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When it first premiered in 1988, Roseanne quickly won over audiences by presenting a refreshingly realistic portrayal of a working-class American family. For nearly a decade, viewers grew attached to the no-nonsense matriarch, Roseanne Conner, and her big-hearted husband, Dan, as well as their four dynamic children: Becky, Darlene, D.J., and Jerry Garcia. By the time the show ended in 1997, it had cemented its place in sitcom history.
Now, more than two decades later, the Conners are back—and they’ve brought plenty of new stories with them. The revival, which debuted to staggering viewership numbers, picks up the family’s narrative in the modern day, blending comedic banter with relevant themes that speak to today’s audience. If you haven’t had a chance to catch up on the clan’s most recent adventures, here’s a rundown of who they are now and what they’ve been up to since we last saw them in the 1990s.
The Heads of the Household: Roseanne and Dan
Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr)
Loud, outspoken, and fiercely protective of her family, Roseanne Conner has always been a force to be reckoned with. When the revival starts, we see that time hasn’t dulled her sharp wit—or her stubborn streak. She remains unapologetically vocal, holding firm beliefs that sometimes clash with other family members.
One of the biggest updates is that Roseanne has become an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, a decision that injects a political charge into the Conner household. It’s a reflection of her personal stance in real life (Barr herself was a vocal supporter of Trump). The show tackles this political divide head-on by portraying conflicts among family members with different opinions, a challenge that resonates with millions of real families across the country.
Dan Conner (John Goodman)
For fans who recall the original series finale—where Dan’s character was portrayed as having died from a heart attack—his presence in the revival might come as a surprise. The new episodes quickly clarify that the prior ending was part of an unpublished book Roseanne wrote. In short, Dan’s death never actually happened in the show’s new continuity.
When we rejoin him, Dan is older but still projects the easygoing warmth that made him one of television’s favorite dads. He doesn’t appear to be fully retired; however, it’s implied that both he and Roseanne are dealing with the aches and pains that come from years of physically demanding labor. Their banter remains as entertaining as ever, and Dan’s gentle humor stands in stark contrast to Roseanne’s brash remarks. As always, he’s the rock of the family—even if he still skulks off to the garage to crack open a beer whenever tensions run high.
Becky Conner: New Roles and Old Wounds
Becky Conner (Alicia Goranson)
As the eldest Conner daughter, Becky was the first to stand up to her parents and also the first to elope. In the new revival, we learn she’s now in her 40s (though she jokes about being younger) and has experienced her fair share of hardships. A key detail is the death of her husband, Mark Healy, which took place off-screen years prior and has left a noticeable void in her life.
Financially strapped but fiercely independent, Becky works at a Mexican restaurant and clings to the fact that she lives on her own—something she doesn’t hesitate to remind her siblings about. She has a storyline that involves considering surrogacy as a way to earn money, a plot that introduces a memorable cameo from Sarah Chalke (the actress who played Becky in later seasons of the original series). This subplot adds a layer of complexity, highlighting Becky’s willingness to take bold risks for financial stability and emotional closure.
Darlene Conner: Coming Back Home
Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert)
Always witty and sarcastic, Darlene was the Conner child whose creative ambitions took her out of Lanford and into Chicago with her boyfriend—and later husband—David Healy. However, when the new series begins, she’s returned to her parents’ home with her two children.
While she initially claims to be home to help care for Dan and Roseanne, she soon confesses that she’s lost her job and is struggling financially. Her relationship status is also up in the air; she’s no longer with David. Darlene’s kids include Harris (Emma Kenney), who displays the same rebellious streak her mother had as a teen, and Mark (Ames McNamara), a gender-fluid boy named after David’s late brother.
Darlene’s storyline encapsulates many 21st-century realities: balancing financial hardships, parenting in a changing world, and confronting a tough job market. Yet, there’s a strong sense of her old resilience shining through as she grapples with each challenge head-on—and of course, she’s not shy about trading witty barbs with her mother along the way.
D.J. Conner: Fatherhood and Service
D.J. Conner (Michael Fishman)
During the original series, D.J. was the youngest Conner child for several years. In the revival, he’s now an adult who has served in the Army, with a daughter named Mary (Jayden Rey). His wife, Gina, remains stationed overseas, meaning he’s temporarily playing the role of a single dad.
D.J. doesn’t get as much screen time as his sisters in the revival’s early episodes, but his presence underscores the show’s effort to depict modern American life, including families affected by military deployments. Additionally, his biracial daughter brings a welcome dimension to the Conner household—demonstrating how the family’s tree has grown more diverse and layered over time.
Jerry Garcia Conner: The Missing Son
Back in 1995, Roseanne introduced a new baby, Jerry Garcia Conner, a tribute to the late Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia. Born two years before the show originally ended, Jerry is now in his early twenties. However, the new revival suggests that he’s off working on a fishing boat, which offers a convenient explanation for his off-screen absence. This choice might be a simple way to reduce storyline clutter, yet it also hints that the youngest Conner sibling remains part of the family narrative—just not visible on camera at the moment.
Jackie Harris: A Life Coach with a Twist
Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf)
Roseanne’s younger sister Jackie has long been a source of both comedic relief and heartfelt drama, thanks to her eccentricities and occasional lapses in judgment. Over the years, she tried her hand at a range of professions, including serving as a police officer. Now, she has taken on a new role as a life coach—an ironic yet somehow fitting career for someone as impulsive and free-spirited as Jackie.
The revival plays up Jackie’s political differences with Roseanne; indeed, their feud during the 2016 election is a key part of why they weren’t on speaking terms initially. Jackie’s pink “pussy hat” and “Nasty Woman” T-shirt highlight the comedic tension between sisters who stand on opposite ends of the political spectrum, eventually culminating in the two reconciling in classic Conner fashion: with plenty of arguing, a dash of sarcasm, and a deep bond they can’t quite deny.
A Modern Twist on Nostalgia
Why has the Conner family’s return ignited such a massive response from viewers? Part of it is sheer nostalgia. The original Roseanne debuted three decades ago, securing a special place in the hearts of audiences by showing a working-class family’s day-to-day struggles: paying bills, raising kids, and balancing personal dreams with harsh financial realities.
In its 2018 revival, Roseanne retains that candid reflection of contemporary life—especially the way families navigate political differences, economic strain, and changing social norms. The comedic undertones remain as robust as ever, but there’s an increased emphasis on intergenerational issues: how baby boomers, Gen Xers, and Gen Zers differ in their worldviews, often clashing yet remaining tied by familial love.
The show’s return has proven it can capture the attention of a broad range of viewers, from die-hard fans who tuned in faithfully during the 80s and 90s, to curious newcomers drawn by the buzz surrounding its comeback. Whether it’s Becky’s journey with surrogacy, Darlene’s attempts to hold her family together, D.J.’s experiences as a veteran father, or Roseanne and Jackie’s comedic clashes over politics, the Conners have once again become watercooler conversation.
Above all, the success of Roseanne’s revival signals a continued appetite for sitcoms that merge humor with social commentary—an art form the Conners perfected decades ago and seem ready to continue, if the ratings are any indication. It’s safe to say that fans are eager to follow the family’s adventures, arguments, and heartfelt reunions for as long as the show remains on the air.
READ MORE: Hit sitcom ‘Roseanne’ to make a return on ABC
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