On Friday, Oct. 12, ABC screened two exclusive episodes of the Roseanne-less spin-off, The Conners, giving the press a sneak peek before its highly anticipated premiere on Tuesday, Oct. 16. For those of you who’ve been anxiously waiting to see how the show moves forward without its titular character, this is your chance to get the inside scoop. Closer Weekly was among those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the revamped series. The two episodes, titled “Keep On Truckin” and “Tangled Up in Blue,” are scheduled to air on consecutive Tuesdays, with the second episode dropping on Nov. 13. While we can't reveal the fate of Roseanne Barr’s character, Roseanne Conner, we can tell you what's happening with the rest of the beloved Conner clan.
So, let’s dive in and find out what the future holds for The Conners characters in this new chapter of their story!
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John Goodman as Dan Conner: Still the Heart of the Family
Let’s start with the man who keeps it all together, Dan Conner. Played by the legendary John Goodman, Dan’s journey in this new series shows he’s still the rock of the family, even though life has thrown him a curveball. Surprisingly, Dan looks like he’s dropped some serious weight, despite the fact that the season opener is set just three weeks after last spring’s dramatic cliffhanger. He's still hustling with his drywall business, tinkering with motorcycles in the garage, and trying to keep the Conner household running smoothly. This guy is the definition of resilience.
Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris: Still Spinning Plates
Jackie Harris, Roseanne’s ever-entertaining sister, is back and as complicated as ever. Played by the incomparable Laurie Metcalf, Jackie continues to juggle her life coaching career with her own personal struggles. She's currently bunking with her mom, Bev (Estelle Parsons), and claims to have a new boyfriend. But here’s the kicker—this mystery man doesn’t make an appearance in the first two episodes, leaving fans wondering if this relationship is as solid as she claims. Jackie’s life may be messy, but she’s still got that signature wit and charm.
Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner Healy: Navigating New Waters
Darlene, portrayed by Sara Gilbert, is stepping back into the dating world after a stranger (played by Justin Long) strikes up a conversation with her at the Mexican cantina where her sister Becky works. But before she dives headfirst into this new relationship, she’s got some unfinished business with her ex, David (Johnny Galecki). David, who’s now working at Trader Joe’s, hasn’t officially signed the divorce papers yet. Darlene’s journey is one of self-discovery, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how she navigates these waters.
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Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner: Finding Her Stride
Becky, played by Lecy Goranson, is stepping up in a big way. She's taken on a second job working on her dad’s construction crew, despite his initial reluctance. Through this experience, Becky begins to confront some difficult truths about herself, including the possibility that she might have an addiction problem. This storyline promises to add depth to Becky’s character and give her a chance to shine in her own right.
Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner: Family Man Extraordinaire
D.J., portrayed by Michael Fishman, is keeping things running smoothly in the vending machine business. But his world is about to get a little more complicated when his wife, Gina (played by Maya Lynne Robinson, who’s stepping into the role previously held by Xosha Roquemore), pays him a visit. Gina has been on active military duty in Afghanistan, so their reunion is bound to be emotional and full of surprises.
Ames McNamara as Mark Conner Healy: Breaking Boundaries
Darlene’s son, Mark, continues to defy traditional gender norms in the most inspiring way possible. In a touching moment, Mark opens up to Dan, of all people, about his sexual orientation. This conversation highlights Dan’s growth as a character and reinforces the importance of open dialogue within the family.
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Emma Kenney as Harris Conner Healy: Wild Child Extraordinaire
Darlene’s teenage daughter, Harris, played by Emma Kenney, remains the wild child of the family. Her antics only escalate when she spends a weekend with her dad, David, and his new girlfriend, Blue (Juliette Lewis). Blue’s free-spirited nature seems to bring out the best—and the worst—in Harris, setting the stage for some unforgettable moments.
The Conners returns on Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Get ready for a ride full of laughter, heart, and everything in between.


