Racist tweets bring an end to comedy's biggest comeback.
May 29, 2018
Just two months after picking up Roseanne for an 11th season, ABC has reversed the move. The cancellation comes after show star Roseanne Barr took to Twitter with a series of racist and anti-semitic posts. The most offending being a now-deleted tweet calling adviser to former President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, an offspring of the “Muslim Brotherhood & Planet of the Apes.”
The backlash that followed was immediate and intense, with numerous celebrities and pundits speaking out against her remarks. Barr subsequently apologized, calling the tweet a joke, but it was too late. The damage had been done.
Comedian Wanda Sykes was the first person involved with the show to make a move, announcing her departure from writing on Season 2 this morning. But that was just the beginning, as mere hours later, ABC Entertainment chief Channing Dungey announced that the network was cancelling the show due to her "abhorrent, repugnant" words that were "inconsistent with our values."
The decision was obviously not made lightly, as Roseanne's comeback was the biggest success story ever for a revived series. The show's Season 10 premiere in March surpassed all expectations by drawing a massive audience of 18 million viewers with an impressive 5.2 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic. Those numbers are almost unheard of nowadays, especially for broadcast comedies.
But now instead of going on another likely-lengthy run, Roseanne's revival ends after just nine episodes, with the now-series finale airing one week ago.
Truth
05/29/18 at 12:52pm
What happened to freedom of speech? It got the popular vote and the electoral college went the other way. Who stood up when they said something about the Anthem? You can't be both ways. They made them stand or stay inside. I guess someone saw how she treated the anthem and made her stay inside.
Genev13
05/29/18 at 12:52pm
There is freedom of speech, but also consequences. When you are hired/work for a compagnie you indirectly represent them. And if someone associated with their brand decides to express (or rant) views that don't align with theirs they have the right to cancel your contract. ITweeter in the hands of hate or frustration is a bad idea.
Chris
05/29/18 at 12:51pm
I agree with Suzie, although I'm a Clinton supporter. There are many people out there who like Trump, but this isn't about Trump. She said some stupid things, but she has the right to express her comments, albeit offensive. But to cancel a show over it? No, I'm not pissed at Roseanne--I'm pissed at the network for cancelling the show. Wimps!
Mack
05/29/18 at 12:46pm
Bunch of liberal babies only way they can get their way is to call ppl racist
Kirsten
05/29/18 at 12:37pm
Good! I’m glad it’s cancelled!
Sharon
05/29/18 at 12:36pm
Horrible comment but obviously freedom of speech doesn’t apply like it does with that so called comedian that keeps running down Sarah Sanders. For me this just means I no longer have to spend any of my time watching ABC.
K
05/29/18 at 12:34pm
No more ABC.....R.I.P.
seriousb
05/29/18 at 12:32pm
What ever happened to Freedom of Speech?? Is this still America, land of the free and home of the brave?! So Sad for everyone else in the show.....
HG
05/29/18 at 12:31pm
Sorry to see the show go. Not surprised though. ABC let Last Man Standing go and now Roseanne. I know she can get out of control and ABC can't allow it because of what she says. Will we see THE VIEW on the list to be cancelled next. They say things everyday that can be considered racist but people laugh. Whats good for one group needs to be good for the other group. I think the whole thing is crazy and oit of control on both sides. Grow a skin people...when did we become such a bunch of whinny crybabies. When stuff was said like this (like Blazzing Saddles) we all fell off our seats in laughter because everyone got hit. Heading the wrong way people. Even out the playing field. Cancel one for things said...do the other because same things were said as well. I think both sides needs to lighten up...lets just laugh...it's good for us.
suzie
05/29/18 at 12:31pm
You leftists can't get over that somebody might like Trump. Get over yourselves and enjoy life. Too bad Rosanne made such a senseless mistake on Twitter. The show was funny.
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