The Conners’ Final Season Begins Without Key Cast Members

LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2025 — The anticipated final season of ‘The Conners,’ ABC’s popular sitcom, is set to premiere on March 26 at 8 PM ET, though fans will notice the absence of several legacy cast members.

Executive producer Bruce Helford confirmed that Johnny Galecki, who portrayed David, Michael Fishman as DJ, and Estelle Parsons as Bev will not return for the truncated final season, which consists of only six episodes. This announcement has stirred mixed emotions among loyal viewers.

“David is very much mentioned, very much alive in the story,” Helford stated. “We love Johnny; he was always welcome, but he has more or less started life anew down in Nashville following the conclusion of ‘The Big Bang Theory.’” Despite this absence, the show will continue to acknowledge his character’s presence, likely as a narrative device rather than a physical return.

Regarding DJ, Helford noted, “There was so much to do in six episodes,” indicating that the storyline would not allow for his return, even if Fishman had expressed interest. “We never want to bring somebody in just to see that person on the show. We want everyone to have something important to play.”

As for Parsons, the Oscar-winning actress, Helford explained her absence is due to logistical challenges and her advanced age. At 97 years old, Parsons resides in New York City, approximately 3,000 miles from the filming location in Los Angeles. “There are certainly some comments made about her situation,” Helford promised, hinting at a mention of her character in the upcoming episodes.

Fans of the show have expressed concern about the limited six-episode format. Many are worried that the stories and character arcs will feel rushed or unfinished. One viewer voiced, “There was so much to do in six,” highlighting the challenges faced in adequately concluding the long-running series.

The fourth season finale marked DJ’s last appearance, revealing he had reunited with his wife, Geena, overseas. Meanwhile, David’s portrayal during the spinoff has shifted to a more absent and distant parent to his children, Harris and Mark, again reflecting the real-world availability of Galecki.

Adding to the drama, the show’s latest season will introduce Seth Green, known for roles in ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ who will join for a three-episode arc as a new friend of Darlene’s.

As the beloved Conner family prepares for their on-screen farewell, many fans remain hopeful that the remaining storylines will provide closure for this iconic television family. “I love Jackie; she makes the show,” commented one devoted viewer. “But I’m sad it’s going away.”

Despite their absence, the series has continued to evolve its dynamic, with Ben stepping up as a father figure, providing ongoing emotional complexities for Darlene and her children.

With only a handful of episodes left to air, time is running out for ‘The Conners’ to tie up numerous story arcs and resolve lingering questions. As the curtain begins to drop, fans are left reflecting on nearly four decades of laughter and life lessons from Lanford, Illinois.