A Sitcom Queen Reclaims Her Throne

Kristen Johnston is back, and she’s stealing the show in a way only a comedy legend can. In Netflix’s heartwarming new sitcom Leanne, which premiered on July 31, 2025, Johnston’s portrayal of Carol, the feisty, twice-divorced sister of the titular character, has audiences and critics raving. Her razor-sharp wit, impeccable timing, and unapologetic charisma have turned every scene into a highlight, earning her the title of “sitcom queen” of 2025. Posts on X are buzzing with praise, with fans declaring, “Kristen Johnston is the reason I binged Leanne in one night! She’s comedy gold! 🌟” With the series renewed for a second season on September 8, 2025, Johnston’s triumphant return marks a major turning point in her storied career. But what’s sparking even more excitement is the mysterious next role she’s quietly preparing for—a project shrouded in secrecy that promises to showcase her versatility like never before.

At 58, Johnston, a two-time Emmy winner for 3rd Rock from the Sun, brings a seasoned brilliance to Leanne, blending humor with heart in a way that resonates with viewers. Her performance has not only revitalized her status as a comedic powerhouse but also set the stage for what’s next: a role that insiders hint could redefine her legacy. This article dives into Johnston’s electrifying work in Leanne, the impact of her comeback, the vibrant ensemble cast, and the tantalizing clues about her upcoming project that have fans on edge.

Leanne: A Heartfelt Hit with a Southern Soul

Leanne, a 16-episode multi-camera sitcom created by Leanne Morgan, Chuck Lorre, and Susan McMartin, has become Netflix’s surprise hit of 2025, landing in the Global Top 10 with 210 million hours viewed in its first 28 days. Set in Knoxville, Tennessee, the series follows Leanne Murphy (Morgan), a grandmother whose world is upended when her husband of 33 years, Bill (Ryan Stiles), leaves her for a younger woman expecting his child. Supported by her eccentric family, including her “ride-or-die” sister Carol (Johnston), Leanne navigates heartbreak, rediscovery, and new beginnings with humor and resilience. The show’s tagline—“It’s never too late to rewrite your story”—captures its blend of laughter and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to The Golden Girls and Grace and Frankie.

Johnston’s Carol is the chaotic, lovable heart of the series. A twice-divorced Chicago transplant who returns to Knoxville to support her sister, Carol is a whirlwind of snark and loyalty. Whether she’s trading barbs with her parents, Mama Margaret (Celia Weston) and Daddy John (Blake Clark), or flirting with a shady plumber boyfriend, Dylan (Blake Gibbons), Johnston infuses every line with infectious energy. “Kristen Johnston’s unfiltered Carol is what makes the sitcom work so well,” Collider raved, while The Wrap noted, “She benefits from veteran co-stars, but Johnston steals the spotlight.” Her ability to balance comedy with vulnerability—particularly in a scene where Carol confesses her own fears of starting over—has fans calling her the standout. “Carol is my spirit animal,” one X user posted. “Kristen Johnston is serving iconic energy! #Leanne.”

The show’s success, with a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score, stems from its relatable premise and stellar ensemble. Morgan’s warm, Southern charm as Leanne anchors the series, while Stiles’ smarmy Bill adds tension. Graham Rogers and Hannah Pilkes shine as Leanne’s children, Tyler and Josie, and Tim Daly’s FBI agent Andrew brings a romantic spark. But it’s Johnston’s Carol who elevates every episode, turning mundane moments—like a book club gone awry—into laugh-out-loud highlights. Her chemistry with Morgan, forged during table reads in Los Angeles, feels like a real sisterhood, with Morgan telling Tudum, “Kristen’s like my actual sister—she’s hilarious and keeps me grounded.”

Kristen Johnston: A Career of Comedy and Resilience

Johnston’s journey to Leanne is a testament to her enduring talent and tenacity. Born September 20, 1967, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Milwaukee, Johnston broke out as Sally Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001), earning two Emmys for her portrayal of the alien masquerading as a human. Her larger-than-life comedic style made her a fan favorite, but roles in ER, Ugly Betty, and The Exes showcased her range. Off-screen, Johnston has been open about her struggles with addiction and health issues, detailed in her 2012 memoir Guts, which endeared her to fans for her candor. “I’ve been through a lot, but comedy is my lifeline,” she told Glamour in July 2025.

For Leanne, Johnston prepared by immersing herself in Southern culture, spending time in Knoxville to nail Carol’s blend of Chicago edge and Tennessee warmth. She worked with dialect coach Amy Jo Jackson to perfect a subtle drawl, and her improv background—honed at the Atlantic Theater Company—allowed her to ad-lib zingers that made the final cut. “Kristen’s a master at stealing scenes without overshadowing the ensemble,” director James Widdoes told Variety. A standout moment in episode 10, where Carol organizes a disastrous family talent show, has been memed across TikTok, with Johnston’s deadpan delivery of “I’m not drunk, I’m festive” becoming a viral soundbite.

Her performance has sparked Emmy buzz, with The Hollywood Reporter predicting a Supporting Actress nomination. “Kristen Johnston is driving audiences and critics wild,” thenewsscroll.com declared, citing her “razor-sharp timing and unapologetic charisma.” Fans on X agree, with posts like “Kristen Johnston is the sitcom queen of 2025! Carol is EVERYTHING. 👑 #Leanne.” The renewal for Season 2, announced on September 8, 2025, ensures more of Carol’s antics, with Morgan teasing to Woman’s World, “Kristen’s got some wild stuff coming—Carol’s not slowing down.”

The Ensemble and Production Magic

Leanne’s strength lies in its ensemble, filmed in front of a live studio audience at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. Morgan, a Tennessee comedian whose Netflix special I’m Every Woman (2023) paved the way for the sitcom, brings authenticity to Leanne’s journey. Weston and Clark, as the bickering but loving parents, add heart, while Stiles’ Bill is a villain you love to hate. Rogers and Pilkes, as Tyler and Josie, ground the family dynamic, and Daly’s Andrew introduces a slow-burn romance that fans ship hard. Recurring players like Jayma Mays (Mary) and Annie Gonzalez (Nora) add depth, but Johnston’s Carol is the glue, her larger-than-life presence balancing the show’s emotional beats.

Chuck Lorre, the sitcom titan behind The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, co-created Leanne with Morgan and Susan McMartin. Lorre’s signature multi-cam format, paired with a Southern setting, gives the show a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. “Leanne Morgan is a comedic genius,” Lorre told Forbes, praising her ability to blend humor with heart. The production, backed by Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Television, faced challenges during the 2024 writers’ strike but wrapped filming in May 2025. The 18-24 minute episodes, edited by Russell Griffin, maintain a tight pace, with Keb’ Mo’ and Yolabelle International’s music adding a folksy charm.

The Trailer and Fan Frenzy

The Leanne trailer, released on June 15, 2025, set the tone with its mix of humor and heart. Opening with Leanne’s stunned reaction to Bill’s email, it pivots to Carol’s arrival, with Johnston’s line, “Honey, we’re burning that man’s golf clubs tonight,” earning roars of laughter. The 90-second clip, viewed over 8 million times, showcases the family’s chaos—Tyler’s baby shenanigans, Josie’s free-spirited antics, and Carol’s flirtation with danger via Dylan. “Kristen Johnston’s Carol is the chaos I need in my life,” a Reddit user posted. The Season 2 teaser, dropped post-renewal, hints at Carol’s deeper arc, with a shot of her confronting Andrew about a “family secret.”

Social media is ablaze, with #LeanneS2 trending and fan edits flooding TikTok. “Kristen Johnston makes every scene iconic,” an X user wrote. “I’m rewatching just for Carol!” The show’s 71% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its broad appeal, with critics praising its “refreshing take on starting over” (The Wrap). Its success has boosted Knoxville tourism, with fans visiting filming locations like the Morgan family’s real-life church, featured in episode 3.

Kristen Johnston’s Next Role: A Mysterious Leap

While Leanne has cemented Johnston’s comeback, whispers about her next role are generating intense curiosity. In a September 2025 Glamour interview, Johnston hinted at a “completely different” project, saying, “It’s unlike anything I’ve done—gritty, raw, and a little scary.” Industry insiders, cited by Deadline, suggest she’s joined a high-profile crime drama set for a 2026 release, possibly Amazon’s Criminal, based on Ed Brubaker’s graphic novel. The series, starring Charlie Hunnam and Emilia Clarke, follows a heist crew navigating betrayal, with Johnston rumored to play a cunning matriarch. “It’s a role that lets me flex new muscles,” she teased, refusing to confirm details.

Other speculation points to a potential role in Black Rabbit, Netflix’s upcoming thriller with Jude Law and Jason Bateman, where she could play a supporting character tied to the brothers’ past. Posts on X fuel the hype: “Kristen Johnston in a crime drama? Take my money! 😱.” Her Leanne co-star Hannah Pilkes told Woman’s World, “Kristen’s prepping for something big—she’s got that spark in her eye.” While details remain scarce, Johnston’s shift from sitcom hilarity to dramatic intensity suggests a career pivot that could rival her 3rd Rock days. Her history of tackling diverse roles—from Ugly Betty’s scheming editor to Mom’s recovering addict—makes her a perfect fit for a layered, complex character.

Why Leanne and Johnston’s Future Are Unmissable

Leanne is more than a sitcom—it’s a celebration of resilience, family, and second chances, with Johnston’s Carol as its beating heart. Her ability to turn one-liners into gut-busting moments while grounding the show’s emotional core has made her a fan favorite and critical darling. “Kristen Johnston is the sitcom queen of 2025,” thenewsscroll.com declared, and with Season 2 confirmed, her reign is just beginning. The show’s blend of Southern charm and universal themes, paired with a 500-minute runtime across 16 episodes, makes it a binge-worthy gem for Netflix’s 300 million subscribers.

As Johnston prepares for her mysterious next role, anticipation is sky-high. Whether she’s diving into a crime drama or another unexpected genre, her track record promises a performance that’s bold and unforgettable. “I’m not done surprising people,” she told Collider. “Carol’s just the start.” Fans are ready, with one X post summing it up: “Kristen Johnston in Leanne is iconic, but her next role? I’m already obsessed! 🌟 #SitcomQueen.” As Leanne Season 2 looms and Johnston’s new project takes shape, one thing is clear: 2025 is her year, and she’s rewriting her story with every scene-stealing moment.