Was Darlene Really Pregnant in *Roseanne* Season 9? Exploring Darlene's Journey with Her Children in Season 10 [Photos]

When the beloved sitcom Roseanne returned to ABC in 2018, it brought back much of its original cast, including Darlene Conner, portrayed by Sara Gilbert. The revival featured a fuller Conner household, with Darlene moving back home along with her two children: Harris and Mark Healy II. Harris, played by Shameless star Emma Kenney, is now 14 years old, even though Season 10 takes place 20 years after Season 9. This timeline discrepancy has sparked discussions among fans about the show's continuity.

The Revival and Its Impact

The Roseanne revival undid many of the controversial plot twists from the 1997 series finale, such as resurrecting family patriarch Dan Conner (John Goodman) from the dead. While this decision pleased some fans, others questioned how certain events were retconned, particularly those involving Darlene and her family life.

For instance, what happened to Darlene Conner and David Healy’s baby, Dan and Roseanne Conner’s granddaughter? In the Season 9 finale, it was revealed that Darlene had given birth to a child who almost died shortly after delivery. However, this storyline seemed erased when the reboot aired, leaving fans wondering if the baby ever existed or if the entire event was written out of continuity.

A Look Back at Season 9

Season 9 of Roseanne remains one of the most talked-about seasons due to its bold storytelling choices. During this era, Roseanne herself became pregnant again, resulting in her fourth child. Meanwhile, Darlene faced numerous challenges, including her own pregnancy, which often became a source of humor for Roseanne’s teasing remarks. Despite these lighthearted moments, the season tackled serious issues like abortion, alcoholism, and drug abuse, pushing the boundaries of traditional sitcom narratives.

In an iconic episode titled Into the Good Night (Part 2), Roseanne jokingly mentions that Darlene's baby almost died. While the Conners remained supportive throughout Darlene's pregnancy, Roseanne frequently poked fun at her daughter's struggles, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.

Character Evolution: Darlene Conner

Darlene Conner, born in 1977, is the second eldest child of Dan and Roseanne Conner. Initially taking after her father in enjoying sports and manual labor, she also inherited her mother's sharp wit and sarcastic humor. After her mother's death, Darlene stepped into a role similar to hers, becoming more responsible and nurturing within the family dynamic.

Fans have expressed mixed feelings about Darlene's character development over the years. Some appreciated her growth from a rebellious teenager into a mature adult balancing motherhood and career aspirations. Others felt her storyline lacked consistency, especially during the later seasons. Regardless, Darlene remains a fan favorite thanks to Sara Gilbert's compelling performance.

Pregnancy Plots in Roseanne

Pregnancy storylines were central to several key arcs in Roseanne. For example, Laurie Metcalf's real-life pregnancy during Season 6 was seamlessly integrated into the narrative as Jackie Harris expecting a child. Similarly, Roseanne's unexpected pregnancy in Season 7 led to memorable episodes exploring themes of family planning and generational differences.

However, not all pregnancies turned out as planned. In one notable twist, Darlene received a false positive on her pregnancy test, leading to emotional highs and lows before discovering the truth. These dramatic turns kept audiences engaged while reflecting real-world uncertainties surrounding reproductive health.

The World of Fan Speculation

IMDb, the world's most popular source for movie, TV, and celebrity content, continues to be a hub for fan discussions about Roseanne. Many viewers speculate whether Harris's age in the reboot aligns with established timelines or if creative liberties were taken to fit new narratives. Such debates highlight the enduring appeal of the series and its ability to spark conversation long after its original run ended.

As the Conner family navigates modern-day challenges in the revived series, fans eagerly await further developments regarding Darlene's personal life and her relationships with both old and new characters. With each episode, Roseanne proves that its signature blend of humor and heart still resonates strongly with audiences today.