"Roseanne" (1988) TV series 1988-1997

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Creator:

Matt Williams

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Release Date:

18 October 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

'Roseanne' is the story of a working class family struggling with life's essential problems: Marriage...

Plot Keywords:

Working Class | Sitcom | Marriage | Gay Interest | Vegetarian

Awards:

Won 3 Golden Globes. Another 41 wins & 71 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sat. Nov. 7	10:00 PM	TVLAND	Say It Ain't So	#9.13
Sat. Nov. 7	10:30 PM	TVLAND	Hit the Road, Jack	#9.14

Cast

Roseanne	...	Roseanne Conner / ... (221 episodes, 1988-1997)
John Goodman	...	Dan Conner / ... (221 episodes, 1988-1997)
Laurie Metcalf	...	Jackie Harris / ... (221 episodes, 1988-1997)
Michael Fishman	...	D.J. Conner / ... (220 episodes, 1988-1997)
Sara Gilbert	...	Darlene Conner / ... (219 episodes, 1988-1997)
Alicia Goranson	...	Becky Conner / ... (146 episodes, 1988-1996)
Johnny Galecki	...	David Healy / ... (92 episodes, 1992-1997)

Also Known As:

Life and Stuff (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

22 min (222 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Netherlands:6 (some episodes) | Netherlands:AL | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Australia:PG (some episodes)

Filming Locations:

CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Wind Dancer Productions

Trivia:

Sal Barone was originally cast as D.J. and appeared in the pilot. However, there was some friction on the set between Barone and 'Sara Gilbert (I)' so his mother took him off the show.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the episode "Brain Dead Poet Society" Roseanne only serves a plate of food to Dan and Darlene, but DJ and Becky have plates of food in front of them at the end of the scene.

Quotes:

Dan Conner: You want me to make dinner? Fine, I am making dinner!
Roseanne: Oh but honey you just made dinner 3 years ago!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Critic: Sherman of Arabia (#2.7)" (1995)

Soundtrack:

Theme

One of the Best

Roseanne should be considered one of the best sitcoms in television history as every classic show is a reflection of the times it represents. Roseanne has been off the air for about a decade now, and when I have a chance to watch it in syndication, I am always entertained. Even the last season, which was a disappointment, has its moments. It's also interesting to see how the characters evolved and changed over the years. I could be wrong about the following comment, but it seems somewhat obvious when Roseanne Barr was going through her divorce to Tom Arnold. Her performance on the show was more biting than usual during that particular season. Maybe it was the media, expectation, or something else. Either way, a new dimension to the show was added due to Barr's transformation (I believe it was Season 4 or 5).

What really makes Roseanne stand out and keeps it in good company with other classic sitcoms is its blending of comedy and drama, often displayed in one scene. Elementally speaking, it reminds me of All in the Family, Maude, and Good Times, shows that defined showcasing dramedy in the 70s. Also, the performances were terrific. John Goodman was outstanding and underused as Dan. I look forward to when he is on screen. Sara Gilbert delivered a consistently excellent turn as Darlene, and then there's Roseanne Barr. She made her mark and did it well. Estelle Parsons was fantastic as Beverly, and Laurie Metcalf had some scene–stealing moments as Jackie. These are talented performers giving us quality television to remember, along with the writers, director(s), producers, and everyone else involved in the project.

Anyone who finds Roseanne insulting, repugnant, and/or basically not worth watching may be missing the point of the show and the writing itself. Watch it again and really listen to the dialog. The characters are actually quite decent – they are simply not idealistic in a society that craves moral fortitude yet has difficulty maintaining a core foundation these days. Ozzie and Harriet they're not, but then again, a classic show is a reflection of the times it represents. Hence... Roseanne. The show would fair even better today with our present economy.

Thanks to ABC for giving us Roseanne. We are the richer for it!