The fallout from Roseanne Barr’s racist comments on Twitter and the cancellation of her sitcom at ABC has come to a point where reality has set in for fans of the show and those involved in the production. What happens next won’t bring it back, but ABC is apprently trying whatever they can to revive parts of it in some form without Barr. One rumored idea is a series focusing on Sara Gilbert’s character Darlene, with John Goodman apparently very interested in the spin-off.
Gilbert didn’t address any possible returns to the Conner house, but she did add some more to her reaction of the cancellation during The Talk on Monday. Clearly showing emotion, Gilbert discussed the situation with her co-hosts and how she feels about ABC’s decision:
“In addition to my statement, I would like to say this has been a very difficult week. A lot of people have been hurt by this. I will say I’m proud of the show we made. This show has always been about diversity, love and inclusion. And it’s sad to see it end in this way…
“I’m sad for the people who lost their jobs in the process. However, I do stand behind the decision ABC made.”
Meanwhile, the rumored spin-off announcement could come at some point this week according to a new report by TMZ. While the initial news dropped over the weekend, the talks picked up allegedly when one party in particular got involved:
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … network executives kicked negotiations into third gear when Tom Werner, who produced “Roseanne” through his company Carsey-Werner, got involved over the weekend in direct talks with top network brass. His involvement has all but sealed the deal…
There is a possible snag. Although ABC seems to have good cause to fire Roseanne as both the star and Executive Producer, the network may be contractually bound to pay her a fee or back-end or both for her participation in creating the show. ABC, of course, could argue it’s now a different show.
Given Roseanne Barr’s comments about fighting back and defending her statement/apology, you’d have to think this won’t go off without any trouble attached to it. That’s if it even happens at all.
(Via TMZ / Variety / TV Insider)
