ABC nearing deal for new show with Roseanne's co-stars
UPDATE: ABC is nearing a deal to bring back the core cast of Roseanne, minus Roseanne Barr, for a new series or direct spin-off that could be announced as soon as this week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
ABC isn't commenting on reports that John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert are all in various stages of negotiations. One idea being considered would be to continue Roseanne, but base the next season around Gilbert's character Darlene.
On US daytime chatshow The Talk on Monday (June 4), Gilbert fought back tears as she said she stood behind ABC's decision to cancel Roseanne in its current form, following Barr's racist tweets surfacing last week.
“I am proud of the show we made.The show has always been about diversity, love & inclusion. And it’s sad to see it end in this way. I’m sad for the people who lost their jobs in the process, however I do stand behind the decision that ABC has made.” @THEsaragilbert on #Roseanne pic.twitter.com/wmuPXk8Fb7
- The Talk (@TheTalkCBS) June 4, 2018
ORIGINAL: Roseanne is most definitely cancelled, but fans may not have seen the last of John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert and their extended TV family working together.
Entertainment Weekly reports that ABC is having early discussions to make a new series that would put Roseanne Barr's co-stars and crew back to work without her, following her firing amid a race row.
The Roseanne revival was cancelled by ABC on Tuesday (May 29) after Barr made a racist 'joke' about former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett on Twitter.
Barr's misdeeds not only impacted her, but also the 200 people who worked with her on Roseanne. Now, there are early reports suggesting that ABC wants to keep that TV family together on a new series.
The trouble is that the Conner family were created by Barr and her creative partner Matt Williams, meaning she'd financially benefit if the show Roseanne continued without her.
The current concept being considered is a new sitcom with the same cast, minus Barr, that would keep the cast together without allowing Roseanne to directly profit.
Barr seems to have fallen out with on-screen children Sara Gilbert and Michael Fishman, both of whom strongly condemned her attack on Valerie Jarrett.
Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least.
- sara gilbert (@THEsaragilbert) May 29, 2018
This is incredibly sad and difficult for all of us, as we’ve created a show that we believe in, are proud of, and that audiences love- one that is separate and apart from the opinions and words of one cast member.
- sara gilbert (@THEsaragilbert) May 29, 2018
- Michael Fishman (@ReelMFishman) May 29, 2018
As I called my manager to quit working on Roseanne, I was told it was cancelled. I feel so empowered by @iamwandasykes , Channing Dungey and anyone at ABC standing up for morals and abuse of power. Bullies will NEVER win.
- Emma Kenney (@EmmaRoseKenney) May 29, 2018
Ranting that she "created the platform" for both of them, she complained: "You throw me under the bus. Nice!"
Barr has since blamed her racist tweet on being under the influence of a sedative, and tried to excuse her behaviour by insisting that other comedians have "said worse".
"I'm not a racist, I never was & I never will be," she tweeted on Wednesday. "One stupid joke in a lifetime of fighting 4 civil rights 4 all minorities, against networks, studios, at the expense of my nervous system/family/wealth will NEVER b taken from me."
ABC isn't commenting on reports that it is developing a new show with the Roseanne cast.
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