Michael Fishman Addresses His Absence From ‘The Conners’ Finale

Sometimes, it’s not what you say but what you don’t say. And Michael Fishman, known for playing D.J. Conner, on Roseanne and The Conners, chose a thoughtful approach in his first public response to missing the finale of the hit spinoff.

The actor, who was a part of the Conner family from his childhood, spoke on Instagram the day after the final episode aired on April 23, 2025. He didn’t stir up drama or blame anyone. Instead, he spoke with calmness and gratitude, saying people were eager to hear his reaction, but he only had “empathy and understanding.”

Why Michael Fishman wasn’t in the finale

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Michael Fishman (@reelmfishman)

Michael Fishman returned for the first four seasons of The Conners but quietly exited in 2022, but it wasn’t his decision to leave. Despite being with the show for over thirty years, he wasn’t part of the final goodbye on screen, although the actor made it clear that there was no bad blood between him and the cast or crew.

In his video, he said he wants to be “a lighthouse in the dark” and hopes to build a community where people can process change and emotions. He added that when he looks back at the show, he feels nothing but gratitude. Fishman also shared that Carsey-Werner, the company behind the show, had asked him to keep “shining a light on the series,” which he saw as an honor. He said he plans to rewatch the entire show from the beginning with fresh eyes, suggesting it’s the perfect time to reconnect.

‘The Conners’ has finally come to an end

The finale ended with a touching moment: John Goodman’s character, Dan, was left alone in the living room after saying good night to his family. Then, Goodman looked at the camera, smiled with tears in his eyes, and said, “Good night,” directly to the audience. That choice came from Goodman himself. Executive producers said it was his way of showing respect and thanks to the fans, who’ve stayed connected to the show for 37 years.

The episode also included a scene at Roseanne’s grave, honoring the late matriarch of the fictional family. Although Roseanne Barr was fired from the reboot years ago, the creators felt her character deserved a moment in the final chapter. Michael Fishman may not have been on screen this time, but his presence and legacy remain part of the Conner family story. As he put it, “I really believe that that legacy belongs to all of you in the audience.”