Ranking the 15 Best Episodes of The Conners

The Conners has captivated audiences since its inception in 2018, showcasing a brilliant blend of relatable family humor and poignant working-class narratives. Following the controversial departure of Roseanne Barr from the show’s revival, the series faced the daunting task of moving forward without its titular character. Originally, Barr’s portrayal was pivotal to both the original series and its revival. The absence created a unique challenge for the spinoff, as it attempted to maintain the show’s essence while addressing significant societal issues.

Despite the challenges, The Conners has thrived, with the upcoming release of its seventh season in 2025 serving as a testament to its success. The show has explored various relevant topics such as opioid addiction, unemployment, deportation, and miscarriage, all while preserving its authentic portrayal of middle-class American life. The pilot episode set a serious tone, revealing Roseanne’s death from an opioid overdose, and subsequent episodes have adeptly maintained a balance between humor and critical social issues.

15 Season 2, Episode 7, “Slappy Holidays”

Getting the Family Together for Thanksgiving Comes With Challenges

Thanksgiving episodes can often be hit or miss in long-running sitcoms, but “Slappy Holidays”from season 2 exemplifies The Conners’ success with holiday storytelling. Dan’s effort to gather his extended family for Thanksgiving takes unexpected turns as conflicts arise, notably with Jackie and Becky refusing to attend if Darlene is present. This setup not only generates tension but also reflects the real-life complexities of family gatherings.

Rich in dramatic moments intertwined with humor, this episode resonates with viewers who can relate to Dan’s challenges in creating a joyful family Thanksgiving. The intricate blend of family dynamics and situational comedy solidifies “Slappy Holidays”as a standout episode.

14 Season 5, Episode 22, “The Grad Finale”

Mark’s Graduation Ceremony: A Touching Moment

The emotional weight of “The Grad Finale”showcases the culmination of Mark’s journey throughout season 5. Focusing on his high school graduation, this episode ties up numerous story arcs, especially emphasizing his growth and relationships. Furthermore, it provides a heartfelt acknowledgment of the absence of Johnny Galecki’s character, David, effectively solidifying Ben’s role as a father figure for Mark—a pivotal moment that resonates deeply with viewers.

13 Season 3, Episode 18, “Cheating, Revelations, and a Box of Doll Heads”

Darlene’s Helping Hand: Missteps and Lessons

In its exploration of heavy themes, season 3’s “Cheating, Revelations, and a Box of Doll Heads”brilliantly tackles complex issues. Darlene’s efforts to assist Mark with his studies lead to personal exhaustion, reflecting the emotional toll of parenting. Additionally, Becky faces her own demons as she confronts the foundation of her alcohol struggles. This episode’s focus on relational dynamics and personal growth effectively cements it as one of the series’ best installments.

12 Season 2, Episode 13, “Brothers, Babies and Breakdowns”

A Touching Examination of Grief

Balancing humor and heartache, “Brothers, Babies, and Breakdowns”stands out in season 2 for its thoughtful representation of grief. Dan’s processing of his father’s death intertwines with the recent loss of Roseanne, adding layers of emotional depth. John Goodman’s performance resonates powerfully, showcasing his exceptional talent and the episode’s poignant themes.

11 Season 3, Episode 16, “A Fast Car, a Sudden Loss, and a Slow Decline”

A Family’s Effort to Support a Friend

“A Fast Car, A Sudden Loss, and A Slow Decline”continues the series’ exploration of family loyalty and personal strife, focusing on Becky’s challenges with alcohol. The shocking news of a former neighbor’s passing prompts the family to unite in support, showcasing The Conners at its emotional peak. The episode effectively balances heartwarming moments with the gravity of loss.

10 Season 5, Episode 6, “Book Bans and Guillotine Hands”

Halloween: A Reflection on Family Values

In “Book Bans and Guillotine Hands, ” Darlene navigates the challenges of motherhood as her daughter Harris raises her voice against censorship in schools. This clash between family values and societal expectations highlights the tension between Darlene’s upbringing and her progressive beliefs. Ultimately, the episode showcases the enduring bond between mother and daughter, reflecting their shared rebellious spirit.

9 Season 6, Episode 1, “The Publisher Cops Show Pilot”

Revitalizing Character Arcs

The premiere of season 6 serves as a refreshing kickoff, showcasing the hilarious Nick Offerman as a tough TV chef while also spotlighting Jackie’s evolution. Handing over The Lunchbox to Harris symbolizes a significant character shift. This groundwork sets promising trajectories for both Jackie and Harris as the season unfolds.

8 Season 5, Episode 8, ” Of Missing Minds and Missing Fries”

A Thoughtful Reflection on Dementia

Bev’s struggles with dementia provide a poignant backdrop for character development, particularly in her strained relationships. Her confrontation with Jackie offers a moment for reconciliation—a touching narrative shift amid the comedy. This epiphany lightens the heavy themes, showcasing The Conners’ ability to traverse emotional territory, making it a standout episode.

7 Season 2, Episode 16, “Tats and Tias”

Tension Between Generational Values

This episode reveals the everyday challenges faced by blue-collar families, focusing on Harris’s abrupt return home and Becky’s struggle to fit into Emilio’s family. It’s a relatable portrayal of the mundane aspects of life, emphasizing how the Conner family’s love helps them tackle these trials together. Darlene’s lighthearted prank calls to Jackie beautifully encapsulate their bond, making the struggles easier to bear.

6 Season 4, Episode 20, “A Judge and a Priest Walk into a Living Room…”

Closure and New Beginnings

The departure of Aldo from the show was well-earned, allowing the plot to redirect to more meaningful developments within the family. Harris’s decision to end her relationship with Aldo paves the way for a celebration of love as Ben and Darlene embrace new beginnings together, making this season finale both chaotic and heartwarming.

5 Season 3, Episode 13, “Walden Pond, a Staycation and the Axis Powers”

A Socially Relevant Portrayal of the Pandemic

In this episode, The Conners adeptly tackled the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its impact on working-class families. With Dan’s romantic interest, Louise, contracting the virus, the story masterfully wove humor into a delicate subject, a feat not many sitcoms accomplished during the pandemic. This ability to approach tough themes while remaining relatable underscores the show’s resilience.

4 Season 1, Episode 1, “Keep On Truckin”

A Bold and Emotional Beginning

The series premiered with an unexpectedly somber tone, as it opened with the family grappling with Roseanne’s overdose. This raw, impactful introduction set the tone for the spinoff, illustrating its commitment to addressing significant issues while infusing humor into heavy subjects. This bold move immediately defined The Conners as a series intent on keeping audiences engaged with pertinent storytelling.

3 Season 2, Episode 4, “Lanford… Lanford”

A Poignant Farewell to David Healy

Darlene’s heartfelt therapy session with David, who was a significant character from Roseanne, marked an emotional turning point in the series. The candid exploration of their issues paved the way for a realistic conclusion, showcasing the growth of both characters and allowing for a bittersweet farewell that solidified the show’s departure from its predecessor.

2 Season 5, Episode 12, “Stuck in the Middle and Stuck in the Past”

Emphasizing the Vital Relationship Between Jackie and Dan

In one of its most underrated episodes, the dynamic between Jackie and Dan takes center stage, illustrating their friendship’s depth following Roseanne’s passing. Their disagreement over misplaced home videos turns into a personal reflection on aging, underscoring the importance of their bond. Jackie’s selfless act to protect Dan from embarrassment encapsulates the episode’s poignant yet humorous tone.

1 Season 6, Episode 7, “Smash and Grab and Happy Death Day”

Navigating Tragedy with Humor and Heart

In “Smash and Grab and Happy Death Day, ”the show tackled the real-life passing of Glen Quinn, who portrayed Mark Healy, with grace. The episode juxtaposes Dan and Jackie’s confrontation with a young burglar while Becky grapples with discussing her past with her daughter. This heartfelt tribute to Mark Healy’s character is handled beautifully, showcasing the series’ ability to weave humor into somber themes without losing its emotional core.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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