When ABC announced the return of ‘Roseanne,’ it was met with a frenzy of excitement—one of the most awaited revivals of the decade. Fans eagerly dusted off their old flannel shirts and embraced the nostalgia of the ’90s. “This is exactly what we need,” they proclaimed. A good dose of edgy humor and a glimpse into the “real” American family seemed like the perfect remedy for today’s woes.
However, I was skeptical. Roseanne? Seriously? Are we genuinely enthusiastic about a character who once donned a Hitler costume (claiming it was satire) and promotes bizarre conspiracy theories? What on earth is going on?
Unlike many of my peers, I never shared the fond memories tied to this show about a working-class family. My parents deemed it inappropriate, which left me feeling deprived in my youth. But now, I see that they were right to keep me away from what I can only describe as a theatrical misfire.
I understand the initial allure. Roseanne was unlike any other TV mother—she drank, swore, and was unapologetically assertive. The original series was praised for its portrayal of working-class struggles, and I’ll concede, it did have its comedic moments.
Yet, the reboot has lost every redeeming quality it once possessed. While it continues to depict the real challenges faced by many working families and the political rifts that exist today, it crosses a line. The show normalizes hate, bigotry, and ignorance through its protagonist’s unwavering support for Trump. Roseanne Connor, much like Roseanne Barr herself, is portrayed as a staunch Trump supporter, trivializing the serious implications of the current political climate.
My criticism isn’t about party lines; it’s about the normalization of a presidency characterized by divisive rhetoric and a blatant disregard for decency. This show reduces real issues faced by marginalized groups to mere punchlines, equating misinformation with facts.
The latest episode pushed boundaries further. When Darlene’s daughter Harris expressed her disdain for her “hillbilly” relatives, Roseanne lashed out, calling her an “entitled little brat” and subjecting her to a humiliating spray from the kitchen sink. WHAT?!?! In what universe is this acceptable? This isn’t tough love; it’s outright cruelty.
While I can tolerate a bit of cursing, my number one rule is no name-calling, and that should be a basic expectation in any family. Roseanne’s actions cross a line into abusive territory, and naturally, the audience was split on the issue.
The show also insulted marginalized communities with its careless jabs. Writer Alex Martin pointed out on social media how a Roseanne joke about “missing shows featuring Black and Asian families” belittles those narratives, reducing them to mere tokens. This kind of humor is not only reductive but harmful.
We deserve better as a society. We should not be scraping for laughs from a character who veils hate in the guise of humor. If you want to experience authentic depictions of family life, consider watching black-ish or Bob’s Burgers. For a good laugh, check out the Queer Eye reboot or indulge in reruns of The Golden Girls.
To explore further topics on family dynamics and home insemination, check out our other blog posts on intracervicalinsemination.com. If you’re interested in fertility boosters, you can also visit Make a Mom, an excellent resource in this area. For more information about pregnancy, Science Daily is a fantastic source.
In summary, the ‘Roseanne’ reboot fails to deliver meaningful content, normalizing harmful ideologies while trivializing serious issues. We can find better representation and humor elsewhere, leaving behind a show that has strayed far from its roots.