It was one of the most awaited revivals of the year, possibly even the decade. When the announcement came from ABC about bringing back Roseanne, the online community erupted with excitement. Nostalgic fans dug out their old Timberland boots and worn fleeces, celebrating the return of ’90s culture. Many believed that a dose of irreverent humor and a glimpse into “real” American family dynamics would be just what we needed.
I, however, was skeptical. Roseanne? Seriously? Are we genuinely excited about a woman who once donned a Hitler costume (claiming it was satire) and frequently shares ludicrous conspiracy theories? It felt like a collective case of confusion or even Stockholm Syndrome.
Honestly, I never shared the nostalgia that many have for this show. My parents deemed it inappropriate, so I was never allowed to watch it. At the time, I resented their “uncool” stance, but now I realize they were ahead of the curve and absolutely right. The show, in my opinion, is complete garbage.
I understand its initial charm. Roseanne was unlike any TV mom we had seen before. She drank, swore, yelled at her kids, and didn’t hold back. It resonated with many viewers. The original series was praised for its portrayal of working-class struggles, and I acknowledge that it had its comedic moments.
However, the reboot has stripped away any redeeming features it once had. While it still attempts to depict the daily struggles of many working-class families, it crosses a line by normalizing hate, bigotry, and ignorance through the main character’s support for Trump. Roseanne Connor, much like Roseanne Barr, is a staunch Trump supporter, complete with a MAGA hat. The show treats this presidency like any other, despite its clear deviations from decency.
My disdain for this revival isn’t rooted in politics or partisanship; it’s about the trivialization of marginalized voices and the normalization of a president who behaves unpresidentially. It’s about equating misinformation and hatred with facts and civility, which is unacceptable — even if it’s packaged with humor.
To make matters worse, a recent episode crossed a serious boundary. Roseanne and her daughter Darlene clashed over parenting styles, leading to a shocking moment when Roseanne called her granddaughter an “entitled little brat” and then sprayed her with water from the kitchen sink. Seriously? This isn’t tough love; it’s outright cruelty and bordering on abusive.
I’m no stranger to cursing and I’m okay with my kids swearing occasionally, but name-calling is a hard no for me. Isn’t basic kindness and decency the bare minimum? Apparently, that isn’t a priority in Roseanne’s universe. And the act of shoving a child’s head under a sink? I’m already furious just thinking about it.
Naturally, reactions were mixed. Some viewers defended the show while others condemned its portrayal of abuse. The criticism extended beyond the family dynamics, touching on jabs at marginalized communities. Writer Alex Mercer voiced his concerns on Twitter about how jokes about missing shows centered on Black and Asian families were reductive and belittling.
He pointed out that the implication of such jokes minimizes the importance of stories about minority families, reducing them to mere normalization. Coupling these sentiments with the character of Roseanne, who is a vocal Trump supporter, creates a problematic narrative that few should find humorous.
We deserve better as a society. We shouldn’t be laughing at the expense of marginalized communities or allowing the normalization of hateful rhetoric. For those seeking genuine representations of American families, shows like black-ish or Bob’s Burgers are far more worthy. If it’s laughter you seek, try the Queer Eye reboot on Netflix or revisit The Golden Girls.
In summary, the revival of Roseanne fails to meet the expectations set by its original run, instead opting to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and normalize unacceptable behaviors. If you’re interested in exploring different aspects of family life, check out more resources on home insemination kits or pregnancy from trusted sources like Make a Mom and ACOG.