The Conners planned to explain DJ’s season 5 absence by having him go overseas to spend time with his wife, Geena, who was stationed abroad on assignment. Executive producer Bruce Helford said the show would address DJ’s absence in the first few episodes.
Where was DJ going in season 5?
Helford told TVLine on September 7, 2022 that DJ was visiting Geena overseas. He described her as stationed abroad on assignment and said DJ would go spend time with his wife. Helford also connected Geena’s assignment to the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan; that was his account of the storyline.
Helford said DJ’s absence would be addressed in the first few episodes. In an Entertainment Tonight interview published September 21, 2022, Laurie Metcalf said an upcoming episode would show where DJ was headed, and Lecy Goranson said he was supposed to be overseas.
Why was Michael Fishman leaving?
Fishman, who played DJ Conner, was not returning as a series regular for season 5. In a statement published by TVLine on August 30, 2022, Fishman wrote: “While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop.” His statement says he was told he would not return; it does not describe the decision as his choice.
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TVLine’s August 29, 2022 report said Fishman had been a series regular for the show’s first four seasons, appeared in 36 of its first 71 episodes, and directed five episodes. Those episode and directing counts were reported by TVLine.
Was DJ’s return ruled out?
No return was announced, but Helford did not rule one out. In his TVLine interview, he said there were no current plans for Fishman to appear in season 5, while adding that the show loved him and that a future appearance could depend on whether a suitable storyline arose. Sara Gilbert likewise told Entertainment Tonight that the cast was sad Fishman was not there all the time and that “the door is open for him to come back.” Those comments left the possibility open; they did not confirm a return.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Mary leave with DJ?
No. TVLine reported that ABC clarified Jayden Rey, who played DJ’s daughter Mary, would remain a series regular after an earlier report misstated her status.
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