In a heartfelt message, Michael Fishman, known for his role as D.J. in both Roseanne and its spin-off The Conners, addressed fans concerning his surprising absence from the show's series finale. Though he left the reboot several seasons ago, many fans held out hope for a final appearance—only to be disappointed.

Taking to social media after the finale aired, Fishman clarified misconceptions about his lack of participation. "I've received a flood of inquiries and speculation about my absence, with many hoping for drama or conflict. However, I only feel empathy for my castmates and our grieving audience," he shared in a thoughtful Instagram video.

Fishman continued, highlighting his focus on positivity: "I prefer to be a lighthouse in the dark as I reflect on the meaningful legacy we've created together. My gratitude extends to everyone involved in this journey and to all our supporters who made it possible."

Accompanying his video, Fishman expressed his appreciation for the experiences that shaped him, writing, "Thankful for the Gift of Grief; it has forever changed me. This legacy belongs not just to us but to all of you, the fans who have supported us throughout the years."

Responding to fans directly, he acknowledged their concerns, especially one remarking on the importance of family: "I don't understand why you weren’t in the show. Close families don’t just forget about their brother," to which Fishman simply replied, "that part!" with a series of celebratory emojis.

Throughout the discussions, Fishman confirmed that his absence wasn’t personal or due to any animosity, but rather a creative choice made by the show's producers. He expressed his commitment to moving forward and celebrating the show's legacy, noting, "I'm grateful to be part of these iconic moments, and appreciate everyone who celebrates our storylines. The legacy belongs to all of you."

In previous interviews, executive producer Dave Caplan explained the limitation of the final season's six episodes, which impacted the return of several beloved characters. Fellow producer Bruce Helford emphasized, "We never want to bring someone back just to have them appear; we want every character to have a significant role."