For decades, Hollywood seemed to operate under the assumption that TV families needed to be cute, lovable, and financially comfortable in order to be loved by the masses. That theory got flipped on its head in on October 18th, 1988, when ABC broadcast the series premiere of Roseanne.
A vehicle for stand-up comedienne Roseanne Barr, the show centered around the blue-collar, rough-around-the-edges Conner family and the trials and tribulations they experienced while keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads in Lanford, Illinois. Buoyed by powerhouse actor John Goodman (playing Roseanne’s husband Dan), accomplished theater actress Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne’s flaky-but-loyal sister Jackie), Sara Gilbert (wisecracking middle child Darlene), Lecy Goranson (overachieving older daughter Becky), and Michael Fishman (youngest son DJ), the show’s relatability made it a monster hit for much of its 10-season run.