"The Conners" Shocker: Cast Member Out ahead of Season 5
by Ryan Schwartz
August 29, 2022


There will be at least one empty seat at The Conners‘ kitchen table this fall.

TVLine can exclusively report that legacy cast member Michael Fishman, who plays Darlene and Becky’s younger brother DJ, will not be returning to the spin-off in Season 5.

Meanwhile, Jayden Rey, who was first introduced as DJ’s daughter Mary in 2018’s "Roseanne" revival, will similarly not be back as a series regular, although she is expected to pop in on a guest star basis.




Although there are no current plans for Fishman to appear in the upcoming fifth season, we’re told the door has been left open for the character’s return.

Though Fishman had been billed as a series regular for the entirety of "The Conners‘" first four seasons, DJ only appeared 36 of the 71 episodes.

https://tvline.com/2022/08/29/michael-fishman-leaving-the-conners-season-5-dj-not-returning/

Michael Fishman Breaks Silence on "The Conners" Exit, Confirms, "I Was Told I would not Be Returning for Season 5"
by Ryan Schwartz
August 30, 2022


Michael Fishman is opening up about his departure from "The Conners". In a statement provided to People.com, Fishman is reflecting on the profound impact the role of DJ has had on his life.

“It has been my honor to play DJ Conner. It’s every actor’s dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics. The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life. I am proud of the work I did as part of Roseanne and The Conners. Especially the privilege of playing a military veteran, interracial spouse, and the father of a biracial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey.

While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop. I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. As I venture into the world to build the future, I send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production.”

https://tvline.com/2022/08/30/the-conners-michael-fishman-leaving-dj-season-5-cast/

That’s too bad, his char was really underutilized on the show

How A Major Character Exit Affects The Conners Season 5 (https://screenrant.com/conners-season-5-main-cast-actor-exit-impact/)

The Conners season 5 will see the sitcom spinoff lose a cast member who has been part of the show since Roseanne, but how will this impact the series?

Here's How "The Conners" will Write Out DJ
by Ryan Schwartz
September 7, 2022


Speaking to TVLine in advance of the Wednesday, Sept. 21 premiere, executive producer Bruce Helford explains that Becky and Darlene’s younger brother will be roughly 7,000 miles west of Lanford this fall.

“He’s visiting [Geena], who right now is stationed overseas,” Helford reveals. “She was involved in the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and she is still overseas on assignment, so he is going to be going over and spending time with his wife…. It does get addressed in the first few episodes.”



Though there are no current plans to bring Fishman back, the EP suggests that we haven’t necessarily seen the last of DJ.

“We love him,” Helford says of Fishman. “He’s part of the family. There’s certainly no one saying he will never be on the show [again]. It’s just a matter of whether storylines come up that are built for that.”

https://tvline.com/2022/09/07/the-conners-dj-not-returning-spoilers-michael-fishman-season-5/

Becky and Darlene’s younger brother will be roughly 7,000 miles west of Lanford this fall.


Any word on their other younger brother, Jerry?

The Conners Season 5 Exit Avoided The Biggest Roseanne Mistake (https://screenrant.com/conners-season-5-roseanne-death-exit-mistake-dj-fix-how/)

While The Conners spent years trying to fix the issues with Roseanne's offscreen death, the spinoff's next character exit should be a smoother ride.

DJ could join Jerry and Andy and noone would notice; I'm sorry for Michael Fishman, and for Jayden Rey too. I think Mary has a lot of potential.

I think we'll see a change in the future like it happened with Mom, with the show slowly changes its focus.

This is what I wrote in february while commenting on season 4, and it seems I was not far from right.

What can I say?
It isn't so kind to say, but Michael Fishman has always struggled as an actor and in his few appearances he always seemed unease.
His comments though are sweet, and I wish him the best of luck.
Unfortunately for him his character has always been a side character if not less; plus the writers are showing that they are no good at all. The first three seasons were good, but it was mainly because of the huge inheritance they found in their own hands.
Now that they have to walk by themselves, they are showing their limits. It is no surprise that they are writing off a character they were never been able to handle. Heck they don't even know what to do with Darlene and Becky.

I will watch the season premiere this evening, but honestly I'm not so hopeful for this show. Hope to be wrong; maybe they will make a few change, adapt a few things and the show will be back!