Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Full House, an ABC sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1995, follows the lives of Danny Tanner and his three daughters: Michelle, Stephanie and D.J., along with Danny’s brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and best friend Joey Gladstone. The show centers around family life as it blends relatable scenarios with humor, life lessons and charming characters.
If you grew up watching old reruns on cable, like me, chances are you have seen the sitcom, “Full House.”
Or maybe, you grew up in a time when the show originally aired.
Either way, “Full House” resonates with people from different generations and warms the hearts of many.
One thing I particularly love about the show is its ability to balance relatable scenarios and real-world issues with humor and personality.
After Danny (played by Bob Saget) loses his wife in a car accident, his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis (formerly Jesse Cochran in season 1, played by John Stamos) and best friend Joey Gladstone (played by Dave Coulier) move into his home to help raise his three young daughters: D.J., Stephanie and Michelle.
Danny Tanner, Jesse Katsopolis and Joey Gladstone embark on a journey together, as they share a house to help raise Danny’s three young daughters: D.J., Stephanie and Michelle, after they have lost their mom in a tragic car accident.
The show follows these six characters as they navigate everyday life, happy and comedic moments, family conflicts, friendship struggles and life milestones– from first steps, to starting high school, to getting married.
Not only does “Full House” highlight the ups and downs of growing up and navigating life, but it also demonstrates that families don’t have to share a last name.
Jesse and Joey become an important part of the Tanner family and serve as role models to Danny’s girls.
Whether it’s Danny giving his daughters a hug, Jesse singing a lullaby to baby Michelle or Joey making the girls laugh with his impressions– the Tanner family is nothing short of supportive and loving.
While there are countless reasons to love this show, a few that stand out to me are the sweet and funny family dynamic, the applicable life lessons in every episode, and a cast that makes the Tanner family and their friends easy to love.
The Tanner family portrays a level of realism, as it shows bickering sisters, conflict among adults and children scoffing at correction.
However, in every episode, it’s clear that this family loves each other immensely.
Even when the sisters are angry with one another, they quickly reconcile. They continuously stand up for and protect each other.
While forgiveness and love are at the heart of the show, it still tackles tough issues and their consequences.
One episode that has stuck with me to this day involves D.J. Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler getting involved with a group of teenagers who like to drive recklessly for fun.
When D.J. knows the drivers have been drinking alcohol and it’s unsafe, she decides not to participate. Kimmy ignores D.J.’s pleading and gets in the car anyways.
D.J. devastatingly finds out that the group of teens got into an accident. While the topic is uncomfortable, the episode shows viewers that unwise decisions, especially those involving peer pressure, can have serious consequences.
THE CAST ADDS TO THE SHOW’S CHARISMA
I would argue that the cast of the show makes “Full House” as great as it is.
The cast members fit with their respective characters, adding to the charm and originality of the sitcom.
For some, “Full House” was the start of a successful acting career.
Saget made for an amazing on-screen dad—the type everyone wishes they had, if they don’t already.
The Olsen twins portrayed natural talent from a very young age as Michelle Tanner, the adorable youngest child.
Sweetin and Cameron make for humorous yet loving sisters, with Cameron being the protective big sister we’ve all wanted growing up.
Stamos is a good fit as the “cool uncle” of the family, while Coulier embodies the family’s goofy uncle that many of us know and love.
Laughlin, as Rebecca, played Uncle Jesse’s love interest and became an aunt to the young girls.
While the show may not be every person’s cup of tea, it has a broad appeal.
If you are a fan of ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, you will surely find comfort and nostalgia within “Full House.”
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE SHOW
In a world full of immorality and sensuality, I feel comfortable watching “Full House” without a pang of guilt.
Nothing beats the nostalgia, charm and all around warm feeling that you can find amongst the Tanner family.
If you haven’t yet seen “Full House,” it’s time to tune in and get to know the Tanner family.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_House
https://www.eonline.com/photos/31000/25-surprising-secrets-about-full-house?st_source=ai_overview
