As The Conners prepares to wrap up its run with season 7, fans are eager to see how the spinoff will conclude decades of storytelling that began with Roseanne in 1988. However, while the series finale is expected to tie up loose ends for the beloved Lanford family, there’s a looming concern: the timing of its release may rob viewers of the holiday-themed episodes that have been a hallmark of the franchise’s success.
The Legacy of Holiday Episodes in Roseanne and The Conners
Few sitcoms have mastered the art of holiday episodes like Roseanne and its spinoff. These specials have consistently been fan-favorites, blending humor, drama, and heartfelt family moments.
In particular, The Conners’ season 2 episode “Slappy Holidays” remains the spinoff’s highest-rated outing on IMDb, with a score of 8.0. The Thanksgiving-themed episode featured a dramatic yet relatable family feud that showcased the raw, emotional dynamics the series is known for. Jackie and Darlene’s fiery confrontation, fueled by deep-seated grievances, became one of the spinoff’s most memorable moments.
Holiday episodes like this resonate because they bring the entire family together, highlighting the messy, imperfect, but ultimately loving relationships at the heart of the series.
The Final Season’s Biggest Limitation
With only seven episodes slated for The Conners season 7, the show faces a tight timeline to wrap up its numerous storylines. To complicate matters, the release is expected in late 2024 or early 2025, making it unlikely that the final season will include a Thanksgiving or Christmas episode.
Thanksgiving, in particular, has been a signature event for the Conner family, providing pivotal character development and showcasing the series’ knack for blending humor with heartfelt drama. From Jackie’s reconciliation with Bev in season 5 to the unforgettable conflicts in “Slappy Holidays,” these episodes have delivered some of the franchise’s most cherished moments.
Without these holiday milestones, the final season risks missing out on an opportunity to give fans one last taste of the quintessential Conner family experience.
Why Holiday Episodes Matter to The Conners
Holiday specials aren’t just episodes—they’re traditions. They allow the show to bring the entire family together, creating a backdrop for both hilarious antics and emotional breakthroughs. For a series rooted in the challenges and triumphs of working-class family life, holidays provide a natural setting to explore themes of love, forgiveness, and resilience.
By omitting a Thanksgiving or Christmas episode, the final season may lose a vital part of what makes The Conners and Roseanne so enduringly relatable.
A Bittersweet Farewell
While fans will undoubtedly savor every moment of The Conners’ final episodes, the absence of a holiday special would be a significant loss. These episodes have been a cornerstone of the franchise, offering viewers a chance to see the Conners at their most vulnerable and most united.
Still, if The Conners can bring the same authenticity and emotional depth to its final season that it has in the past, fans can look forward to a farewell that honors the legacy of this iconic TV family—even if it doesn’t include one last Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering.
