Full House to Fuller House: The Watch Order That Will Blow Your Mind

Full House 0

Why Full House Still Matters Today

Let’s be honest—some shows just age like fine wine. Full House is one of them. It’s more than a nostalgic blast from the past; it’s a comfort show that feels like home. With heartfelt moments, goofy jokes, and unforgettable characters, it’s no wonder it stayed in our hearts.

And then came Fuller House, which gave us a fresh take on the same lovable family dynamic, just grown up. But to get the full experience? You’ve got to watch it in the right order.

What is the Full House Franchise?

If you’re new here (or just need a refresher), here’s the scoop:

Full House aired from 1987 to 1995 and followed Danny Tanner, a widowed dad raising three daughters with the help of Uncle Jesse and Joey.

Fuller House hit Netflix in 2016 and ran until 2020. This time, the roles are reversed—DJ Tanner is now the widowed parent, and she gets help from her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy.

The magic of both shows? That tight-knit family energy and loads of laugh-out-loud (and cry-out-loud) moments.

Watching in Release Order: The Original Experience

If you want to watch the series the way the world did, start with Full House and then move on to Fuller House. This approach lets you grow with the characters over time and enjoy how pop culture evolved along with the show.

Full House (1987–1995)

  • Season 1

  • Season 2

  • Season 3

  • Season 4

  • Season 5

  • Season 6

  • Season 7

  • Season 8

Fuller House (2016–2020)

  • Season 1

  • Season 2

  • Season 3

  • Season 4

  • Season 5

Watching in Chronological Order: Storyline First

Want to keep the timeline smooth with no time jumps? Watching chronologically helps you follow the character development in a straight line.

Here’s your chronological viewing guide:

  1. Full House – Seasons 1 to 8

  2. Fuller House – Seasons 1 to 5

That’s it. Simple, linear, and story-focused. You start with little Michelle saying “You got it, dude” and end with grown-up DJ navigating parenthood. It’s a full-circle moment.

Where to Watch Full House and Fuller House

Want to dive into the Tanner family world? Here’s where to find both shows right now.

Full House

  • Available on Max

  • Can also be purchased on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes

  • Sometimes appears on Hulu with Live TV or other digital platforms

Fuller House

  • Exclusive to Netflix

Pro Tip: Want to avoid content disappearing from platforms? Grab the DVD box sets. They’re worth it.

Best Episodes You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’re not planning to binge the entire series, here are some key episodes that hit hardest—whether emotionally or hilariously.

Top Full House Episodes:

  • “The Last Dance” – Jesse’s grandfather dies, and emotions run high.

  • “The Graduates” – Big changes ahead as the girls grow up.

  • “Michelle Rides Again” (Parts 1 & 2) – The emotional series finale.

Top Fuller House Episodes:

  • “Our Very First Show, Again” – Nostalgia overload in the first episode.

  • “Save the Dates” – Romance and memories wrapped into one.

  • “A Modest Proposal” – Heartwarming and hilarious all in one.

Cast Then vs. Now

Part of what makes watching both series so rewarding is seeing how the cast grows—not just the kids, but the adults too.

Full House OG Cast:

  • Bob Saget as Danny

  • John Stamos as Jesse

  • Dave Coulier as Joey

  • Candace Cameron Bure as DJ

  • Jodie Sweetin as Stephanie

  • Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as Michelle

  • Lori Loughlin as Aunt Becky

Fuller House Cast:

  • Candace Cameron Bure (DJ)

  • Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie)

  • Andrea Barber (Kimmy)

  • Scott Weinger (Steve)

  • Guest appearances from many original cast members

Note: The Olsen twins didn’t return for Fuller House, but the show makes some pretty hilarious nods to their absence.

Key Themes That Tie Both Shows Together

  • Family Comes First: The core of both shows is unconditional family support.

  • Single Parenthood: Both Danny and DJ raise kids after losing their spouses.

  • Support Systems: Friends becoming family is a constant theme.

  • Humor Meets Heart: Every episode finds a balance between silly and sentimental.

Why Watch Both Series Today?

They’re wholesome, funny, and honestly comforting. In a world full of gritty dramas and reality chaos, Full House and Fuller House are the TV equivalent of a warm blanket and a hot cup of cocoa.

How Long Will It Take to Watch It All?

Let’s break it down:

  • Full House has 8 seasons, 24 episodes each (around 22 minutes each). That’s roughly 70 hours.

  • Fuller House has 5 seasons, ranging from 13 to 18 episodes.

Total binge time? Around 115 hours. That’s a solid long weekend or a fun month of watching with family.

Final Thoughts: Watch It Your Way

Whether you’re team chronological or team release order, one thing’s for sure: Watching Full House and Fuller House in the right sequence makes all the difference. It helps you appreciate the growth, the callbacks, and the relationships that span generations.

So what are you waiting for? Reunite with the Tanners today!

FAQs

1. Do I need to watch Full House before Fuller House?
It’s highly recommended. While Fuller House can stand alone, many jokes and emotional moments reference the original.

2. Is Fuller House appropriate for kids?
Yes, though it has slightly more mature humor than Full House. Still family-friendly.

3. Why didn’t the Olsen twins appear in Fuller House?
They chose not to return. The show makes lighthearted jokes about their absence.

4. Is there going to be another sequel or reboot?
As of now, no official announcements have been made, but fans continue to hope.

5. Are there any crossover episodes with other sitcoms?
Not directly, but actors like Bob Saget and John Stamos have made appearances in other sitcoms with subtle nods.

Rate this post
Post Views: 83