With less than two weeks left untilSeason 7 ofThe Connerslands on ABC, a few character updates have circulated, preparing fans for what’s coming.Most recently,TVLineconfirmed that three cast members who also appeared in the original sitcom,Roseanne, will sadly not be a part of the follow-up’s upcoming season.This includesJohnny Galecki,Michael Fishman, andEstelle Parsons,who portray David Healy, DJ Conner, and Beverly “Bev” Harris, respectively.
Galecki starred inRoseannefrom Season 4 till the final chapter and appeared inThe Conners’ first two seasonsas Darlene’s ex-husband. While his character is “very much mentioned” and “very much alive” in the sitcom, executive producerBruce Helford told TVLinethatThe Big Bang Theoryalum “has more or less started life anew down in Nashville.”However, fellow EPDave Caplanmaintains that there was a potential story to tell, especially in Season 6, with David reconnecting with his and Darlene’s kids, Harris and Mark.
Even so, there wouldn’t necessarily have been time to see that story through, even if Galecki had agreed to come back, according to the EPs, with Helford adding:
“Honestly, once you see the arcs [you will understand]. What we never want to do is just bring somebody in just to see that person on the show. We want everyone to have something important to play.”
Why Won’t These ‘Roseanne’ Characters Return in ‘The Conners’ Season 7?
Helford’s statement also explains why Fishman won’t be returning inThe Conners’ seventh season. The star last appeared in the Season 4 finale, and the following season revealed that DJ had reunited with his wife, Geena, who was stationed in Germany. Season 7 will confirm that their teenage daughter Mary—who was written out after Season 5—has joined her parents overseas.
As for Parsons, who starred inall ten seasons ofRoseanne, it’s majorly about distance, though Helford neither confirmed nor denied if her character would return.The Oscar-winning actress is 97 years old and based in New York City, approximately 3,000 miles fromThe Conners’ home at Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles.The TV icon has also been a part of the comedy as Jackie and Roseanne’s mother in Seasons 1 to 3 before returning in Season 5 till the most recent chapter.
The final season ofThe Connerspremieres on Wednesday, March 26and comprises six episodes, the lowest number of all its seasons. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates about the sitcom’s last installment.
The Conners
Source:TVLine
