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5 clusters · 18 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated
Roseanne Barr independent comedy production
Overview
Comedian Roseanne Barr has independently produced an eight-episode comedy series titled ‘Meemaw: A Modern-Day Fable’. Filmed in Austin, Texas, and loosely based on her life in the Texas Hill Country, the series follows a mixed-race survivalist family navigating economic struggles, legal troubles, and criminal enterprises while raising funds for a granddaughter’s bat mitzvah. The production features an ensemble cast including Randy Quaid, Drea de Matteo, Jon Lovitz, Tony Hinchcliffe, Omar Gooding, and Doug Jones, with contributions from producer Allen Covert.
While the project initially struggled to find a distributor—with reports indicating major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS showed little interest—the production has since secured a partnership with Just the Network, the parent company of Just the News. CEO Mark Meckler stated the series is part of a strategy to expand the brand into entertainment and comedy. The first season has been filmed and is being pitched to streaming services for a potential early 2027 release.
In recent interviews, Barr has discussed the project as a form of “healing,” particularly regarding her experiences working with Black actors following her 2018 departure from ABC. She also addressed allegations in producer Chuck Lorre’s memoir, ‘Sitcom’, which claimed the original ‘Roseanne’ set was a toxic environment where writers ghostwrote scripts for her ex-husband, Tom Arnold. While Arnold has denied these claims, Barr stated that “Tom Arnold is telling the truth for once.” Additionally, Barr confirmed that John Goodman declined a request for a cameo in the new series.
Entities
Roseanne Barr · ABC · Drea de Matteo · Austin, Texas · Randy Quaid
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Roseanne Barr has filmed eight episodes of a new sitcom titled ‘Meemaw’.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sitcom was filmed in Austin, Texas.
- [● 3 SOURCES] ABC, NBC, and CBS are not interested in the sitcom.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Newsmax is being explored as a potential home for the show.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The cast includes Randy Quaid, Tony Hinchcliffe, Drea de Matteo, and Jon Lovitz.
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesJust the Network partners with Roseanne Barr for new comedy series
Just the Network is partnering with Roseanne Barr for ‘Meemaw’, a new comedy series set on a Texas ranch, as part of an expansion into entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 6 sourcesRoseanne Barr discusses new sitcom and responds to Chuck Lorre
Roseanne Barr announces a new independent sitcom, ‘Meemaw: A Modern Day Fable’, and responds to allegations of script ghostwriting made by Chuck Lorre regarding her original series.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesRoseanne Barr says John Goodman declined cameo in new sitcom
Roseanne Barr reports that John Goodman declined a cameo in her new sitcom, ‘Meemaw: A Modern Day Fable,’ as the industry marks the 38th anniversary of the original ‘Roseanne’ series premiere.
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[CULTURE] 4 sourcesRoseanne Barr's new sitcom Meemaw lacks network deal
Roseanne Barr has completed eight episodes of her new sitcom ‘Meemaw’, but the independently produced series has yet to secure a network or streaming platform for its premiere.
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[CULTURE] 4 sourcesRoseanne Barr returns with independent comedy series Meemaw
Roseanne Barr is returning to television with ‘Meemaw: A Modern-Day Fable’, an independently produced eight-episode comedy series about a Texas survivalist family currently seeking distributors.
Sources
92moose.fm · 99wfmk.com · atlantablackstar.com · cinemablend.com · comicbasics.com · comingsoon.net · cordcuttersnews.com · geeksandgamers.com · hollywoodreporter.com · independent.co.uk · n-tv.de · offthepress.com · series-80.net · spectrumchemical.com · thelibertydaily.com · themix.net · usmagazine.com · wjbq.com
This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history