ABC’s The Conners has slipped to new series lows in 2021
The daily financial struggles were a norm. But now, the Conners family is also facing troubles with viewership and rating. In the latest March/April 2021 episodes, the comedy series The Conners is hitting new lows with less than 3.5 million viewers. In its second season and after the replacement of controversial figure Roseanne, the Conners often drew an average of 5.7 million viewers. This dip in viewership might leave one wondering about the show’s future.
Official Status: ABC hasn’t yet renewed or cancelled season 4
Renewal chances: 65% (At risk of cancellation)
Our data analysts at TVscorecards keep track of hundreds of data points to estimate renewal chances for each TV series. We have calculated a “Renewal Score” to predict if The Conners will be renewed or not. Check out our renewal scorecard below for The Conners Season 4
The Conners has been the network’s highest-rated comedy series for a while. However, the latest season has caused trouble in paradise. Despite channelling the original show’s spirit and navigating the much relatable current global situation, The Conners was unable to attract the same viewers and ratings as the previous seasons. Will ABC renew the show for season 4?
Factors Putting “The Conners” Season 4 At Risk
Dip in ratings: Ratings for The Conners are down 39% versus last year. The series is drawing an average of 3.5 million viewers per episode versus 5.7 last year. While overall TV ratings are down in 2021 by about 10-15%, the decrease observed by The Conners has been disproportionate. The move from Tuesday to Wednesday at a later time did not help.
Performing poorly against other shows: Last year, the series competed effectively against hit shows like NCIS on CBS and The Voice on NBC in the Tuesday line-ups, achieving similar ratings. However, this year, The Conners has moved to the Wednesday line-ups where it’s done a lot worse than other heavy-weight series such as Chicago Fire on NBC, not even drawing half of the ratings, or SEAL team on CBS.
While the odds don’t seem to be in the show’s favor, we still sure hope to continue seeing the Conners on our TV screens.
Season 3 remains highly controversial for political reasons
ABC canceled the Roseanne TV series in 2018 when Roseanne Barr compared official Valerie Jarrett to “Planet of the Apes” on Twitter. The tweet was described by ABC as “repugnant and inconsistent with our values”. As a result of this backlash, ABC replaced the Roseanne show with a new series featuring the Conners family, but without Roseanne. Some fans of Roseanne remained outraged that The Conners was renewed for season 2 and then season 3, and protested against the renewal. One person commented, “I have yet to watch a single episode of the Conners. I refuse to. Roseanne was mistreated in the handling of her mishap”.
Renewal/cancellation Status: Renewed for Season 6
TVscorecards user score: 65%
About this show:
"The Conners", a spinoff of the groundbreaking family comedy "Roseanne," has been greenlit to series with an order of 10 episodes for fall 2018. After a sudden turn of events, the Conners are forced to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before. This iconic family - Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. - grapples with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging and in-laws in working-class America. Through it all, the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns - with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. The series, featuring John Goodman ("Dan"), Laurie Metcalf ("Jackie"), Sara Gilbert ("Darlene"), Lecy Goranson ("Becky") and Michael Fishman ("D.J.") as their beloved Conner characters, is set to air Tuesdays (8:00-8:30 p.m.). Additional cast members and a premiere date will be announced later. Roseanne Barr will have no financial or creative involvement in the new series.
The ABC Television Network has ordered a second season of freshman hit comedy "The Conners," Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment, announced today. Ranking as television's No. 1 new comedy this season in Total Viewers (9.5 million) and Adults 18-49 (2.2/10), the self-starting ABC freshman led Tuesday's 8:00 p.m. half-hour in Adults 18-49 by 16% over its nearest competitor. During its first season, "The Conners" improved its time period by 33% in Total Viewers and by 22% in Adults 18-49, posting 5-year highs for ABC in the half-hour.
"We are proud to be continuing the story of the iconic Conners family," said Burke. "This team is fearless in their willingness to tackle contemporary issues with humor and heart, and I have no doubt they will continue to outdo themselves."
In "The Conners," this iconic family grapples with parenthood, divorce, dating, aging and financial pressures in working-class America. Through it all - the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns - with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. The spinoff has also received critical acclaim with The Daily Beast calling it "warm, hilarious and fun," and The New York Times declaring the new sitcom "special, deserving of a prime-time slot on television every week."
The series stars John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy and Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy. Additional cast to be announced at a later date.
The freshman season boasted a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, featuring Matthew Broderick, Juliette Lewis, Katey Sagal, Mary Steenburgen, Justin Long, Jay R. Ferguson and Sarah Chalke, among others. Additionally, fan favorites from "Roseanne" reprise their roles including Estelle Parsons as Beverly Harris, Natalie West as Crystal Anderson and James Pickens Jr. as Chuck Mitchell.
"The Conners" is from Werner Entertainment and executive produced by Tom Werner with Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen and Tony Hernandez all serving as executive producers.
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Bob Markey says
It better not. It’s one of my favourite shows.
Cheryl long says
I love the show now. I hated and always did hate Roseann so I never watched but the Connors is a favorite of mine. There is not a lot of advertising n I had hard time finding the show. Plz, plz keep it going. Katy Sagal was best addition.
Gail Robey says
Can’t wait til this show is canceled. Loved Roseanne. This is an abomination.