Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Is “Roseanne” the most realistic sitcom of all time?

editor

EW

EW

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “Roseanne,” the sitcom that dared to show the lower middle class as it actually lived. Even by today’s standards the show is still revolutionary and there’s still nothing like it. Overweight parents, an aggressive female protagonist, a sardonic tomboy of a daughter, openly gay and lesbian characters that are treated with respect, realistic yet frightening financial problems—all these elements are unique rarities lacking even on modern TV.

''I’m more relevant now than it was then,” says Roseanne Barr. “I'm very proud of its timelessness and, you know, the fact that it has a political edge that is even more relevant now than it was then.”

John Goodman who played husband Dan Connor agrees that the show was groundbreaking. “We came on following ‘Moonlighting,’ and there was stuff like ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Dallas’ with all of these happy, rich, feel-good people, and then there was us. We knew we were different, and we knew she was really plugged in to what was going on in the country. People who looked like us were not doing too good. You know, you'd often have scrambled eggs for dinner.''

Sure, sitcoms are a dying breed (if not dead, thanks to reality shows), but we’d have to agree that “Roseanne” was innovative and continues to ring true stronger than ever even today. What's your take on “Roseanne”? [EW][Jezebel]

Related: tv, sitcom, roseanne, john goodman, comedy

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 60
  • mommaofsun's Avatar
    Posted by mommaofsun Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:36pm PDT

    Love the show and still watch it everyday on cable. My hubby and I are definitely Dan and Roseanne in many ways.

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  • Katja C's Avatar
    Posted by Katja C Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:19pm PDT

    I always loved Roseanne. I'm from the South, and recognized so many of my friends in neighbors in that show. It was so brutally honest--no one lives like "Full House", after all--but still had so much heart. There's no other show like it. Roseanne effortlessly made everything around it cheesy.

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  • Rowdygirl's Avatar
    Posted by Rowdygirl Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:42am PDT

    I think she was able to capture what real life is like for alot of people because she actually lived it. The show was great, until it got kind of weird at the end, with the fantasy storylines. The finale was incredible and she did some of her best acting on that episode. I still watch reruns whenever I can, no matter how many times I've seen the same episodes. The kids were realistic in their portrayals and no matter how bratty they acted, you have to admit that some kids DO behave that way. I love the show. I'm sad to think there can be no reunion show since "Dan" died. (and Glenn Quinn passed away in real life) I hate that part.

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  • Disgruntled's Avatar
    Posted by Disgruntled Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:47am PDT

    Roseanne was great because it was relatable and funny. I don't know anyone who lived like the people on Dynasty but knew lots of people like Roseanne. The episode where they tried to make the tackiest Christmas decorations in the neighborhood was a classic! I'd also agree that it went downhill towards the end.

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  • I second that's Avatar
    Posted by I second that Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:59am PDT

    great show its was very real and still applies to today, I also loved married with children which is not quite as real but still get feeling of economy

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  • 's Avatar
    Posted by Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:02am PDT

    I agree, what a great show and it was truly refreshing to see regular people on the screen. These days its anorexic girls getting botox daily!

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  • Pyra's Avatar
    Posted by Pyra Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:06am PDT

    I love roseanne (despite that national-anthem thing). The show too. I enjoy seeing sarah chalke pre-scrubs because I haven't seen anything else shes been in. I loved all the characters especially darleen and her cant-speak up bf david. It's a great show wish there were more like it.

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  • hrtbroken's Avatar
    Posted by hrtbroken Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:16am PDT

    I agree. This show gaves us a glimpse into what "real" everyday life is. Growing up, I could identify with that family as did my parents. My parents were overweight..I guess I was the rambling crazy older sister and I had a little brother as annoying as DJ. I love watching re-runs! I wish more shows were out there like this classic...

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  • ?'s Avatar
    Posted by ? Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:26am PDT

    I enjoyed the show when it was new, still watch the reruns. However is is just a TV show, nothing more, nothing less. It has never been revelant or real. If you think TV sitcoms represent real life you need to turn the TV off and read a book or go for a walk. As for "reality" TV. They are game shows, nothing real about them. They are more interesting than The Price is Right, but don't hold a candle to the old Match Game. Rosanne needs to go the way of "Leave it to Beaver"!!

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  • ~SiOuXpErStAr~'s Avatar
    Posted by ~SiOuXpErStAr~ Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:45am PDT

    This is my favorite show...all the women in my family love Roseanne...

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