The return of Roseanne was one of the most eagerly awaited revivals in recent television history. When the announcement came from ABC that the show would be making a comeback, social media erupted in excitement. Nostalgic fans dug out their old Timberland boots and tattered jackets, proclaiming that this comedic portrayal of an American family was just the remedy we needed for today’s issues. However, as someone who approached this reboot with skepticism, I couldn’t help but wonder: Are we really celebrating a character known for her controversial antics and outlandish conspiracy theories? It felt surreal.
My own generation’s fondness for the original Roseanne was not shared by me. My parents deemed it inappropriate for our viewing, and while I initially resented their “uncool” stance, I’ve come to recognize their foresight. The reality is, the show, in its latest iteration, is nothing short of disappointing.
While the original Roseanne was celebrated for its raw portrayal of working-class struggles, the reboot has sadly jettisoned those redeeming qualities. Yes, it still touches on the challenges faced by American families today, and yes, it acknowledges the political divides that can exist within households. But the show has crossed a line by normalizing hate and ignorance, with the lead character’s dedication to Trump being a glaring example. It’s concerning when a program presents such a divisive figure as anything close to typical.
This isn’t about politics or a particular party; it’s about the normalization of behavior that is far from presidential—behavior that undermines the very real struggles of marginalized communities. The show trivializes these issues, presenting distorted views that equate misinformation with genuine facts.
To make matters worse, the latest episode pushed boundaries in alarming ways. When a character made a disparaging comment about her relatives, Roseanne retaliated by calling her granddaughter an “entitled little brat” and then subjected her to a harsh act of humiliation. This isn’t tough love; it borders on abusive. It’s baffling how such actions could be portrayed as acceptable in any context.
The public response was predictably mixed, with many taking to social media to express their outrage. Alongside this, the show has made some unfortunate jabs at marginalized groups, which have drawn further criticism. Kelvin Yu, a writer known for his work on Bob’s Burgers, pointed out how the show reduces the representation of Black and Asian families to mere stereotypes. Comments made in the show imply that these portrayals are only meant to normalize these communities without recognizing their unique narratives.
In light of this, it’s essential to remember that there are far better portrayals of American life available. Shows like black-ish or Bob’s Burgers provide insightful and humorous commentary on family dynamics without resorting to harmful tropes. If you’re seeking genuine laughter and relatable stories, consider watching the Queer Eye reboot or revisiting classic sitcoms like The Golden Girls.
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In summary, the Roseanne reboot has strayed far from its original charm, opting instead for divisive humor and troubling portrayals. As viewers, we deserve better representations of our diverse experiences and challenges.