Laurie Metcalf’s real-life daughter, Young Sheldon’s Zoe Perry, has officially joined The Conners season 7. It’s surprising to think that this Roseanne spinoff, which emerged after Roseanne Barr’s exit, has been on air for more than six seasons. Over the years, Dan and his family in Lanford have gone through numerous life-changing experiences. Although Jackie, played by Metcalf, isn’t a Conner by name, she has remained a core part of the franchise as Roseanne’s sister.
Now, as The Conners enters its seventh season, Jackie is set to take on a new storyline—one that will see her interacting with her real-life daughter on screen.
According to TV Line, Perry will play a young police officer in Lanford. Her character’s name hasn’t been revealed yet, but she will appear in two of the six remaining episodes of the Roseanne follow-up. As a dedicated cop, she will challenge Jackie’s decision to return to the force despite her age. A first-look image from the show gives a glimpse of their on-screen interaction:
Zoe Perry Joins The Conners – What This Means for Jackie’s Story
Perry Returns to the Roseanne Universe in a New Role
Season 6 of The Conners ended with both Jackie and Dan stepping away from their long-held jobs. Earlier, Jackie had left the Lunch Box, passing it on to her great-grandniece, Harris. However, after spending her life as a hardworking woman, she found it difficult to settle into a relaxed routine.
With Perry’s arrival in The Conners season 7, ABC appears to be exploring Jackie’s struggle with retirement. Instead of adjusting to a quieter life, Jackie considers rejoining the police force. However, her interactions with Perry’s character will likely challenge that decision.
Although Perry’s role is limited, it’s likely that by the end of her storyline, Jackie will be convinced to abandon her plan of returning to law enforcement. This arc aligns with the show’s ongoing commitment to portraying authentic working-class struggles.
Beyond the storyline, fans will be curious to see how Metcalf and Perry’s real-life relationship translates on-screen. Interestingly, this won’t be Perry’s first time appearing in the Roseanne universe. In Roseanne seasons 5 and 7, she portrayed a younger version of Jackie.
Our Thoughts on Zoe Perry’s Role in The Conners Season 7
A Big Loss for The Big Bang Theory Universe
ABC’s decision to cast Perry in The Conners is a brilliant one. With the striking resemblance between her and Metcalf, their scenes together could feel like Jackie speaking to her younger self.
However, this does raise a question—why didn’t The Big Bang Theory universe take advantage of this mother-daughter casting opportunity?
Metcalf played an older Mary Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, while Young Sheldon’s Zoe Perry portrayed the character’s younger version in Young Sheldon until its finale. Now, she continues her role in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
Despite multiple chances, CBS never created a crossover moment between the two versions of Sheldon’s mother. Instead, The Conners is now using this unique real-life connection for Jackie’s farewell arc.
Ultimately, while it’s exciting to see Perry and Metcalf together on screen, it’s a missed opportunity for The Big Bang Theory universe.
