The Connersstar John Goodman has given his thoughts on Dan’s iconic final scene in the show’s finale. The popular Roseanne spinoff show debuted in 2018 as a continuation of the classic ’90s sitcom, and ran for seven years and 112 episodes, before concluding withThe Connersseason 7in April 2025.
The show received acclaim for reviving the characters fromRoseanne, and continuing the story of The Conners in a way that felt organic and fulfilling.The Conners' emotional finaletied up many of the show’s plot threads in a satisfactory way, and ended by paying homage to the viewers, through the character of Dan.
In an interview withTHR, Goodman revealed that the closing scene, in which Dan sits alone on the couch, addressing the audience directly, and saying goodnight, was his idea. He discusses how he pushed for the scene, and was allowed to do it, and how he viewed it as a way of paying tribute to the show’s audience. Check out Goodman’s comments below:
“I wanted to do it, and they let me, and they kept it. I thought it was just us saying, “Good night, folks. Thank you.””
What This Means For The Conners' Final Scene
It Felt Like The Perfect Way To Sign Off The Show
Breaking the fourth wall is not a common technique in movies and TV shows, but when it is used, it’s typically consistent throughout, which is why Dan doing it in the finale came as a surprise. When done right, however, it’s an effective technique. In The Conners' case, it felt like a familial nod to a show that has always been about the dynamics of family life.
Thecast ofThe Connersis a close-knit one, and their bonds strengthened over the course of the show, giving them a deeper and more connected feel. Dan’s choice to address the audience directly suggests a family bond between the show and its fans, and the stories that have been told over the years.
Our Take On The Conners' Unusual Ending
It Was The Final Note Of A Legacy
It’s worth noting that this was not just the ending ofThe Conners, it was the ending of a story and characters stretching all the way back toRoseanne’s 1988 pilot. So it felt right that it should be Dan, a character who has been a core part of TV sets across the US for more than 35 years, who should be the one to cap off such an iconic run.
The unusual approach could have backfired, but it felt right, and just what the show needed. What’s more, the fact that previously successful sitcoms, such as theTwo and a Half Menfinale, used the same approach, meant this was something tried and tested.The Connersis an iconic spinoff to an iconic show, and it’s fitting the show would end atypically.
The Conners
Cast
The Conners is a continuation of the Roseanne series, focusing on the iconic family members Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky, and D.J. Released in 2018, the series explores the family’s challenges with parenthood, dating, unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging, and in-laws within working-class America.
