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The Connors are back! After being off the air for over two decades, Roseanne returned to ABC on Tuesday night. I cannot say that I was particularly looking forward to the Roseanne reboot, but I wasn’t not looking forward to it either. I did watch the original show growing up. The night the return premiered, I happened to have my TV turned to ABC while doing other work. I got sucked in quickly! I was surprised by how immediately they were tackling several hot button social issues that many families could relate to, and I wanted to see how they would do it.

The main thing that struck me as bold, was how the show addressed the ideological divide that many families now face—and they did not hold back! Roseanne’s character is a Trump supporter and voted for him in the presidential election, whereas her sister Jackie (donning her “Nasty Woman” t-shirt and pink knitted hat that became famous during the anti-Trump Women’s March) supported Hillary Clinton.  Neither backed away from showing their disapproval in each other’s political choices.

The sisters had not spoken to each other since election night (sound familiar for anyone?), and Roseanne’s daughter Darlene tries to help the two make amends by organizing a family dinner. During this dinner, Roseanne tells her sister, “[Trump] talked about jobs, Jackie. He said he’d shake things up. I know this may come as a shock to you, but we almost lost our house because of the way things are going.” Jackie retorts: “Have you looked at the news? Because now things are worse,” to which Roseanne replies, “Not on the real news.” This sounds all too real.

Along with political differences, the show jumped right into dealing with issues of gender identity. Roseanne’s 9-year-old grandson, Mark, is a young boy who defies gender norms by unapologetically dressing in traditionally feminine clothing. Sara Gilbert, who plays Darlene – Marks mother – on the show, had this to say about her character’s son in Entertainment Weekly: “He’s a little boy. He’s based on a few kids in my life that are boys who dress in more traditionally feminine clothing. He’s too young to be gay and he doesn’t identify as transgender….”

There’s a charming moment in the show where Roseanne has a heart to heart conversation with her grandson to try to understand why he dresses the way he does. She even goes a step further to take him to school and “threaten” his classmates if they treat him any differently because of his choices. These are difficult conversations that many parents and family members may be struggling to have, and this show offered a few moments on how to deal with it – and possibly opened a lot of hearts and minds.

 

I have seen varying responses on Twitter – of course the conservatives loved it, the liberals vowed not to watch anymore (not all of course). I will admit, when the show started with Roseanne ending her before dinner prayer with, “Make America Great Again”, I was shocked and appalled. But then I paused, and thought – wow, I am not sure we’ve seen this narrative portrayed on TV. This is going to be interesting!

In reference to the “Roseanne” reboot, ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey said that the network aims to produce shows that appeal to broad audiences. This is definitely a show we need to have on the air, even if we do not want it – or don’t agree with all of the messages. It addresses many issues that American families have been dealing with since the most recent election. It makes us uncomfortable and has the opportunity to open hearts and minds. This show reminds us that while we may not always agree, we need to accept that there are differences in perspective and try to find common ground.