Remember that time back in December when I was in LA for the Last Jedi Event? Well, up until a few weeks ago, we had to keep it a top secret that we also got to visit the set of Roseanne! Yes, THE Roseanne set! It was amazing and surreal. Roseanne returns (for a limited time) to ABC tonight.
Roseanne Returns to ABC
ABC’s “Roseanne” stars Ames McNamara as Mark, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner, Jayden Rey as Mary, Roseanne Barr as Roseanne Conner, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, John Goodman as Dan Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner, and Sarah Chalke as Andrea. (ABC/Robert Trachtenberg)
The new kids on the block
Obviously, all these years later, we’re going to see some new faces mixed in with the original ones.
Featuring the complete original cast, new series regulars and notable returning guest stars, the revival will explore life, death and everything in between through the relatable, hilarious and brutally honest lens of the Conner household.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Roseanne tackles today’s world issues as only the Conner family can. Right in the first episodes, they tackle gender non-conforming issues and bullying when it comes to Darlene’s son, Mark played by Ames Mcnamara.

ROSEANNE – “Dress to Impress” – After being bullied, Darlene’s son, Mark, gets caught with a pocket knife on the first day of his new school. Meanwhile, Becky invites Andrea over to meet the family and is nervous to bring her home, on the season premiere and second episode of the revival of “Roseanne,” TUESDAY, MARCH 27 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Rose) ROSEANNE BARR, AMES MCNAMARA
And if you remember how Roseanne ended with Darlene having a baby, Harris Conner is all grown up. It’s amazing that she not only looks like her, but it feels like I’m watching Darlene all over again.

ROSEANNE – “Dress to Impress” – After being bullied, Darlene’s son, Mark, gets caught with a pocket knife on the first day of his new school. Meanwhile, Becky invites Andrea over to meet the family and is nervous to bring her home, on the season premiere and second episode of the revival of “Roseanne,” TUESDAY, MARCH 27 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Rose) EMMA KENNEY, SARA GILBERT
Let’s talk about Mary Conner
I can’t possibly discuss this new reboot and not mention newcomer, Jayden Rey. She is the gorgeous drop of melanin that plays DJ’s daughter. But here’s why Roseanne goes down in history as one of the greatest shows. In addition to everything above, this show is about real life.
Remember that controversial episode when DJ refused to kiss the little black girl in his school play? Well, that little girl’s name was Geena Williams. And guess who DJ ends up marrying?! Yup!

ROSEANNE – “Twenty Years to Life” – Roseanne and Dan adjust to living under the same roof with Darlene and her two children, Harris and Mark, when Darlene loses her job. Meanwhile, Becky announces she is going to be a surrogate to make extra money; and Roseanne and Jackie are at odds with one another, on the season premiere and first episode of the revival of “Roseanne,” TUESDAY, MARCH 27 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Rose)
MICHAEL FISHMAN, JAYDEN REY, AMES MCNAMARA, JOHN GOODMAN, ROSEANNE BARR, SARA GILBERT
Geena is active duty military so we will not see her right away in these first episodes. But we do see Mary, their daughter. I’m excited to see this story unfold.

ROSEANNE – ABC’s “Roseanne” stars Jayden Rey as Mary. (ABC/Robert Trachtenberg)
The Conners Return to ABC
5 Highlights from Interviewing the Cast of Roseanne
We sat down at ABC Studios for an interview with Sara Gilbert (Executive Producer, “Darlene Conner”), Lecy Goranson (“Becky Conner-Healy”), and Michael D. Fishman (“DJ Conner”). We didn’t know if we would see her, but Roseanne made an appearance on set later, to our delight.

Photo Credit – Louise Manning Bishop / MomStart.com
1. Lecy shared what it was like to be back on set
She shared that it really feels like a family. It feels like going home.
I’m from outside of Chicago, and it’s like that. That’s how I felt here, especially when I see these faces and I hear Roseanne’s voice piercing [LAUGHS] through the set. It really feels that way.

Lecy Goranson (“Becky Conner-Healy”) Photo Credit – Louise Manning Bishop / MomStart.com
2. Michael shared initial reactions of uncertainty
I really respected the fact that Michael opened up a bit about having a little anxiety in coming back. Most of it centered around the writing, and wondering if it was going to be good and feel like the show?
What was it gonna look like? What was it gonna be like? I had so many questions. And then when I showed up to set and we were around the table and we were reading, I just felt so relieved. I felt so connected and grounded in our world again. And it was just such a moving, beautiful thing.

Michael Fishman (“DJ Conner”) Photo Credit – Louise Manning Bishop / MomStart.com
3. Sara shared why this was the right time to do it
In case you didn’t know, Sara was the one that brought everyone together. She felt like this was the right time to do it because our country is so divided right now.
I feel like this is a working-class family that can have varying political views even within the family but still love each other. And I thought this was a great way to try to help unite people, have people listen to each other. I strongly believe that we can disagree without being so divided. So, I’m hoping that we can help in that way.

Sara Gilber (“Darlene Conner”) Michael Fishman (“DJ Conner”) Photo Credit – Louise Manning Bishop / MomStart.com
4. Sitting on the couch + walking the set
Really, need I say more? I don’t think there are enough words to express the excitement of being on this set. No one even needs to see the headline to know that this is the Roseanne couch.
Walking around the set and knowing so much time has passed, yet nothing seemed to have changed. From sitting at the kitchen table, to walking around the kitchen, it was as if time stood still.

Oh just having a cup of coffee at the Conner table 🙂
5. Like talking to family
As we sat and listened to the three of them talk about their time on the show, and since the show, one thing was evident. They were indeed family. They were genuinely happy to be back together.

Photo Credit – Louise Manning Bishop / MomStart.com
They were kind enough to stick around even after our group interview to take individual pics with each of us.

Hanging with Darlene on the set of Roseanne

Oh Heeyyyy Becky!

And then there’s DJ! 🙂

Even the infamous phone posed for a pic 😉
Roseanne premieres 3/27/18 with 1-hour special
Fan-favorite guest stars from “Roseanne” will reprise their roles in the revival, including Estelle Parsons as Beverly Harris, Sandra Bernhard as Nancy Bartlett, Natalie West as Crystal Anderson, James Pickens, Jr. as Chuck Mitchell and Adilah Barnes as Anne Marie Mitchell.

ROSEANNE – “Dress to Impress” – After being bullied, Darlene’s son, Mark, gets caught with a pocket knife on the first day of his new school. Meanwhile, Becky invites Andrea over to meet the family and is nervous to bring her home, on the season premiere and second episode of the revival of “Roseanne,” TUESDAY, MARCH 27 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Rose) SARAH CHALKE, LECY GORANSON, SARA GILBERT, ROSEANNE BARR, LAURIE METCALF
The premiere will kick off tonight with two back-to-back episodes. You can always get caught up or rewatch past episodes by streaming or on the app once they’ve aired on ABC.

ROSEANNE – “Eggs Over, Not Easy” – A crucial moment for Becky’s surrogacy arrangement forces her and Darlene to critically assess each other’s lives. Meanwhile, an animal rescue organization rejects Jackie’s application to adopt a puppy; and Roseanne makes a plan to change their mind, on the fourth episode of the revival of “Roseanne,” TUESDAY, APRIL 10 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Rose) ROSEANNE BARR, LAURIE METCALF
Watch Roseanne TONIGHT 3/27 at 8pm EST
Follow along using #Roseanne and #ABCTVEvent
The series stars Roseanne Barr as Roseanne Conner, John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy, Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy and Jayden Rey as Mary Conner. Sarah Chalke, who played the character Becky in later seasons, will also appear in another role.

Loved seeing this pic on the entrance of the door to the set of Roseanne #classic
“Roseanne” is produced by Carsey-Werner Television. Executive producers include Roseanne Barr, Sara Gilbert, Tom Werner, Bruce Helford, Whitney Cummings and Tony Hernandez.
Follow Roseanne on Facebook ⎮ Twitter ⎮ Instagram

On the set of Roseanne!
12 Comments
Denedriane
March 27, 2018 at 12:35 PMJayden Ray is precious! I applaud them for taking that controversial episode and moving it forward into the 21st century. bravo!
Christine St.Vil
March 27, 2018 at 11:40 PMI agree Dee! I was sooo excited to hear and see this. I’m hoping we’ll get to see Geena and see the story/interaction at some point.
K. Elizabeth
March 27, 2018 at 12:38 PMWhat a once in a lifetime experience! I remember watching this show with my family as a kid. I’ll definitely be tuning in tonight!

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Christine St.Vil
March 27, 2018 at 11:40 PMMe too! It truly was an incredible experience I will always cherish!
Bernetta
March 27, 2018 at 4:16 PMThis is awesome. I loved Rosanne growing up. I really did and I’m excited to see how it going to be when it airs tonight. I will be watching for sure. How blessed are you to meet the cast and sit on the famous couch!!!
Christine St.Vil
March 27, 2018 at 11:41 PMI feel the same way Bernetta! Everyone knows that couch and this show was truly one of a kind 🙂
AnnMarie John
March 27, 2018 at 5:03 PMI used to watch Roseanne growing up like most did, and I can’t wait to see the new one with my own children. I’m so excited and so happy to see you on that couch.

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Christine St.Vil
March 27, 2018 at 11:42 PMThanks lady!!! It was almost surreal to be there and sit on that couch 🙂
Tatanisha Worthey
March 27, 2018 at 8:24 PMAh, that’ so exciting, what a WONDERFUL experience. Thanks for sharing it. So many of us watched Roseanne back in the day, so it will be interesting to see how this show does! I’ll be checking it out tonight, thank you!
Christine St.Vil
March 27, 2018 at 11:44 PMThank you Tatanisha!!! It truly was an incredible experience. So far, so good and I love how they stayed true to who the Conner family is that we grew to know and love.
Leslie
March 28, 2018 at 7:53 AMGreat interview. What an experience! I felt a bit of nostalgia reading this as I grew up watching this show. And then to see the phone, infamous couch,and actors all grown up was a treat for me a reader. Thanks for sharing!

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Christine St.Vil
March 28, 2018 at 2:22 PMAww thanks so much for stopping by Leslie! I totally felt the same exact things walking on to the set and seeing them in person. Truly a lifetime treat!