I’ll start with a confession: I watch a lot of television. It’s a flaw that I’ve come to accept and embrace.
I tend to gravitate towards shows that feature “regular” people—Friday Night Lights, The Office, Parks and Recreation. Not only are these shows just awesome, they often depict people in realistic financial situations. But for me, no show has painted a greater picture of financial reality than Roseanne.
Watching the show in reruns as an adult has given me a whole new perspective. It was pioneering in the way it portrayed a working family. From the cleanliness of her house to her relationship with her family to her struggles with her weight, there was nothing about Roseanne that I cannot relate to now. Most importantly, the show depicted money in a way that has never been duplicated.
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| photo from carseywerner.net |
Here’s what Roseanne taught me about money:
1. It’s OK, and often necessary, to be working mom. The reality for a lot of women, me included, is that having a full-time job is necessary. Roseanne worked at numerous jobs in order to help provide for her family. She never once expressed guilt or remorse for having to do it; she knew her family needed the money to take care of their kids and their expenses. So she did it. And sometimes she got in trouble for needing to put her family first. But she accepted the consequences because family comes first.
2. Discussing finances with your spouse is a must. Many episodes focused on Roseanne and Dan discussing their financial difficulties, including how they were going to pay their bills. These dialogues showed that it was perfectly acceptable for a married couple to sit down at their kitchen table and discuss money (pre-lottery winning season. Let’s just forget about that). They showed that even if you argue sometimes, even if you splurge on little items, it’s still important to do be open and honest about your household budget.
3. Being a savvy grocery shopper is a way of life. Who could forget the trip to the supermarket with Darlene’s home economics class? Her pantry was often stocked with generics, she paid cash, clipped coupons and her meals were never anything fancy. But the Conners had dinner together every night and everyone was fed. She also valued the specialness of a dishwasher and eating in a restaurant. There are a lot of lessons in that.
4. Don’t quit on your dreams. From Dan’s drywall business to the motorcycle shop to flipping houses to Roseanne’s restaurant, they were never afraid to pursue their dreams in order to make a living. They borrowed money, employed family and friends. They put in long hours, hard work and often struggled and failed. Eventually, they were able to profit from The Lunch Box, proving that with hard work comes success. It also shows that if you have a dream, go for it. Because you’ll regret it if you don’t try.
5. Fix what you have before you run out and buy something new. They spent a lot of time fixing what they owned, performing general housework as well as doing their own construction and home repair. If something is broken, you try to fix it before you spend your money on something new. Sure, Dan was a contractor and a general handyman, which made it easier for them to DIY but the point is that you take care of what you own.
While some of the story lines were not at all plausible, many of them were. Roseanne demonstrated the values of work ethic, family, and humor but the realistic portrayal of one family’s finances really hits home.
Are there any TV shows that you feel portray finances in a realistic manner?
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[…] at 2AM when everyone else is asleep. And yet a third advantage is being able to watch Roseanne because it’s only on in the middle of the night. However, although I enjoy all of these aspects to […]
I love the Roseanne show, and still watch reruns of it. It is true it was one of the few shows that closer portrayed what real families deal with. I loved they always had family dinners, something we always did.
I loved that show growing up. It really did depict an actual American family living a "real life." It was a huge change in genre from the years before that when many of the big TV shows were Dynasty – rich, loaded people living fantasy lives. I don't watch TV anymore, but that was definitely a great show.
I watched Roseanne too. I loved the episode when they just didn't have enough to pay all the bills so she suggested sending like the electricity bill to the water co. and vice versa. I remember thinking back to that episode and seriously pondering that idea when times where extremely tight. I think today's shows are set in an unrealistic luxurious lifestyle.
Great Post.
I too loved this show, very realistic. Even the crazy sister.
I never really watched Roseanne, so can't comment about that.
However, two of my favorite episodes of the Cosby Show (which was realistic about money in some ways) dealt with money. One was when Theo wanted to drop out of school and just work (first or second season, I think), so they set up a little economy in the house where he had to work for money, rent a room, buy food, and deal with the landlady, boss, etc.
Another was from the second to last or last season and it was around tax time. Cliff was all excited about how they'd be getting a refund because of the kids they were claiming and Claire had to tell them that no, the parents of the actual kids (a grandchild and a niece/cousin) were claiming them and they would have to pay taxes.
And for a sitcom set in New York, it was much more realistic about money than anything more recent. They were a lawyer and an MD, but their kids shared bedrooms. The place wasn't huge. Kids had to save their money to help pay for their first (used) car, etc.
I actually was thinking of the Lunch Box a few weeks ago when I browned all of my husband's beef and forgot to save some for a hamburger patty, hence he had a loose meat sandwich for dinner. 🙂
I'll have to go back and watch this show again. It's been a while since I've seen it, but I do remember all of the elements you describe.
You brought back memories of Roseanne. She has a new show now–reality t.v…something about nuts?
I can't think of any that portray money in a realistic manner — in fact most of them do the opposite, but it was interesting read how Roseanne handled it 🙂
@Paula–I loved the family dinners, too. We always had dinners together and it was nice to see a family on TV do it as well.
@Little House–I liked how it stood in stark contrast to Friends and Sex and the City. Those women I could never relate to. Roseanne I could.
@anotherhousewife–I love that episode!
@outmywindow–Jackie was her own example of fiscal responsibility, even if she was a bit batty.
@shanen–I remember that episode with Cliff and Theo; I believe it was the first season. And you're right, The Cosby Show definitely showed a family managing its finances responsibly.
@Lindy–Even though I don't eat meat, I wonder what it would be like to have lunch at the Lunch Box!
@Amanda–She does have a new show, Roseanne's Nuts. I haven't watched it though.
@Jackie–I agree. It's hard to find a show as close to realistic as Roseanne!
I love Roseanne! I know she isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really think she smart and funny. Both the character and actress(one in the same?)
Great list too. Oh and Roseanne is on Netflix, I think.
Roseanne was a good show overall, with the beauty of it being how it related to the everyday person. The characters were in no way glamorous, and had more in common with Joe Sixpack than anything Hollywood. It just makes sense that their financial struggles would resonate with more of us than what we'd see in many other shows!
I did like the money-related schemes that would be happening on Seinfeld every now and then. Costanza, and sometimes Kramer, would do some goofy things with money/jobs on occasion.
As for today's shows…I don't know. I don't watch much in terms of sitcoms anymore. The only money-related episodes I've seen lately have actually been on kids cartoons my daughter has watched…you can tell how my life is run these days:) Literally, it was SpongeBob Squarepants, and I'm not kidding at all:)
Yes, I loved Roseanne. Now they have the Roseanne Is Nuts or something show. I saw a tadbit of it on vacation, and it did make her look crazy. I like the sitcom much better. 🙂
I never thought about Roseanne this way, but you hit it right on the money (pardon the pun). It was good show with a lot of heart. I didn't know we were learning about finances at the same time we were entertained.
I love this show and absolutely think about it in the same way you do. Roseanne and Dan portrayed real life and real struggles with finances that are very common today. The show can teach a lesson on how hard work is necessary and like you said, how you should pursue your dreams, even if it’s not easy.
I 100% agree with your assessment, Kraig. I’m actually looking forward to her new show. I hope it’s as good as Roseanne was (and still is)!
I loved Roseanne as well. I thought she was very funny. But I never thought about those life lessons, that you point out, while watching the show.
Very good post!