Los Angeles, CA – June 21, 2025 – Comedy legends Roseanne Barr and Michael Richards have sent shockwaves through Hollywood with the announcement of their new sitcom, Back to Basics, set to premiere later this year. The show, which promises to reject “woke” trends and focus on traditional family values, has already sparked heated debate among fans and critics alike.
Barr, 72, rose to fame with her groundbreaking sitcom Roseanne in the late 1980s, celebrated for its raw portrayal of working-class American life. Richards, best known for his iconic role as Kramer on Seinfeld, has largely stayed out of the spotlight since a controversial stand-up performance in the mid-2000s. Their collaboration marks a bold return for both, with Barr calling the project a “reclamation” of authentic comedy. “We’re done with the hypersensitivity,” she stated in a recent interview. “This show is about real people, real struggles, and real laughs.”
Back to Basics follows a multigenerational family navigating life in a small Midwestern town, tackling issues like economic hardship and cultural divides with humor and heart. Producers describe it as a throwback to classic sitcoms, emphasizing universal themes over political agendas. Richards, in a rare public statement, added, “We will take over the airwaves with stories that matter.” His seven-word response has left fans buzzing with anticipation—and confusion—about the show’s direction.
The announcement comes on the heels of Barr’s tumultuous history with ABC, where her Roseanne revival was canceled in 2018 after a racist tweet about former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett. The show was rebranded as The Conners, 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing off Barr’s character. In her 2025 documentary Roseanne is America, Barr claimed ABC offered her a guest role as a ghost, which she declined, calling it insulting. Sources have disputed this claim, but it has only fueled her narrative of being targeted for her political views.
Public reaction to Back to Basics is polarized. Supporters praise Barr and Richards for challenging Hollywood’s progressive norms, seeing the sitcom as a refreshing return to unfiltered comedy. Critics, however, fear it may alienate audiences with its anti-“woke” stance, potentially reigniting past controversies surrounding both stars. Social media is abuzz, with hashtags like #BackToBasics and #CancelCulture trending.
Industry insiders note the risky move in a climate where sitcoms like The Conners and Abbott Elementary balance humor with social awareness. Yet, Barr and Richards remain undeterred, betting on an audience hungry for nostalgia and authenticity. “Comedy should unite, not divide,” Richards said at a press event. Whether Back to Basics will succeed or stumble remains to be seen, but its impact is already undeniable.
As 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on Barr and Richards. Will their sitcom redefine television or become another flashpoint in the culture wars? Only time will tell.