21 years after the show’s initial run, "Roseanne" is set to take television by storm for the second time.
One of the aspects that set "Roseanne" apart during its first run was its willingness to tackle working class issues, which meant the show often discussed problems the public was not used to. However, a lot has changed since the 1990s.
The issue of Trump
At the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Roseanne Barr indicated her excitement to delve into issues facing 21st-century America.
The show will also deal with 2016’s presidential election, as Barr claimed the show’s fictional family voted for Donald Trump.
It is no secret that some working-class citizens in the country have not received all that they were promised at Trump’s campaign rallies.
With the country arguably more divided than ever, Roseanne will certainly create interesting conversations. Claiming it is “just realistic” for her namesake character to vote for the current administration, Barr intends to create a conversation regarding the country’s divisiveness.
However, that does not mean the show will necessarily be a sort of pro-Trump propaganda. The Connor family is just as divided as America. Instead of claiming one view is better than the other or immediately hating those you do not agree with, Roseanne will show you can still be friendly with those people.
Sara Gilbert, reprising her role as Darlene Connor, argued, “It's a great thing to have a family divided by Politics but still filled with love.”
Healthcare and all its complications
Another issue Barr says the show will tackle is healthcare. Much like the division caused by the election of Donald Trump, healthcare is a large issue that Americans have strong feelings about in one direction or the other.
Saying she is “very excited to sink [her] teeth” into the topic, Barr claims the topic takes up a large portion of the new season.
Seeing as Dan Connor, Barr’s fictional husband dies of a heart attack in the original series’ season finale, it is possible the character’s health could be a topic of discussion as a result. Both Barr and Goodman, who portrays Dan Connor, look healthier than ever, which could play a role in the reboot.
Additionally, Barr seems to want to create a discussion surrounding other topics affecting America, such as aging and the opioid crisis. Since much of the country deals with these issues, "Roseanne" will create a timely conversation.
How to watch
Roseanne will air on Tuesdays, 8/7c on ABC, starting with its March 27 premiere.
