Reports: A 'Roseanne' Spinoff is Likely Happening on ABC

After deciding to cancel its massively popular rebooted sitcom "Roseanne," ABC is expected to soon announce that it is planning to spin off the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter (THR) and other outlets like TMZ, which first reported the news.

THR is reporting sources familiar with the announcement say news of the spin off could come this week -- less than a week after ABC pulled the plug on "Roseanne" due to its star Roseanne Barr writing a racist tweet.

According to its sources, THR writes ABC is "knee-deep in conversations with executive producers Tom Werner for a new incarnation of the multi-camera comedy." The report goes on to say that Werner is said to be "highly engaged in finding a way to continue the franchise with stars Sara Gilbert, John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf." THR's sources added it's likely the entire cast -- except for Barr -- and the creative team behind the show, like showrunner Bruce Helford and the writing staff and crew, would return for the new show.

"Multiple ideas are being discussed, including one focused on Darlene, as Gilbert was the driving force behind the ABC revival," THR writes, adding that on Friday the network scheduled a meeting with producers to discuss how the show could move forward without Barr. "Those talks are said to have heated up over the weekend with Werner highly engaged in finding a way to keep the series going," THR adds.

An announcement about the show's future could come as soon as this week, according to the reports.

Per THR:

One point of contention is to find a way to reinvent 'Roseanne' such that Barr's financial involvement is limited -- which is said to be a top demand for ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey. But continuing 'Roseanne' without Barr attached in any form may prove challenging. The series was created by Matt Williams and is based upon a character created by Barr. That could make an offshoot a thorny debate as it's unclear if just the character of Roseanne Conner falls under Barr's oversight.

"Roseanne" was canceled by ABC on May 29 shortly after Barr's racist tweet about Valerie Jarrett, an Obama senior adviser. The show was previously renewed for an 11th season that was to air in the fall. "Roseanne" became the network's top show and was expected to bring in at least $60 million in ad revenue for its 11th season, THR reports, citing Kantar Media.

Sources told THR that ABC could "be on the hook for 'tens of millions of dollars'" due to the cancellation of "Roseanne."