The upcoming seventh season of The Conners will serve as the final chapter in the long-running sitcom’s journey, with a special six-episode “Farewell Event” set to air in March 2025. This announcement puts to rest speculation about potential spinoffs, signaling a definitive conclusion for the series that began its life as Roseanne back in 1988.
A Legacy of Reinvention and Resilience
The Conners has had an unconventional trajectory, even by sitcom standards. What began as Roseanne, a groundbreaking series about a working-class family led by a witty, resilient matriarch, evolved over decades of critical acclaim, reinventions, and controversy. Despite its success, the original Roseanne stumbled in its ninth season when the Conner family improbably won the lottery, shifting the show’s tone dramatically. This storyline was retconned with the show’s 2017 revival, which brought the family back to its blue-collar roots.
However, the revival faced its own challenges. After Roseanne star Roseanne Barr was fired in 2018 for making racist remarks on social media, the series was rebranded as The Conners. Barr’s departure led to the death of her character, allowing the show to refocus on the remaining family members. Over time, The Conners found its footing, earning praise for balancing humor and heart while honoring its predecessor’s legacy.
Why Season 7 Will Be the End
ABC’s decision to label season 7 as a “Farewell Event” suggests a level of finality that makes a spinoff unlikely. While spinoffs have worked for other sitcom franchises, such as Young Sheldon bridging the gap between The Big Bang Theory and a potential new series, The Conners doesn’t have the same foundation for continuation. The characters’ long history and the lack of compelling story arcs for younger leads like Mark and Harris make it difficult to justify another series.
Unlike Roseanne’s original finale, which was criticized for its messy retconning, The Conners season 7 has the opportunity to deliver a satisfying and definitive conclusion. The six-episode format allows the show to focus on providing closure for its beloved characters without overstaying its welcome.
Why Ending Now Is the Right Move
After 37 years on the air—spanning the original Roseanne, the revival, and The Conners—it feels fitting to bring the franchise to a close. While fans might feel bittersweet about saying goodbye, the timing is ideal. A spinoff risks diluting the legacy of a series that has consistently reflected the struggles and triumphs of working-class families. Ending The Conners now ensures that the show bows out on a high note, leaving behind a rich legacy rather than dragging on without purpose.
The upcoming season promises to be a heartfelt farewell to the Conner family, a TV staple that has entertained audiences for decades. With its “Farewell Event” set for March 2025, fans can prepare to say goodbye to a show that has tackled real-life issues with humor, heart, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
