Emma Kenney, star of The Conners, discusses the emotional process of wrapping up the series’ seventh and final season. The Conners, which debuted in 2018, serves as a continuation of the iconic Roseanne series, focusing on the Conner family’s struggles and triumphs in Lanford, Illinois. Kenney portrayed Harris Conner-Healy alongside John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris-Goldufski, and Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner-Olinsky. The Conners season 7 will close out a storyline that originated with the Roseanne premiere in October 1988.
During an interview with TVLine, Kenney explained how emotional the atmosphere on set was during the final days of filming, particularly for crew members who had worked on both Roseanne and The Conners. Her remarks suggest the finale will pay homage to the franchise’s longstanding history while also providing closure for its characters. For now, details of the plot for the final episode remain scarce. Check out Kenney’s comments below:
It’s definitely going to be emotional. A lot of people grew up with that set and those characters and storylines — especially the people I was working with. A lot of our crew were crew members on the original, and it was a very emotional last week. I’m really fortunate to have been a part of it, and make such special memories with those people.
What This Means For The End Of The Conners
The Finale May Not Be As Divisive As Its Predecessor
The end of The Conners officially concludes one of television’s longest-running portrayals of a single family. Spanning 35 years, the franchise has tackled issues such as economic hardship, parenting challenges, and family relationships from a working-class perspective. Ending the series allows the writers to tie up character arcs that have developed since the 1980s.
Also, Kenney’s comments illustrate the connection shared by both the cast and crew. While the spinoff brought back many recurring actors, The Conners finale is also significant for those involved behind the scenes. Several crew members, such as producer Tom Werner and writer/co-executive producer Dave Caplan, worked on both Roseanne and The Conners. By utilizing long-term contributors, the show ensures not only continuity, but that its ending stays true to the franchise’s themes and tones.
Related
Every The Conners Characters Who Has Been Around Since Roseanne Season 1
Roseanne famously killed off the show’s title character when it became The Conners, but some of Roseanne’s original stars remain its main characters.
The original Roseanne finale in 1997 shocked viewers by revealing that the events of the final season were fabricated by Roseanne Conner to cope with her husband Dan’s death. The twist dramatically altered how the series was perceived, leaving audiences divided over its unconventional ending. Roseanne‘s ending was one reason for the series’ revival, which sought to revisit the Conners and continue their story with Dan alive. Unlike Roseanne‘s controversial series finale, The Conners finale is positioned to offer a more conclusive resolution.
Our Take On Saying Goodbye To The Conners
We Will Miss The Conner Family
The end of The Conners brings an era of television to a definitive close. While saying farewell to a franchise that has shaped the depiction of American family life for decades is bittersweet, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of the Conner family’s story. Few shows can claim such a legacy, and The Conners‘ conclusion ensures that it will be remembered as one of the most enduring representations of relatable, working-class struggles on television.
Source: TVLine
The Conners is a spinoff of Roseanne, a popular sitcom beginning in 1988 that starred John Goodman as Dan Conner and Roseanne Barr as Roseanne Conner. After the Roseanne revival was canceled in 2018, The Conners continued the storyline of the lovable middle-class family and their lives in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. The Emmy award-winning series brings back Dan’s children, Darlene, Becky, and DJ, played by Sara Gilbert, Alicia Goranson, and Michael Fishman, respectively.
- Release Date
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October 16, 2018
- Finale Year
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November 30, 2024
- Cast
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John Goodman
, Sara Gilbert
, Macaulay Callard
, Laurie Metcalf
, Lecy Goranson
, Michael Fishman
, Emma Kenney
, Ames McNamara
, Jayden Rey
, Maya Lynne Robinson
, Jay R. Ferguson - Seasons
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6
- Writers
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Dave Caplan
, Bruce Helford
, Matt Williams - Streaming Service(s)
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Hulu
- Showrunner
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Bruce Helford
, Matt Williams