ABC is reportedly open to spinoff ideas featuring the recently-unemployed “Roseanne” cast, one of which could center around the character Darlene, played by actor Sara Gilbert.
The one catch is that any potential spinoff can’t financially benefit Roseanne Barr in any way.
According to a Friday TMZ report, the network is open to a Gilbert-centered rebrand, and Gilbert herself has been calling cast members, including a “very interested” John Goodman, to gauge their interest. (RELATED: Report: ABC Looking To Salvage ‘Roseanne’ Cast With New Series)
ABC would reportedly also like to salvage the jobs of the hundreds of people who were effected by the network’s decision to cancel the show following Barr’s controversial tweet about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett. (RELATED: Herman Cain Questions ABC’s Motives For Roseanne Cancellation)
However, The Hollywood Reporter reports that while a meeting could be held next week to discuss ways to continue the show, the network insists that no new incarnation can financially benefit Barr in any way.
Continuing Roseanne without Barr attached in any form may prove challenging. The series was created by Matt Williams and is based upon a character created by Barr. That could make an offshoot a thorny debate as it’s unclear if just the character of Roseanne Conner falls under Barr’s oversight.