‘The Conners’ Casting Bombshell: Two Pivotal Characters Returning
The Conners will bring back two pivotal characters that will have a deep effect on the storyline of the show moving forward into what could be a second season of the ABC hit series.
It has been revealed by Pop Culture TV that both Matthew Broderick and Juliette Lewis will be returning to the series later this season.
Revealing the news on its official Twitter account, the show posted a photo of the two stars standing together outside of series star Laurie Metcalf’s dressing room.
The two actors and their respective characters will debut on the December 4 episodes of the series titled “Hold The Salt.”
In the episode, Dan questions Peter’s motives when he learns about the pricey Christmas gift that Jackie purchased for her new, unemployed beau, as reported by Broadway World.
Meanwhile, Darlene receives dating advice from an unlikely source.
Jay R. Ferguson (Ben), Juliette Lewis (Blue), and Matthew Broderick (Peter) will guest star on tonight’s episode.
The Conners stars John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy, Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy, Jayden Rey as Mary Conner, and Maya Lynne Robinson as Geena Williams-Conner.
Guest stars include Jay R. Ferguson as Ben, Juliette Lewis as Blue, and Matthew Broderick as Peter.
The network has also ordered an additional episode for the first season, bringing the total count to 11.
The accidental sequel, which was ordered after the network canceled Roseanne in wake of Roseanne Barr’s “repugnant” Twitter posts, per TV Series Finale, has done quite well in the ratings but had a limited episode count because of the principal cast’s limited availability.
They're back on #TheConners pic.twitter.com/kGc5UXsfrV
— The Conners (@TheConnersABC) December 2, 2018
According to TV Series Finale, it is currently the network’s top-rated scripted TV show. ABC is likely to want a second season, provided they can get the cast and crew on board and make everything else work out behind the scenes.
Deadline reported that like its predecessor Roseanne, The Conners was intended for a short run because of its cast members’ other commitments.
When your boss shows up at your other job… but you don't hate it #TheConners pic.twitter.com/wEG6DDMti5
— The Conners (@TheConnersABC) November 30, 2018
Roseanne had been renewed for a 13-episode second season. The Conners was originally picked up for 10 episodes in the wake of Roseanne’s abrupt cancellation.
“Hold the Salt” was directed by General Hospital star Kimberly McCullough.
Since 2014, McCullough has been returning to GH for appearances of varying lengths depending on the storyline and her schedule. She originated the role of Robin Scorpio at the age of 7, playing the character on and off from 1985 to 2001. She told Soaps In Depth that “it’s always great” to go back. “It feels like a nice little visit. I get excited like I’m going on vacation sort of — a working vacation!”
The Conners airs Tuesdays on ABC.
