ABC’s “The Conners” Incorporating NH Primary Into Live Show

The ABC sitcom The Conners is doing something that no TV show has done before. It’s broadcasting live tonight, incorporating results from the New Hampshire primary into the show as they come in. The AP writes:

In the episode, which will be performed live twice for different time zones, Darlene’s children Mark (Ames McNamara) and Harris (Emma Kenney) are watching news reports on the primary. Mark has been assigned a school report on it, while Harris plays the cynical observer who considers the influence of money in politics a blockade to change.

The actors will read scripted copy for part of the show and adlib around the results. The idea isn’t just to break history on TV, those involved in the show also admit it’s a show with a cause. Actress Sara Gilbert remarks, “I hope people have a good time and laugh and hopefully a few extra people go out and vote.” Executive Producer Bruce Helford adds:

“We thought, it’s an election year and The Conners — whether we want to be or not, we are immersed in some politics; the politics that affect every working class family, that they are going through and affected by.”