The Conners series finale, which aired on April 23, 2025, gave fans an emotional send-off and centered around one powerful figure—Roseanne. Though absent since the original show rebooted into The Conners, her presence loomed large in the final moments. The finale revolved around the Conner family dealing with unresolved emotions, past grief, and a final confrontation with the pharmaceutical company held responsible for her death.
Dan Conner, still grieving and angry, faced the company in a legal deposition. He expressed the pain of losing Roseanne to opioid addiction, a storyline that shaped the very first season of the spinoff. Despite Dan’s heartfelt words, the company offered only a token $700 check—a final insult. Instead of dwelling in bitterness, the Conners chose to come together and honor Roseanne’s memory in their own way.
Roseanne’s Memory Lives On
One of the most powerful scenes in the finale took place at Roseanne’s grave. The entire Conner family visited the cemetery and, one by one, each member opened up to her. They talked about life, change, heartbreak, and growth. It wasn’t just about remembering Roseanne—it was about finally letting go of the grief that had followed them for years.
Jackie, her sister, had perhaps the most emotional moment. Her breakdown at the gravesite revealed how deeply her sister’s absence still cut. Her words were raw, unfiltered, and human—exactly the kind of moment fans have always loved about The Conners.
Where Are They Now? Character Endings and New Beginnings
The finale gave each main character a send-off that felt true to who they had become:
- Dan Conner found peace and closure. Sitting on the family couch in the final scene, he seemed ready to move forward at last.
- Becky found happiness with Tyler and embraced a hopeful future.
- Darlene and Ben reaffirmed their relationship and finally had stability.
- Mark, grown and independent, moved to New York to take on a tech job, signaling new chapters.
- Jackie returned to the Lanford Police Department, reconnecting with her roots and purpose.
Even in a show that thrived on dysfunction, the finale provided comfort. Everyone found their footing. Everyone said their piece.
Honoring the Past While Looking Ahead
Though the show was born out of controversy after Roseanne’s departure, the creators made it a point to center this final chapter on what came before. Roseanne wasn’t just a ghost in this story—she was the story.
Rather than ignore the character, The Conners leaned into her legacy. The emotional resolution between Dan and Roseanne’s memory was a clear sign that, despite how things began, they ended with love and respect. The closing montage of flashbacks from the original Roseanne series was the perfect bow—nostalgic, heartwarming, and tear-inducing.
Final Reflections: Why This Ending Worked
What made The Conners work all these years was its authenticity. It never shied away from hard conversations—about money, grief, addiction, or family fights. And in that same tone, the finale didn’t chase spectacle or drama. It chose quiet closure.
The series finale stood out because it didn’t erase Roseanne, nor did it let her define everything. It found balance. In the end, it wasn’t about losing her. It was about learning how to live without her.
Key Highlights from the Finale (In Brief)
| Character | Final Outcome |
|---|---|
| Dan | Finds closure, lets go of anger |
| Darlene | Commits to Ben, emotional stability |
| Becky | Begins a new relationship, hopeful |
| Mark | Moves to NYC for a tech career |
| Jackie | Returns to work in law enforcement |
Roseanne’s Influence Still Echoes
The Conners proved that it could survive without its title character, but the finale made one thing clear—Roseanne never really left. She lived on through every choice the family made, every tear they shed, and every laugh they shared.
The final scene didn’t need fireworks. Just Dan, quietly sitting on the couch. A man who’s finally at peace.
That’s what The Conners did best. It reminded us that even in the darkest times, families stick together, heal, and keep going.