Is 'The Conners' Returning For Season 2? Here's What Laurie Metcalf Had To Say

There’s been a lot of buzz around whether The Conners, the spin-off of the canceled Roseanne, will see a second season. With some whispers about declining ratings and the hefty salaries of key cast members like John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, and Sara Gilbert, fans have been on edge. But guess what? According to Laurie Metcalf, who plays Jackie, it seems like Season 2 might just be on the horizon.

What Laurie Metcalf Had to Say About Season 2

“I believe it’s going to happen,” Laurie told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. She went on to share that they’re likely looking at anywhere between 10 and 13 episodes for the new season. Now, that’s not a ton of episodes, but hey, quality over quantity, right? It’s exciting news for fans who’ve been eagerly waiting to see what’s next for the Conner family.

Expect the Same Warmth and Wit

Laurie also mentioned that the tone of the show is expected to stay pretty consistent. One of the coolest things about this season, she says, is the element of surprise. “I don’t get the scripts until the Friday after we do a taping, and then I get to read what we’ll be doing starting the next Monday,” Laurie revealed. She loves that the writers keep things unpredictable, which she feels adds to the authenticity of the show. “The writers did a wonderful job of keeping the tone and telling stories about the characters people have grown up with,” she added. It’s like reuniting with old friends, but with fresh stories to tell.

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Behind the Scenes: The Numbers Game

Now, let’s dive into the numbers for a second. According to TV Line, there are ongoing discussions between ABC and the cast about bringing The Conners back. Here’s the scoop: after a tumultuous summer that included the abrupt cancellation of Roseanne, a whirlwind of explanations and apologies from Roseanne Barr, and plenty of industry speculation, The Conners premiered in October. It attracted a solid 10.6 million viewers and earned a 2.4 demo rating. That’s only slightly lower than the finale of the Roseanne revival, which pulled in 10.6 million viewers and a 2.5 rating. After some initial dips, the show’s ratings have stabilized at a respectable 1.4 demo rating in live viewing. By broadcast standards, that’s still pretty strong.

What really stands out is how The Conners compares to other TV revivals this season. Its demo rating is about twice as high as shows like NBC’s Will & Grace (which is already guaranteed a third season) and CBS’s Murphy Brown (which, despite higher ratings than Will & Grace, isn’t expected to return). This puts The Conners in a pretty good position for a comeback.

It’s worth noting just how impressive The Conners has been given its circumstances. The show took on the monumental task of continuing the series without the central figure, Roseanne herself. Yet, the writers and cast have delivered, creating a show that not only honors the legacy of Roseanne but also allows the characters to grow in new and meaningful ways. While the show occasionally leans a bit too hard on the laugh track (something that might not be necessary), it still manages to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and relatable humor.

What’s Next for the Conner Family?

The first season finale of The Conners is set to air on January 22. Fans will soon find out how the storylines wrap up and, hopefully, get some more clarity on whether we’ll be seeing the Conner family again in Season 2. One thing’s for sure: if the show does return, it’ll be a testament to the resilience and charm of this beloved family and the talented team behind them.