#WatchRoseanne
Do we really need this 'Roseanne' revival? | The Tylt
Do we really need this 'Roseanne' revival?
"Roseanne" is back on ABC nearly 21 years after the original sitcom concluded, and it's getting mixed reactions because Roseanne Barr has become a polarizing conservative. Opponents cringe over the titular character also being a Trump supporter. Others argue it's a representation of Middle America, and conservatives aren't fairly represented on TV. But some critics argue that while the show is reductive, the series premiered with 18 million viewers. Do we really need this revival? 📺
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Do we really need this 'Roseanne' revival?
Below is the synopsis of the "Roseanne" reboot, per Rotten Tomatoes.
Featuring the complete original cast, new series regulars and notable returning guest stars, the revival will explore life, death and everything in between through the relatable, hilarious and brutally honest lens of the Conner household. With the inimitable Roseanne at its epicenter, fresh stories that tackle today's issues and even more laughs from a brilliant cast and crew that haven't missed a beat, audiences old and new will celebrate the homecoming of America's favorite working-class family.
The reboot holds a fresh rating of 86 percent so far. Watch the trailer below.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the sitcom revival's series premiere had massive ratings.
The return delivered an incredible 18.2 million viewers along with an equally impressive 5.1 rating among adults 18-49.
According to ABC, this is the highest-rated comedy telecast on any network in nearly four years (since a premiere episode of CBS’ The Big Bang Theory from 2014).
The titular character also represents white middle America, she voted for President Trump and the sitcom centers American politics. Some argue conservatives deserve better representation on TV, and "Roseanne" is a good attempt at this.
Roseanne explains "how and why" Americans voted for Trump... https://t.co/gVUa7Tq3vK
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) March 27, 2018
#SkipRoseanne
But some critics won't separate the art from the artist, calling the sitcom's lead actress a vile, problematic conservative.
I won't watch #Roseanne for the same reason I don't watch Woody Allen movies.
— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) March 28, 2018
There are enough good people making art in the world that we don't need to support the bad ones.
#SkipRoseanne
So many bad takes on the Roseanne reboot. Barr is not working class, she’s a rich actor, a racist, and a violent transphobe who is using her platform to promote her own political agenda. There’s nothing authentic or important about what she’s doing.
— rosie knight loves a star war ✨ (@RosieMarx) March 28, 2018
#SkipRoseanne
And some TV critics simply don't like the reboot. The Atlantic's Megan Garber calls the sitcom reductive:
They're on the nose. They're reductive. They're easy. They conflate partisanship with politics writ large. They suggest an American political situation that is a matter of performance and personality rather than of systemic crisis.
