After seven seasons, ABC's "The Conners" concluded its run on April 23, 2025, with a special two-episode series finale that honored the legacy of the show and its matriarch, Roseanne Conner. The finale, which aired in two parts, featured emotional farewells and significant plot developments that tied up the Conner family's story.
The first episode, titled "Exercise Bands, Money Plans, and Faraway Lands," saw Dan Conner, played by John Goodman, preparing for a deposition related to the family's wrongful death lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company over Roseanne's death from an opioid overdose. Meanwhile, Mark, portrayed by Ames McNamara, faced a major life decision regarding a cybersecurity training program in New York City, which Darlene, played by Sara Gilbert, opposed. Additionally, Becky and Tyler, played by Lecy Goranson and Sean Astin respectively, navigated the complexities of joint finances in their relationship.
In the second episode, "The Truck Stops Here," Jackie, played by Laurie Metcalf, prepared for physical tests to rejoin the police force, while Darlene confronted insecurities in her marriage to Ben, portrayed by Jay R. Ferguson. Dan's deposition stirred up feelings of loss and nostalgia, culminating in a poignant scene where the family gathered at Roseanne's grave to say their final goodbyes.
Executive producer Bruce Helford expressed his initial nerves about including Roseanne's character in the finale, given the backlash following her departure from the show. However, he and fellow executive producer Dave Caplan felt it was essential to honor Roseanne's role as the matriarch of the family. Caplan stated, "The truth is, we never really shied from giving Roseanne Conner her due, because she was a matriarch of the family. It felt really wrong, and really shortchanging the audience, to avoid talking about her."
Throughout its run, "The Conners" addressed the struggles of working-class families, and the series finale was no exception. The wrongful death lawsuit against the opioid companies served as a narrative thread throughout the final season, allowing the characters to process their grief and seek justice for Roseanne. The decision to pursue the lawsuit was inspired by a Supreme Court ruling that allowed families to hold opioid manufacturers accountable for their role in the epidemic.
In a powerful moment during the deposition, Dan delivered an impassioned speech about Roseanne, asserting that the pharmaceutical companies were responsible for her death. He stated, "Even if I took every penny you had, it wouldn’t be enough because you took the love of my life and you killed her. The same as you put a gun to her head, the only difference is you handed her the gun and told her it wasn’t loaded." This moment highlighted the show's commitment to addressing real-life issues faced by many families.
As the family gathered to open the settlement check, they discovered it was only for $700, a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by working-class families. Dan humorously remarked, "Well, we always wondered how much a Conner’s life is worth, and now we know." This moment encapsulated the show's blend of humor and heart, even in the face of tragedy.
The finale also featured significant character developments. Jackie successfully passed her physical tests and rejoined the police force, while Darlene and Ben reaffirmed their commitment to each other. The episode concluded with the family enjoying a meal together, celebrating their bond despite the challenges they faced.
The series finale was a bittersweet farewell to a show that had become a staple of American television for 37 years. It provided closure for fans who had followed the Conner family's journey since the original "Roseanne" series premiered in 1988. The show tackled numerous social issues over the years, including health care, economic struggles, and family dynamics, resonating with audiences across generations.
As the final credits rolled, clips from the original "Roseanne" series played, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the show's legacy. The cast members shared heartfelt goodbyes, reflecting on their time together and the impact of the show on their lives. Goodman, looking directly at the camera, delivered the final line: "Good night ... ." This poignant farewell left viewers with a sense of closure and appreciation for the Conner family's story.
In the end, "The Conners" managed to navigate the complexities of loss, love, and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on its audience. The show's ability to blend humor with serious themes made it a unique and beloved part of television history.
