Comedy veterans Roseanne Barr and Michael Richards are making a high-profile return to television in a new sitcom that’s already generating buzz across Hollywood. Titled Back to Basics, the show is being promoted as a return to traditional American values and classic sitcom humor—steering clear of modern “woke” themes in favor of timeless, relatable storytelling.
Slated to premiere in 2026, Back to Basics will follow a working-class American family as they navigate everyday life with a mix of resilience, humor, and a focus on family. The series promises to echo the warmth and comedic rhythm of beloved 1980s and 1990s sitcoms while engaging with present-day issues through a lens of sincerity rather than political correctness.
“This show isn’t about politics—it’s about people,” said Roseanne Barr in a public statement. “We want to make something real, something that resonates with folks who miss when TV was just about laughing with your family at the end of a long day.”
Barr, who once headlined the groundbreaking sitcom Roseanne, has had a turbulent relationship with the entertainment industry in recent years, following controversial remarks that led to her previous show’s abrupt cancellation. Despite the fallout, she has remained a symbol of unfiltered comedy and a vocal critic of Hollywood’s increasingly progressive tilt.
Michael Richards, best known for his iconic portrayal of Kramer on Seinfeld, has also had a complicated career journey. After years away from the spotlight, Richards views this new project as an opportunity for creative renewal. “We’re not here to preach—we’re here to entertain,” Richards said. “The goal is honest comedy that makes people laugh without needing a political message attached.”
Back to Basics will focus on universal themes such as family struggles, generational differences, and the humor found in ordinary life. Insiders familiar with the project say the writing room is prioritizing storytelling that taps into shared values, simple pleasures, and genuine emotional moments, with a goal of appealing to a broad audience across political lines.
The announcement has sparked both enthusiasm and debate online. While many fans have praised the concept as a refreshing throwback to wholesome television, others have criticized the show’s openly anti-woke branding. Regardless of the controversy, there’s no doubt that the return of two of TV’s most recognizable comedic figures will draw attention.
With filming set to begin later this year, Back to Basics is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about sitcom launches in recent memory—promising humor that feels familiar, intentional, and unapologetically old-school.
