Connect with us


TV

Full House (ABC 1987-1995, John Stamos, Bob Saget)

Published

on


Let’s get this straight: the house wasn’t really “full.” Did you see that place? It was huge! Sure, D.J. and Steph shared a bedroom, but if worse came to worse, there were probably a few spare rooms hiding in the attic somewhere. But we digress… Let’s just say the house was “fuller” (or “more full,” if you will) than it used to be.

Full House was a family sitcom about a widower who enlisted the help of his best friend and brother-in-law to help out with the raising of his three daughters. But such a simple statement can’t capture the phenomenon of this long-running series. Filled with sweetness and humor, the series lasted eight seasons, practically defined ABC’s Friday night “TGIF” lineup, and made improbable stars out of young twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Comedian Bob Saget starred as family patriarch Danny Tanner, an incredibly nice guy who worked as a sportscaster and eventually hosted a local San Francisco talk show. Aside from raising his three girls—grade-schooler Donna Jo (a.k.a. D.J.), kindergartner Stephanie, and baby Michelle (played alternately by the Olsens)—Danny also had to keep an eye on his less responsible housemates. Dave Coulier played Danny’s comedian friend Joey Gladstone, and touring Beach Boy John Stamos played the girls’ uncle, rock n’ roller Jesse “Don’t touch the hair” Katsopolous. Joey entertained the girls with his cartoon voices (which he later used as Saturday morning host Ranger Joe), while Jesse was the cool uncle who taught the girls to love Elvis. Also popping over occasionally was D.J.’s annoying friend, Kimmy Gibbler.

You can see the fullness spreading, but there was still plenty of room left under that San Franciscan roof. In 1988, Jesse met and married Danny’s co-host Becky Donaldson. In the fall of 1991, banking on the enormous popularity of the Olsen twins, Becky gave birth to twins Nicholas and Alexander. An unusual aspect of the show was that Michelle aged in real time (as opposed to Family Ties’ Andrew Keaton and or Growing Pains’ Chrissy Seaver, who went from infants to pre-schoolers in the blink of an eye), and was always played by Mary-Kate and Ashley. Thus the girls, who were nine years old when the show ended, literally grew up on TV. Even when Michelle got older, both Olsen twins continued taking turns playing her on the show.

Advertisement

The whole family seemed destined for showbiz, with Jesse and Joey eventually co-hosting a radio show called “The Rush Hour Renegades.” Jesse also wrote commercial jingles, formed his own band (Jesse and the Rippers), and opened up the ultra-hip Smash Club. Meanwhile, D.J. dated a series of boys, including long-time steady Steve Hale. In the last season, she had a hard time deciding between bad boy Viper and rich-kid Nelson Burkhard. Danny also found love for a short time with Vicky Larson, and though the two were engaged, it ultimately didn’t last.

The full house eventually emptied out when the series was cancelled in 1995, but the show remains a favorite of those who grew up with the Tanner kids. Mary-Kate and Ashley went on to spawn their own mini-empire of videos, dolls, fashion and more. You’ve come a long way, baby Michelle.

2016 saw a Netflix revival called Fuller House.

production details
USA / ABC – Warner Bros. TV / x25 minute episodes / Broadcast 22 September 1987 – 29 August 1995

Advertisement

cast
John Stamos as Jesse (Cochran) Katsopolis
Bob Saget as Danny Tanner
Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone
Candace Cameron Bure as Donna Jo “D.J.” Tanner
Jodie Sweetin as Stephanie Tanner
Mary-Kate Olsen as Michelle Tanner
Ashley Olsen as Michelle Tanner
Lori Loughlin as Rebecca “Becky” Donaldson Katsopolis (1988-95)
Andrea Barber as Kimmy Gibbler
Scott Weinger as Steve Hale (1992-94)
Blake Tuomy-Wilhoit as Nicky Katsopolis (1992-95)
Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit as Alex Katsopolis (1992-95)
John Aprea as Nick Katsopolis (1988-91)
Gail Edwards as Vicky Larson (1991-93)
Blake McIver Ewing as Derek S. Boyd (1992-95)
Miko Hughes as Aaron Bailey (1990-95)
David Lipper as Viper (1994-95)
Jason Marsden as Nelson Burkhard (1994-95)
Scott Menville as Duane (1995)
Jordan Christopher Michael as Rusty (1990-91)
Felicia Michaels as Roxy (1994)
Sara Moonves as Terri (1992-95)
Tahj Mowry as Teddy (1991-95)
Richard Paul as Mr. Strowbridge (1988-95)
Daniel Renteria as Nicky Katsopolis (1991-92)
Kevin Renteria as Alex Katsopolis (1991-92)
Debra Sandlund as Cindy (1990)
Jurnee Smollett as Denise Frazer
Marla Sokoloff as Gia Mahan (1993-95)
Marcia Wallace as Mrs. Carruthers (1993-95)
Yvonne Wilder as Irene Katsopolis (1988-91)
Kathryn Zaremba as Lisa Leeper


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Station 19 Station 19
News7 hours ago

Station 19, March 28, 2024, ABC, “True Colors”

It’s time for exciting new episode of Station 19 on Thursday, March 28 at 10:00 PM on ABC. In “True...

Next Level Chef Next Level Chef
News7 hours ago

Next Level Chef, March 28, 2024, FOX, “It’s All Greek to Me”

In the latest episode of the reality cooking show “Next Level Chef,” airing on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News11 hours ago

Ricky Martin, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, get ready for an exciting episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. The show kicks off...

Late Night With Seth Meyers Late Night With Seth Meyers
News11 hours ago

Liam Neeson, Sheryl Crow, Late Night With Seth Meyers, March 28, 2024

Fans of Late Night With Seth Meyers won’t want to miss the upcoming episode on Thursday, March 28th. Join Seth...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News11 hours ago

Maura Tierney, Ego Nwodim, LIVE with Kelly and Mark, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, LIVE with Kelly and Mark will bring you an exciting lineup of guests. Tune in...

The Sherri Shepherd Show The Sherri Shepherd Show
News11 hours ago

Niecy Nash-Betts, Sherri, March 28, 2024

Thursday, March 28 2024, brings another hilarious episode of Sherri. Join Sherri Shepherd as she gives her unique take on...

The Talk The Talk
News11 hours ago

Taylor Tomlinson, Brett Gelman, The Talk, March 28, 2024, CBS

A brand new episode of The Talk is set to air on CBS on Thursday, March 28, 2024. During this...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News12 hours ago

Koryn Hawthorne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tamron Hall, March 28, 2024, ABC

On Thursday March 28th at 10:00 AM., ABC presents an enthralling episode of Tamron Hall. This episode’s lineup includes some...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News13 hours ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News13 hours ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News14 hours ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News14 hours ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News14 hours ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News14 hours ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Great British Railway Journeys Great British Railway Journeys
News14 hours ago

Edinburgh to Queensferry, Great British Railway Journeys, March 28, BBC Two,

BBC Two is set to air a brand new episode of Great British Railway Journeys on Thursday, March 28, 2024...

BBC Two Logo BBC Two Logo
News14 hours ago

Bruce Lee: A Life in Ten Pictures, 28 March 2024, BBC Two

On Thursday, 28 March at 9:00 PM., Bruce Lee fans will have the opportunity to take a look at his...

Popular