In a desperate attempt to salvage the floundering spin-off series “The Conners,” ABC has reportedly extended a staggering $10 million offer to its former star, Roseanne Barr, to rejoin the show.
The network’s move comes on the heels of declining ratings and growing fan backlash since Barr’s abrupt dismissal and the subsequent launch of “The Conners” in 2018. Insiders claim that ABC executives are deeply concerned about the long-term viability of the series without its original lead, and are now willing to go to extraordinary lengths to bring Barr back on board.
“The network is absolutely desperate to get Roseanne back on the show,” a source close to the situation revealed. “They realize that without her, ‘The Conners’ just doesn’t have the same magic or drawing power. It’s been a struggle to maintain viewership, and they’re willing to pay a huge sum to get her to come back.”
The offer, which is said to be one of the largest ever made to a television actor, is a clear indication of the network’s desperation to salvage the franchise. Barr, who was fired from the “Roseanne” revival in 2018 following a controversial social media post, has remained steadfast in her refusal to return to the show, citing the network’s “unfair” treatment of her.
However, reports suggest that ABC is now willing to make significant concessions to lure Barr back, including granting her more creative control and a stake in the show’s profits. The network is also reportedly open to allowing Barr to address the controversy that led to her dismissal, in an effort to mend fences with the show’s loyal fanbase.
“At this point, ABC is willing to do just about anything to get Roseanne back on the air,” the source added. “They know that without her, ‘The Conners’ is ultimately doomed, and they’re desperate to avoid that outcome.”
The network’s bold move has sparked a mixture of surprise and skepticism among industry observers, who question whether Barr would be willing to accept such an offer, given her past grievances with the network. Nevertheless, the stakes for ABC appear to be high, as they work to salvage one of their most successful sitcom revivals in recent memory.
As the negotiations continue behind closed doors, fans of the Conner family eagerly await the outcome, with many hoping that Barr and ABC can find a way to reconcile their differences and bring the beloved matriarch back to the small screen.