The Story of the Only Full House Episode Filmed in San Francisco
When you think of Full House, you probably picture that iconic San Francisco house, the Golden Gate Bridge, and all the charming city vibes. But here’s a fun twist: only one episode of the entire series was actually filmed on location in San Francisco. Sounds surprising, right? The rest? Mostly studio sets in Los Angeles.
Let’s take a deep dive into that unique episode, explore why it was so special, and uncover the stories behind the scenes that make it a standout moment in Full House history.
Why San Francisco? The City That Felt Like Home
Full House is set in San Francisco, and the city’s colorful charm and iconic landmarks are woven into the show’s identity. But filming on location isn’t always practical. The logistics, budget, and scheduling hurdles often mean TV shows recreate locations on sound stages.
That said, when Full House’s producers decided to shoot an episode in the city itself, it was a big deal.
The Episode: “And They Call It Puppy Love” (Season 3, Episode 15)
The only episode filmed in San Francisco is titled “And They Call It Puppy Love.” The plot centers around Michelle getting a puppy, which leads to lots of laughs and heartwarming moments. The show took the rare step of capturing real San Francisco scenes to give fans a genuine feel of the city.
Filming on Location: Challenges and Rewards
Shooting outside the controlled studio environment is no joke. The cast and crew faced:
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Crowds and curious fans trying to get a glimpse of the stars.
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Weather unpredictability that can delay filming.
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Tight schedules to film on busy city streets without disrupting daily life.
Despite all this, the San Francisco shoot gave the episode a fresh, authentic vibe that fans appreciated.
The Iconic House: More Than Just a Set
The Tanner house, with its iconic red door and bay windows, became a landmark in its own right. Although the interiors were filmed on sets in LA, the exteriors used the real San Francisco home located at 1709 Broderick Street.
During the “Puppy Love” episode, real San Francisco backgrounds, including streets and parks, gave fans an up-close look at the city that inspired the show.
Cast Reflections: What Did the Actors Think?
Many cast members have reminisced about filming in San Francisco. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played Michelle, enjoyed the change of scenery. The real city streets brought a new energy to the shoot, making it a memorable day for the young stars.
Bob Saget and the rest of the cast also appreciated seeing the city in its natural form beyond studio backdrops.
Why Only One Episode?
Filming in San Francisco was exciting, but costly and complex. Most of the series’ episodes stayed in the studio to keep production smooth and predictable. Plus, the show had perfected its set design to mimic the city’s vibe perfectly.
Still, that one episode serves as a love letter to San Francisco — the heart and soul of Full House.
Fans’ Favorite San Francisco Moments
Even outside of the on-location episode, fans love seeing San Francisco landmarks throughout the show:
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The Painted Ladies, the famous Victorian houses near the Tanner home.
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Golden Gate Bridge shots opening the theme song.
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Outdoor scenes at well-known parks and neighborhoods.
These elements keep the city front and center in Full House’s appeal.
The Cultural Impact: Putting San Francisco on the TV Map
Full House helped make San Francisco’s family-friendly image even more iconic worldwide. Despite filming mostly in studios, the show’s imagery connected millions to the city’s charm.
The “Puppy Love” episode took this a step further by showcasing actual city life on screen.
How to Visit the Full House House Today
Fans still flock to 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco to snap pictures of the famous house. It’s a pilgrimage spot for those nostalgic for the show. Seeing the real exterior in person, alongside the city’s other landmarks, makes the Full House experience tangible.
Behind-the-Scenes Fun: San Francisco Edition
Crew members shared that the San Francisco shoot was filled with unexpected fun moments—like dealing with street performers, spontaneous fan meetups, and the challenge of capturing sound amid city noise.
Did the City Affect the Story?
Some say the authenticity of shooting in San Francisco gave the episode a more heartfelt tone. You can feel the city’s energy through the camera lens, making the story about Michelle’s puppy feel even more real.
A Once-in-a-Series Opportunity
Many shows aspire to shoot on location but rarely get the chance. For Full House, this episode stands as a unique milestone—a glimpse of the “real” city beyond the studio walls.
How This Episode Influenced Future Sitcoms
Full House proved that filming on location could enrich storytelling, even if done sparingly. It inspired other family sitcoms to venture outside their studios occasionally to capture genuine settings.
Where to Stream the Episode
If you want to see this special episode, it’s available on major streaming platforms that carry Full House. Watching it with the knowledge of its unique filming adds a layer of appreciation.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Set — San Francisco as a Character
The single Full House episode filmed in San Francisco reminds us how powerful location can be in storytelling. The city itself becomes a character—alive, vibrant, and full of life—shaping the story in subtle but meaningful ways.
So next time you watch Full House, remember: while most of it was filmed on a set, that one episode captured the soul of the city that made the Tanner family feel like neighbors to millions around the world.
FAQs
1. Which Full House episode was filmed in San Francisco?
The only episode filmed on location was “And They Call It Puppy Love” from Season 3.
2. Why did Full House mostly film in Los Angeles?
Studio filming offered better control over the environment, scheduling, and costs.
3. Where is the real Full House Tanner house located?
The iconic house is at 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco.
4. Did the cast enjoy filming in San Francisco?
Yes! Cast members have recalled the city shoot as a fun and memorable experience.
5. Can fans visit the Full House house today?
Absolutely! It’s a popular tourist spot for fans visiting San Francisco.
