Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 02/13/23

Roseanne begins streaming today on Fox Nation. This story is fascinating both because of what it says about the harsh cultural forces that got us here and what it says about the hopeful direction the culture may finally be moving.

The cruelest cancellation in TV history. Here’s what Roseanne has to say about the way she was treated by ABC and others when she was booted from the highly-rated revival of her eponymous classic 80s-90s sitcom in 2018 (per TVLine): “It didn’t faze them to murder [Roseanne]…When they killed my character off, that was a message to me, knowing that I’m mentally ill or have mental health issues, that they [wanted] me to commit suicide… And all of that was to say thank you for bringing 28 million viewers, which they never had before and will never see again…But I forgive everybody…I started thinking that God took me out of there to save me. And once I started thinking that way, I was, like, a lot better off… I’ve come out on the other side of it, finally…But it was a witch-burning. And it was terrifying… I would die many times. I guess you would call it the dark night of the soul.””
IMHO: What Rosanne said that led to her firing was over the line and warranted an apology (which she gave) and, if there was wiser and more compassionate leadership at ABC at the time, could have resulted in a teachable moment. Instead self-righteous virtue signaling ruled the day. Unfortunately for Roseanne, the incident occurred during what was probably the apex of Cancel Culture and revealed just how cold-blooded and unforgiving the Woke mindset can be. If was fairly clear at the time that Roseanne was suffering from mental health issues that are most appropriately met with kindness rather than harsh judgement. You could hardly be more cruel than to not only fire her from the franchise she built but to have her character die from an opiate overdose. That is just plainly and simply mean.
One hopes that Roseanne is wrong when she suggests her condemners actually wanted her to commit suicide – but, in my view, she’s not wrong about the overall cruelty of how she was (mis)treated. I’m glad that she’s come to a place of forgiveness (a quality the overall culture could use a lot more of) and an understanding that God’s got her in His hands. I wish her the best.
BTW, the Roseanne revival was a well-written show that depicted a family with differing political opinions getting along. We need more TV programming like it. I find the The Connors, by contrast, to be a depressing affair that is high on depicting family dysfunction and remarkably low on presenting actual comedy.

Fox Nation leans into laughs. Thus far the streamer has found success with its unabashed patriotic and faith-based programming but, perhaps emboldened by the late-night ratings success of “new king of late night” Gutfeld! on Fox News (which garnered a plum advertising spot on last night’s Super Bowl), the streamer is now making some bold moves into comedy. Besides the Roseanne comedy special, the service is currently running a collection of classic film comedies that would probably have trouble getting made today (i.e. Blazing Saddles and Caddyshack). What’s more additional original comedy programming is on the way, including the six-part docuseries A History of the World in Six Glasses (hosted by Dan Aykroyd) which will offer a lighthearted chronicle of the history of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, soda and their respective impacts on the world. The series, written and directed by former Cheers executive producer Rob Long, is expected to debut in early 2024 and will feature humorous commentary from the likes of Jim Belushi, Jon Lovitz, Kevin Nealon and George Wendt.

IMHO: This is a brilliant way for Fox Nation to expand its audience and appeal to under-served masses out there who are more than ready to laugh at the obvious absurdities of Wokeness. After all, one of the best ways to deal with bullies is to laugh at them. So, bring on the Woke-free sitcoms, the Woke-free version of SNL (perhaps produced by The Babylon Bee) and, how’s this for an idea? A reboot of Hollywood Squares emceed by Chris Harrison. In case you don’t remember, he’s the the former host of that bastion of enlightenment The Bachelor who was dumped by the show’s absolutely perfect producers for daring to suggest that a little mercy and grace be extended toward a contestant who attended an antebellum party while in college. Then place Roseanne in the center square and surround her by the likes of Gina Carano, Tim Allen and Sharon Osbourne. For good measure, shoot it in Hollywood, Florida.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.