Goranson, who played Becky, emphasized the damaging effects of hate speech, stating, “But more devastating are the effects of hate speech and racism on individuals and society”.
This compilation of reactions underscores the broad consensus against Barr’s comments and supports ABC’s decision, while also highlighting the complex discussions around free speech and accountability in today’s social media landscape.
Accountability and Resilience in TV
Roseanne Barr’s journey over the past few years has been marked by significant challenges and resilience. The cancellation of her self-titled sitcom following a controversial tweet not only ended a major chapter in her career but also strained personal relationships, particularly with Sara Gilbert. Despite the public fallout and feeling betrayed by her colleagues, Roseanne has managed to find new avenues to share her story and reclaim her narrative through projects like her stand-up comedy special and an upcoming documentary.
The entertainment industry can be unforgiving, and Roseanne’s experience highlights the double standards and the lack of support for mental health issues prevalent in Hollywood. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. By addressing her mistakes and moving forward with new creative endeavors, Roseanne demonstrates that it is possible to find hope and new beginnings even after significant setbacks.
Roseanne’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and reinvention are possible, regardless of the obstacles faced. Her courage to speak out and continue pursuing her passion is an inspiration to many, showing that even in the face of overwhelming odds, one can find new paths to success and fulfillment.
