Sarah Chalke sparks controversy by calling the ‘Roseanne’ set a ‘pressure cooker’ and detailing behind-the-scenes chaos; some agree, while others label her ‘ungrateful’.
Sarah Chalke calls ‘Roseanne’ set a ‘pressure cooker,’ details chaos behind the scenes
‘Roseanne’ actress Sarah Chalke, who replaced Lecy Goranson as Becky in 1993, describes ‘pressure cooker’ environment with writers being fired ‘in groups’
Roseanne Barr told Fox News Digital that living in Texas has been a “dream come true.”
“Roseanne” star Sarah Chalke, who stepped into the role of Becky Conner in 1993, faced many challenges on and off the set.
During an appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, the 49-year-old actress opened up about the “intense” set dynamics among the cast and writers.
“I think the only reason that I was able to actually even go and do the job was because I was so naive, and I didn’t actually get it,” said Chalke, who replaced the original Becky — portrayed by Lecy Goranson — in 1993. “I mean, I got it a little bit. I didn’t really get it in the same way that I would now, in terms of like potentially the pressure cooker that that situation was. I think I didn’t fully comprehend.”

Sarah Chalke opened up about the complicated dynamics on the set of “Roseanne.” (Getty Images)
When Ferguson brought up the “tension” between the writers and show co-creator Roseanne Barr, Chalke said the on-set vibe was unhinged.
“It was insane. Writers got fired, it was like in groups,” she said. “It was a pressure cooker.”
After the casting change, Chalke said she received mixed reactions.
“[One person was] like, ‘I like the first Becky way better,’” she told Ferguson. “And I was like, ‘OK, yeah. She was fantastic. I agree. She was great.’”
After playing Dan and Roseanne Conner on “Roseanne” from 1988 to 1998, John Goodman and Barr agreed to do a reboot of the show with the same name.
The nine-episode first season aired from March through May 2018, but that summer, Barr made a series of controversial comments about Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Barack Obama, and she was fired from the show.

Roseanne Barr and John Goodman agreed to do a reboot of the ’90s sitcom. (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Barr disputed the claims and apologized for making a “bad joke.”
Because the reboot was successful, the network made the decision to change the title from “Roseanne” to “The Conners,” and Barr’s disappearance was explained by an off-screen death.
In her documentary, “Roseanne Barr is America,” the comedian opened up about the downfall that stemmed from her controversial 2018 tweets and explained why she turned down ABC’s alleged offer to return to “The Conners” after being fired.
“They called me and asked me if I would like to come back as a guest star. You’re coming back as a ghost,” Barr said in the documentary. “You’re asking me to come back to the show that you f—ing stole from me and killed my a–, and now you want me to show up because you got s— f—ing ratings and play a ghost?”

Roseanne Barr was fired from the reboot after making a series of questionable comments about Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Obama. (Vera Anderson/WireImage)
Barr said she immediately turned down the offer.
“I’m gonna be bowling that f—ing week,” she recalled saying.
Representatives for ABC and Barr did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment at the time. People reported that Barr’s claims about the offer were false.
After the tweet scandal, Barr sat down with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
“I feel like I have apologized and explained and asked for forgiveness and made recompense, that’s part of my religion,” she said at the time. “I was so sad, and I’m so sad that anyone thinks that of me,” she added. “I never meant to hurt anybody or say anything negative about an entire race of people.”
News
Fans fear the worst for ‘The Voice’ with NBC still ‘playing it safe’ and holding back on new season details
Fans fear the worst for ‘The Voice’ with NBC still ‘playing it safe’ and holding back on new season details. ‘The Voice’ Season 30: Coaches, Premiere Date, and More Updates Is ‘The Voice’ Returning for Season 30? What We Know…
The Voice Season 29 Knockouts featured a “crazy” performance that made Kelly Clarkson scream.
The Voice Season 29 Knockouts featured a “crazy” performance that made Kelly Clarkson scream. Kelly Clarkson Praises ‘Insane’ Performances in The Voice Season 29 Knockouts Night one of the Knockouts begins on Season 29 of The Voiceas coaches Kelly Clarkson,…
The Voice Season 29 Knockouts: Fans disappointed as several standout names are eliminated
The Voice Season 29 Knockouts: A Full Recap of What Happened & Who Advanced The Voice: Battle of Champions is one step closer to naming this season’s Top 9 Artists. The first night of Knockouts on The Voice: Battle of Champions was full of…
The real reason Kelly Clarkson looked so terrified on The Voice
Why Kelly Clarkson Called This Season’s Knockouts on The Voice “Really Cutthroat” “It’s like Hunger Games,” The Voice Coach said just as Season 29’s Knockouts kicked off. If all the competition shows on television, The Voice has a reputation as being one of…
Adam Levine’s plea for help in “extremely difficult” crisis leaves The Voice fans in a state of confusion
Adam Levine Whispered “Help Me” to Make This “Really Tough” Decision on The Voice. “Oh my gosh, how are you gonna choose?” Kelly Clarkson asked her fellow Coach after a “phenomenal” Knockout. Sometimes, it’s hard to be a Coach. Like…
John Legend’s Daughter Luna gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at The Voice in a delightful video
John Legend’s Daughter Luna Is “Coming” for Carson Daly’s Job on The Voice. The 9-year-old gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at The Voice in a delightful Instagram video. Don’t look now, Carson Daly: Your job as the longtime Host of The Voice may be in jeopardy!…
End of content
No more pages to load