Back to the Tanner House—But Not as You Remember It
When Fuller House first dropped on Netflix in 2016, fans had two thoughts: “YES, it’s finally here!” and “Wait… will this actually be good?”
The revival of Full House, one of the most beloved family sitcoms of the late ’80s and ’90s, was a risky move. Nostalgia can be powerful—but it can also backfire.
Yet Fuller House managed to deliver something uniquely unexpected. It wasn’t just a rehash of old jokes. It brought surprises, emotional moments, and even bold choices that nobody really saw coming. So let’s dig in and unpack what surprised us most about Fuller House.
The Michelle Mystery: Where Is She?!
We have to start here. The biggest elephant in the room: Michelle Tanner’s mysterious absence. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who both played Michelle, declined to return. But what surprised fans most wasn’t just that she was missing—it’s how Fuller House constantly called it out in clever, sometimes savage ways.
There were fourth-wall breaks, shady one-liners, and full-on jokes about her being “too busy running a fashion empire.” It was hilarious, self-aware, and a little brutal.
The Role Reversal: DJ Is the New Danny
We knew DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) would be the lead—but what caught us off guard was how closely her life now mirrored Danny’s from the original. She’s a widowed mom, raising three kids in her childhood home, with help from her quirky best friend and fun-loving sibling.
Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s basically the Full House blueprint—but flipped. And somehow, it worked.
Stephanie’s Shocking Backstory
If you expected Stephanie to return as the sassy middle child and aspiring musician, you got part of that right. But what surprised everyone? Her raw, vulnerable storylines.
We learn that Stephanie is infertile, and it’s handled with unexpected maturity and sensitivity. This storyline gave the show emotional depth—something most fans didn’t expect from a sitcom reboot.
Kimmy Gibbler’s Glow-Up
Let’s be real: In the original, Kimmy Gibbler was the weird neighbor no one really liked. But in Fuller House, she becomes the comic backbone and emotional MVP.
Andrea Barber steals every scene she’s in. And what’s more surprising? Her character arc is beautifully written. She becomes a devoted mom, loyal friend, and eventually… DJ’s housemate. Yep, the Gibbler invasion is real—and delightful.
The Fan Service Moments Were Next-Level
You expect some callbacks in a reboot. But Fuller House leaned all the way in. From dancing to “Forever” with Jesse to Joey wearing Popeye pajamas, there were so many Easter eggs, fans had to pause and rewind.
What was surprising? They didn’t feel forced. They were sprinkled in with love, timing, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
The Show Actually Got… Funnier?
We’ll be honest: Full House was sweet, but it wasn’t always laugh-out-loud funny. But Fuller House? It was genuinely hilarious at times.
The writing matured with the audience. It didn’t rely on cheap jokes. The humor felt updated—a perfect blend of wholesome and witty.
The Romantic Curveballs No One Predicted
We all expected DJ to end up with Steve. But then Matt came along—and honestly, he was perfect too. Suddenly, DJ was in a full-blown love triangle.
It felt like watching The Bachelor: Team Steve vs. Team Matt. And honestly? The twisty back-and-forth kept us guessing more than we expected from a family show.
Stephanie and Jimmy?! Didn’t See That Coming
Kimmy’s younger brother Jimmy is introduced as a goofball… and somehow becomes Stephanie’s boyfriend—and eventually, her baby daddy.
What started as a running gag turned into one of the most charming and oddly sweet pairings on the show. Definitely a plot twist that had fans scratching their heads—and then cheering.
They Got Away with a Lot for a “Family Show”
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: Fuller House wasn’t that innocent. It had mature themes, suggestive jokes, and real-life issues.
It tackled topics like infertility, divorce, parenting struggles, and even body image. All in a way that felt surprisingly thoughtful and not out of place.
The Musical Numbers Were Wildly Good
Did you expect Fuller House to be a musical comedy at times? Neither did we. But the show had some surprisingly great performances.
Whether it was Stephanie singing, the kids performing, or a dance number breaking out at a wedding, these moments added a fun, Broadway-like vibe no one saw coming.
The Kids Were Actually Charming
Child actors can be hit or miss. But in Fuller House, DJ’s three boys—Jackson, Max, and Tommy—were lovable and legit talented.
Max, in particular, became a fan favorite. He had that vintage sitcom energy with a modern twist. His sass? Iconic.
The Show Lasted Longer Than Expected
Let’s be honest: Most people thought Fuller House might get one or two seasons and quietly disappear.
Surprise: It lasted five full seasons. That’s more than most Netflix originals. And it ended on its own terms, with a real finale—not a cancellation.
The Triple Wedding Finale Was a Full-Circle Moment
The series finale brought DJ, Stephanie, and Kimmy together in a triple wedding event. It was sweet, dramatic, and yes—a little over the top.
But what made it powerful was this: Three best friends, who’ve raised kids and grown up together, entering the next chapter side by side. It hit harder than expected.
It Wasn’t Just a Reboot—It Was a Love Letter
What truly surprised us most? Fuller House didn’t just try to recreate the past. It honored it. It celebrated growth, change, friendship, and what family looks like today.
In a world full of reboot cash-grabs, Fuller House felt like it was made by people who truly cared—about the characters, the fans, and the legacy.
Conclusion: Fuller House Surprised Us in the Best Way
Sure, Fuller House had its cheesy moments and sitcom tropes. But beneath the laugh track and Gibbler antics, there was heart—real heart. It surprised us with emotional depth, strong character arcs, hilarious writing, and a respectful nod to its roots.
It wasn’t perfect. But it didn’t need to be. It was comfort food for the soul, wrapped in nostalgia, humor, and love. And that’s why it worked.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t the Olsen twins return for Fuller House?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen stepped away from acting years ago. They chose not to return, focusing instead on their fashion empire, The Row.
2. Who does DJ end up with in Fuller House?
DJ rekindles her relationship with high school sweetheart Steve, and the series ends with their wedding.
3. Was Fuller House filmed on the original set?
No, but the set was rebuilt to closely resemble the original Full House home, with some updates and expansions.
4. How many seasons of Fuller House are there?
There are 5 seasons total, with the final episodes released in June 2020.
5. Is Fuller House suitable for kids?
Generally, yes. It’s family-friendly, but it includes some more mature humor and themes than the original, so parental discretion is advised.
