‘The Conners’ Cast Previews Landmark 100th Episode

So, what’s in store for the Lanford, Illinois, household in this milestone episode, airing April 10? “We didn’t want to break the kitchen-sink reality that our audience expects, so it was another day in the life of our characters,” executive producer Dave Caplan says. On this particular day, “some kids” break into Olinsky’s, the hardware store, while Dan (John Goodman) and Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) are there, says Gilbert, also an exec producer.

The unwelcome experience ends up revealing something about sister-in-law Jackie that even patriarch Dan was unaware of. Hint: Part of this revelation is tied to Jackie’s past from the original series, when she worked as a cop. Helford is proud of this kind of storytelling, which he says contributes to the show’s longevity. “Even after 100 episodes, these characters are still finding things out about each other. The relationships are still evolving, and that’s what makes it fun and rewarding,” he says.

Elsewhere in the episode, Becky’s (Lecy Goranson) inquisitive 6-year-old daughter, Beverly Rose (Charlotte Sanchez), finds a box of old family photographs. “There are relatives we can’t identify [in the pictures], which leads to a discussion about death,” Gilbert says. “Darlene is overly honest, and it creates fear in Beverly Rose and a rift between Becky and Darlene.” That sisterly conflict has existed since the original series began and, according to Goranson, is “the gift that keeps on giving.” It’s also what fans respond to most with the actress. “They say to me, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is me and my sister!’” Goranson notes. “It’s that love-hate thing, that sibling rivalry.”

Another key to The Conners’ success: consistently folding memorable guest stars into the stories. Just a few of the names who have appeared: Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Jason Alexander, Dan Aykroyd, Cheryl Hines, Clark Gregg and wife at the time Jennifer Grey, Peter Gallagher and Mila Kunis. For Goranson, one particular guest goes back to her own childhood. “I was a huge Pee-wee’s Playhouse fan. And actually, Sarah [Chalke, who shared the role of Becky on Roseanne] and I, when we were kids, were invited to have lunch at the Playhouse,” she says. “That was such an incredible highlight for us. I absolutely adored Paul Reubens.”

Getting to make 100 episodes of television for any show is no easy feat — something Gilbert is well aware of. “I am very grateful people have been watching and supporting us,” she says. “It’s a rare thing, and I’m very appreciative.” That prompts an obvious question: Moving beyond 100 episodes, is there a shelf life to how much longer we can expect the family to make us laugh? According to Helford, the limit does not exist.

“We truly make an effort to have everybody evolve. They don’t stay in stasis. They’re always growing and changing,” he says. “Unless the country suddenly turns around and the lower middle class is living in the big house on the hill, there’s a bunch more stories to tell.”

The Conners, 100th Episode, Wednesday, April 10, 8/7c, ABC