A Bittersweet Goodbye to an Iconic Sitcom
Let’s face it—Full House wasn’t just a sitcom. It was the family show of the late ’80s and ’90s. It gave us heartfelt lessons, unforgettable catchphrases (“How rude!”), and characters who felt like extended family. But for all the love it earned, the show’s ending? Well… it didn’t sit right with a lot of fans.
So here I am, making a bold claim: I know how Full House could’ve saved itself from its controversial and abrupt finale. Let’s dig into what went wrong and how a few tweaks could’ve given us the closure we truly needed.
What Happened in the Actual Finale?
The last episode of Full House, titled “Michelle Rides Again,” aired on May 23, 1995. It focused on Michelle falling off a horse and losing her memory—an odd choice for a finale, right? Instead of wrapping up major arcs, the show centered on a one-off injury storyline. And while Michelle eventually regained her memory, viewers were left scratching their heads.
Where was the closure? Where were the big emotional payoffs? It felt like any other mid-season episode, not the grand finale to a beloved series.
Why the Ending Felt So Unsatisfying
So many beloved shows get it wrong when it comes to saying goodbye. But Full House’s ending wasn’t just a little weak—it was a missed opportunity.
Let’s break down why it left so many fans feeling empty:
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No major character growth was resolved.
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No time jump or flash forward to see where everyone landed.
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Michelle’s storyline hijacked the finale.
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There were zero wedding bells, career changes, or emotional partings.
It felt more like a filler episode than a farewell. For a show built on family moments and emotional beats, this one barely touched the heart.
So, How Could Full House Have Ended?
Let’s rewrite history. Here’s how the show could’ve truly wrapped up on a high note—with heart, humor, and the kind of ending fans still talk about for the right reasons.
1. Michelle’s Story: Let Her Grow Up Gracefully
Instead of giving Michelle amnesia, let’s see her face a more realistic coming-of-age challenge. Maybe she’s preparing for middle school or dealing with the idea of growing up in a house full of older siblings and adults. That kind of storyline would’ve allowed her to reflect on all she’s learned—bringing back some emotional resonance.
2. DJ’s Graduation and Big Decisions
DJ Tanner was nearing the end of high school in the final season. The perfect finale could’ve revolved around her graduation, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the start of another.
Imagine a tearful moment with Danny giving her a heartfelt speech, and DJ deciding whether to go away for college or stay nearby. That’s emotional gold right there.
3. Uncle Jesse and Becky Move Out (But Not Away)
Let’s be real: it never made sense that Uncle Jesse, Becky, and their twins still lived in the attic.
In a better finale, they would’ve finally bought their own house—maybe just down the street. It’s the natural next step for a growing family, and it would show real progression while still keeping the extended family vibe alive.
4. Stephanie Finds Her Voice—Literally
Throughout the series, Stephanie struggled to find her place as the middle child. A great finale would’ve allowed her to step into her own—perhaps performing a solo at DJ’s graduation or winning a writing contest.
Let her shine! Give her a big “I found myself” moment that signals her own personal growth.
5. Danny Finds Love Again
Danny Tanner was the ultimate devoted dad—but he deserved love too. The series often teased romantic interests for him, but never fully committed.
In a finale redo, Danny could propose to a long-time love interest, offering a hopeful look at his future as more than just Super Dad.
6. Kimmy Gibbler Gets the Spotlight She Deserved
Kimmy was more than comic relief—she was fiercely loyal and surprisingly wise in her own way.
Why not give her a touching moment where DJ thanks her for always being there? Maybe she even gets accepted into a quirky art school. Her weirdness deserved a win.
7. Joey’s Big Comedy Break
Joey Gladstone always dreamed of being a professional comedian. Let’s give him a full-circle moment—maybe he lands a role on a late-night show or finally gets that big stand-up gig.
His goodbye would’ve been filled with jokes, hugs, and maybe one last Popeye impression.
8. The Tanner House: A Living, Breathing Character
That house was as much a character as anyone else. A perfect ending would include a final group moment—maybe everyone sitting in the living room, sharing laughs, watching old home videos, or taking a family photo.
Simple, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
9. A Flash Forward: Where Are They Now?
This would’ve been the cherry on top.
A quick flash-forward sequence could’ve shown where the characters are 5 or 10 years later. DJ as a young mom. Stephanie as a music teacher. Michelle running her own business. Jesse and Becky with teens. Danny and his new wife enjoying grandkids.
It’s emotional payoff and closure.
10. A Family Tradition Carried Forward
Imagine Michelle planting a new tree in the backyard or DJ passing down a piece of advice her mom gave her. The finale could’ve shown how traditions live on—tying the series back to its emotional roots.
Why the Rewritten Ending Works Better
This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s narrative payoff. A strong finale honors the characters, ties up loose ends, and reflects the show’s core message.
Full House was always about unconditional love, personal growth, and navigating life together. The original finale just didn’t lean into that enough.
What We Got Instead: A Missed Opportunity
The Michelle-amnesia plotline wasn’t just odd—it sidelined everyone else’s development. It ignored years of character growth and gave us very little closure.
It felt like the writers didn’t realize it would be the last episode. Maybe they didn’t. But for such a landmark show, it was a weak goodbye.
Did Fuller House Fix It?
Years later, Fuller House brought back the magic—but it couldn’t undo the original ending. While it gave us more closure, it leaned more on nostalgia than narrative redemption.
Still, it proved that fans never stopped caring about these characters—and that they deserved better the first time around.
Conclusion: What Full House Should’ve Taught Us at the End
The best endings feel earned. They don’t need to be perfect, but they should feel final. Full House had the heart, the audience, and the cast to do something unforgettable—and it fumbled the ball right at the goal line.
But the beauty of stories? We get to reimagine them. And in this reimagined ending, every Tanner—and Gibbler—got the sendoff they truly deserved.
FAQs
1. Why was the Full House finale so controversial?
Because it didn’t feel like a real ending—there was no closure for most characters, and the plot centered on Michelle’s amnesia.
2. Was the finale meant to be the series ending?
Many believe the cast and crew didn’t know it would be the last episode, which might explain the lack of finality.
3. Did Fuller House address the original show’s ending?
Not directly, but it continued the characters’ stories and gave fans some long-overdue resolutions.
4. Why didn’t Uncle Jesse and Becky move out?
Probably for comedic and logistical reasons, but in real life, their growing family would’ve moved ages ago.
5. Could Full House return for another reunion?
With Fuller House done, it’s unlikely—but never say never. Nostalgia is a powerful force in TV.
