Editorial Staff
Might “Roseanne” take a cue from classic ’80s sitcom “Valerie”/”The Hogan Family” and push on without its matriarch?
Numerous outlets, but in particular Deadline and EW, are reporting that several of the behind-the-scenes players, including actress and executive producer Sarah Gilbert, plan to pitch ABC a spin-off that would take place in the same world – but not feature Roseanne Barr. The scenario, most likely, would assume Roseanne Connor has passed, leaving husband Dan (John Goodman) and sister Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) to fend for their kids and grandkids.
Aside from the original cast, some big names have expressed interest in contributing to such a series – should it come to be – including writers Mindy Kaling and Lena Dunham.
Laurie Metcalf and John Goodman let me write things for you
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) May 30, 2018
I will do the spin off of your show starring Darlene’s cool kids https://t.co/5A2129BTl0
— ? Lena Dunham ? (@lenadunham) May 30, 2018
To do a spin-off wouldn’t be a bad idea – cast options are in place for another 13 episodes so even if they’re not on anything (i.e another season of “Roseanne”), Carsey-Werner, which produces the sitcom for ABC, would still have to pay those salaries. Looking at it that way, there’s not a lot to lose. Thought their decision to cancel the series, ABC are also hurting from the show’s demise – they ordered the new season, they’ll bear some financial brunt from its axing, and they have a big hole in their fall schedule.
There’s a couple of issues that might arise if ABC decides to do a spin-off, though. Firstly, since the show would ostensibly utilize character’s co-created by Barr, she’d be paid still – and the network might have an issue with that. In addition, would a spin-off – considering all new scripts would have to be written – be ready for the fall?
