Roseanne

It talks to real life, the way "Cosby" talks to family fantasies. It deals with alcohol's temptations for teenagers. It speaks to the frustration of being forced to take a menial job just because it puts food on the table. It looks at growing up and growing together and growing apart, with all the pain and laughter that come along for the ride. And it does it all with... class, plus great creativity. [14 May 1990]

"Roseanne" is without a doubt one of the brightest new entries of the season, one of the most unusual of any season, and one of the most welcome. [18 Oct 1988]

Roseanne is a revival that’s willing to grapple with the time that’s passed rather than deny it. It’s feisty and funny and a little sad. And like that old couch you can’t throw out, it may just have a good year or two left in it.

Because it’s so true to its roots, the new Roseanne does feel somewhat dated at times with longer, talkier scenes than many of today’s comedies. But the writing is crisp, smart and, most importantly, funny.

It may not be quite as good or as groundbreaking as the original, but it holds up.

The show takes a while to get past its politically-skewed power dynamic. ... To be fair, other top-of-mind social concerns are handled with more nuance and heart than the script’s willful leap over our simmering racial conflicts. The new Roseanne is at its best when the story explores the contortions and compromises Americans have to go through in order to secure decent health care or economic stability.

The new Roseanne looks like it wants to fight the 2016 election all over again. That could be a miscalculation because viewers--along with the rest of the electorate--are exhausted.