On this day in 1997, ABC aired the final episode of Roseanne. The sitcom — which revolved around a blue-collar family — was the most watched television show in the United States during its second season, and ranked among Nielsen's top five shows for its first six seasons. The show drew inspiration from the early life of its star, Roseanne Barr, and the "domestic goddess" persona she established as a stand-up comedian. 

When Roseanne debuted in 1988, primetime was littered with "family sitcoms," including The Hogan Family, Growing Pains, The Cosby Show, Full House, Family Ties, Who's the Boss, 227, Alf, Just the Ten of Us and The Wonder Years. Roseanne easily stood apart from the pack. The Conner children picked on each other and talked back to their parents. The adults argued, hated their jobs and were visibly frustrated by the stresses of everyday life. Even the Connor's Illinois home, with its shabby furniture and cluttered rooms, was the epitome of a working-class household that was struggling to pay the bills. The series — which won a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting in 1992 — was also widely recognized for dealing with difficult issues ranging from teen pregnancy and birth control to infidelity and domestic violence.

Take a peek at a clip from the pilot episode, which starred George Clooney as Roseanne's boss, Booker Brooks: