In a poignant and emotional farewell, the series finale of "The Conners" aired on April 23, 2025, marking the end of a 37-year journey for the beloved blue-collar family. The episode, which tied up loose ends and honored the legacy of the show's matriarch, Roseanne Conner, showcased the struggles and resilience of the Conner family in a heartfelt tribute.
Executive producers Bruce Helford, Bruce Rasmussen, and Dave Caplan felt a tremendous responsibility to deliver a finale that resonated with viewers. Caplan noted, "We felt a tremendous responsibility to get this right," emphasizing the importance of maintaining the show's legacy while providing a fitting conclusion.
Throughout the finale, the shadow of Roseanne loomed large, despite her absence from the show following her controversial firing in 2018. The producers made a conscious decision to include numerous references to her character, honoring her role as the heart of the family. Caplan explained, "The truth is, we never really shied from giving Roseanne Conner her due, because she was a matriarch of the family. And, she was the center of that family for so many years."
The finale featured Dan Conner (John Goodman) attending a deposition regarding the family's wrongful death lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company, stemming from Roseanne's tragic death due to an opioid overdose. This storyline, which had been developing throughout the final season, was inspired by real-world events, particularly the Supreme Court's ruling that allowed opioid manufacturers to be held accountable. Helford remarked, "It gave us a great storyline to not just cry out for justice for their matriarch, but also for all those people who never got a chance to just yell at somebody about this damn thing."
In a touching moment towards the end of the episode, the family gathered at Roseanne's grave to say their goodbyes. This scene was particularly significant, as it provided closure not only for the characters but also for the audience who had followed their journey for decades. "Having everyone say goodbye to her was very important. And I think it’ll be to the fans, too," Rasmussen stated.
Despite the emotional weight of the episode, the producers aimed to balance sentimentality with humor. The Conners have always been known for their ability to find laughter amidst adversity, a theme that remained intact in the finale. As the family opened their lawsuit settlement check, they discovered they had been awarded a mere $700. Dan's reaction—bursting into laughter—captured the essence of the Conners' spirit: finding humor in the face of disappointment. "Well, we always wondered how much a Conner’s life is worth, and now we know," he quipped.
Throughout the series, the Conners tackled various issues that resonated with working-class America, including healthcare struggles, economic hardships, and family dynamics. The finale continued this tradition, with characters Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Becky (Lecy Goranson) navigating their own personal challenges. Darlene faced marriage issues with her husband, Ben, while Becky found success in her career, landing a high-paying job that utilized her psychology degree.
Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) also experienced a significant transformation in the finale, returning to the police force—a job she had previously left. The producers felt it was a fitting 'do-over' for her character, allowing her to reclaim a part of her identity. Helford explained, "We realized that overall, she had a lot of different jobs over the course of the history of the show, and the one she always references is being a cop. We thought that was something that she really deserved a do-over for."
As the episode drew to a close, the emotional weight of the farewell was palpable, with the actors breaking character and shedding tears during the final scenes. Goodman’s decision to address the camera directly, saying goodnight to the audience, added a unique touch, breaking the fourth wall in a way that felt genuine and heartfelt. This moment encapsulated the bond that had developed between the cast and the viewers over the years.
Reflecting on the overall legacy of the show, Helford stated, "The theme of the show is the working class — which I believe is the nobility and the people who make the most sacrifice in this country — survive based on their humor and their ability to bond together and get everybody in the family to the finish line."
With the conclusion of "The Conners," the producers hope to leave a lasting impression on fans, providing closure while honoring the memory of Roseanne Conner. Caplan expressed that the finale aimed to show that despite the challenges faced by the family, they were moving forward with optimism and resilience. "We feel like after watching this family struggle so hard over so many years that it could have brought them down, but it didn't. They all ended up when the series finished with really optimistic opportunities in life, with the arrows pointing up for everybody," he said.
As the credits rolled on the final episode, fans were left with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the journey of the Conner family. The show's ability to address real-life issues with humor and heart has solidified its place in television history, ensuring that the Conners will continue to live on in syndication for years to come.
