Michael Fishman Breaks Silence on Why He Wasn’t in The Conners Finale

Michael Fishman, who portrayed D.J. Conner on Roseanne and its spinoff The Conners, has addressed his absence from the series finale of The Conners after playing the beloved character for four seasons. The actor shared his thoughts in a heartfelt video posted on Instagram on April 24, 2025, revealing why he chose not to appear for the show’s conclusion.

Fishman Reflects on His Role and Gratitude for the Legacy of Roseanne and The Conners

Following the The Conners finale, Fishman, now 43, received a flood of messages from fans and media outlets looking for a reaction, hoping to uncover any conflict or controversy regarding his exit from the show. In his post, Fishman addressed the public’s desire for drama, offering a response centered on empathy and understanding.

“It’s the day after The Conners finale, and I’ve been inundated with people looking for a reaction,” Fishman said. “People seem to want there to be some kind of conflict or controversy, especially on my part. The reality is, all I really have is empathy and understanding for all of the people on set and for all of our audience that’s grieving. I prefer to be a lighthouse in the dark. It’s for that reason that I’m creating a safe space to build community to process difficult emotions and transitions.”

Fishman expressed deep gratitude for the legacy of the show, which began with Roseanne and continued with The Conners, a spinoff that debuted in 2018. He acknowledged that Roseanne co-creator Roseanne Barr’s departure following controversial remarks did not overshadow the impact of the series.

“When I look back at the legacy of the show, a legacy that started with Roseanne Barr and that we built into Roseanne and The Conners, I have only gratitude,” Fishman continued. “I really believe that that legacy belongs to all of you in the audience.”

Moving On and Celebrating the Series’ Legacy

The actor reflected on the journey and his role within the show, noting his professional growth and the opportunity to collaborate with the cast and crew. Fishman also took time to express his appreciation for the Carci Warner Company for providing him with the platform to continue to shine a light on the series.

“I’ve been really lucky to be rewarded for my professionalism and kindness and collaboration by the Carci Warner Company, who owns it, who has asked me to keep shining a light on the series,” Fishman said. “It’s been my honor, because I believe it’s a comfort show for many. So in this time, I keep thinking to myself, it’s the perfect time to reconnect. It’s the perfect time to go back and celebrate. And so I’m looking back and starting over and watching from the beginning with a whole new perspective.”

Fishman Reflects on Roseanne and The Conners Journey

In his Instagram caption, Fishman expressed appreciation for the evolution of the show and mentioned the pivotal changes, particularly the renaming of the show from Roseanne to The Conners in 2018. He also reflected on the emotions surrounding the end of an era.

“Thankful for the Gift of Grief, that it happened, that I got to share the experience, forever changed by it,” Fishman wrote, adding the hashtags #Legacy #Community #Love #Family #Roseanne.

The Transition from Roseanne to The Conners and Fishman’s Exit

Fishman first appeared as D.J. Conner on Roseanne, which originally aired from 1988 to 1997. He was just six years old when he began portraying the character, the son of Roseanne Barr’s Roseanne Conner and John Goodman’s Dan Conner. Fishman reprised his role in the 2018 Roseanne reboot and the subsequent The Conners spinoff.

However, Fishman announced in 2022 that he would not be returning for The Conners Season 5. He explained his decision in a statement, acknowledging the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally during his time on the show.

“While I was told I would not be returning for season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop,” Fishman stated. “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.”

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Michael Fishman and The Conners

Michael Fishman’s message marks a significant moment of closure for fans and his own journey with Roseanne and The Conners. As Fishman reflects on his time with the show, it’s clear that he values the relationships, the memories, and the legacy he helped create with the iconic series.