Every so often, something happens in pop culture that makes you really feel time has passed. Bob Saget’s unexpected death ripped a hole in the heart of Full House fans everywhere. While Netflix gave us Fuller House, it didn’t fully close the loop in terms of bringing everyone back in a way that truly answers Saget’s absence. A reunion special that includes the Olsen twins feels less like a wish and more like something necessary. Let’s explore why.
Why a Reunion Special is More Than Nostalgia
Legacy & Closure
Bob Saget wasn’t just an actor—he was Danny Tanner, the emotional glue of the Full House family. His kindness, humor, “love ya Babe” catchphrase—they weren’t side notes. To truly honor him requires a gathering that acknowledges both his role in the show and what his colleagues meant to many of us as viewers.
Fans Still Want More
Since Fuller House ended, fans have repeatedly expressed longing to see more: more memories, more cast chemistry, more of the show’s original charm. A reunion special offers that, with the added depth of reflection and acknowledgment of Saget’s impact.
What’s Already Been Done
Tributes & Odd Reunions
-
The cast found ways to come together for memorial moments and special tributes on birthdays and anniversaries.
-
John Stamos posted a powerful reunion-photo with many of the cast, including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, in one of the most touching moments: remembering Saget on what would have been his 68th birthday. 🍂 (They hadn’t appeared in Fuller House, making this photo especially meaningful.)
-
Netflix released the special Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute, where many friends and co-stars publicly shared stories, laughter, tears—paying homage.
Why the Olsens Matter
Original Full House Roots
Even though Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen didn’t return for Fuller House, their characters—Michelle Tanner—were central in the original Full House. Their absence in the sequel felt obvious to fans who loved that family ensemble.
Rare Public Appearances
The Olsen twins have largely stayed away from public life and acting in recent years. When they reappeared in the reunion photo honoring Saget, it felt like more than just a nod—it was proof that some bonds last even when cameras and roles step away.
What a Reunion Special Could Look Like
Format & Tone
The tone should be mix of warm memories and lighthearted moments, but also honest. Conversations about Saget’s influence, perhaps unseen footage or stories behind the scenes, laugh-out-loud moments but also the emotional ones.
Who to Include
-
Original Full House cast: Stamos, Saget’s daughters, the Olsens, Sweetin, Barber, Bure, Coulier.
-
Fuller House cast: Doesn’t hurt to include those who only appeared in the sequel to show how his legacy continued.
-
Writers, producers, crew who had personal stories about how Saget influenced behind the camera—it deepens the tribute.
Possible Segments
-
Shared memories that never made it public.
-
Michelle’s perspective (Olsens) on the evolution of the show and their decision not to return.
-
How fans reacted and what the show meant in different eras.
Challenges & Sensitivities
Respect & Grief
Reunion content needs to be thoughtful. Saget’s loss is still raw for many. It’s not about cashing in. It’s about respect, love, memory.
Scheduling & Participation
Getting everyone together, especially the Olsen twins, is hard. They have been reclusive. So some participants might decline. That’s ok, but a lot of voices matter.
Balancing Celebration & Mourning
You want laughs, warmth, nostalgia—but also space to mourn. Too much gloss over the grief might feel empty; too heavy might feel like a funeral. Finding balance is key.
How it Helps Healing & Community
Fans Get Closure
Long-time fans deserve a chance to see the cast reflect, connect, and share how they’ve healed, how Saget’s legacy still lives in them.
The Cast Gets to Honor Saget Properly
For cast members, a reunion special is not just for fans—it’s likely cathartic for them too. A way to acknowledge the shared loss in front of everyone who loved the show.
Comparisons: What Other Shows Did
Other classic shows have put out reunion specials when a major cast member passed. They often become milestones in how fans remember both the show and the person.
Think about how Friends: The Reunion worked—not perfect, not replacing what was lost, but it allowed people to see the cast together again, share love, and accept the passage of time. A Full House reunion could similarly bridge past and present.
Potential Format Ideas
-
One-hour or two-hour special documentary style.
-
Live event with audience (virtual or in-person) where cast share stories and maybe admit vulnerabilities.
-
Clip reel of favorite episodes, bloopers, behind-scenes photos.
-
Music or performance segments (something Saget enjoyed or was meaningful to the cast).
Why Netflix Is the Right Platform
Netflix already produced Fuller House. They have access to the archive, the audience, the platform reach. They can give this reunion special the scale and respect it deserves.
Also, streaming allows global access—so fans everywhere can participate emotionally. Netflix can make this more than just TV; it can be communal.
Addressing Objections or Fears
“What if some cast members decline?”
That’s okay. Even without everyone, a thoughtful reunion with most of the core cast still carries power. Their presence—or even their absence—can become part of the narrative.
“Isn’t Fuller House enough?”
Fuller House gave continuation, but it didn’t fully re-capture the original dynamics nor reconcile all cast tensions or the absence of Saget. A reunion special isn’t a show—it’s reflection.
“Will this feel exploitative?”
It could, if done poorly. But with authenticity, transparency, and love from cast involved, it will feel honoring—not exploitative.
What Happens When We Bring Everyone Back
When the cast of Full House / Fuller House gathers in a properly built reunion to honor Bob Saget, magic happens:
-
Fans heal.
-
Cast shares truths.
-
Legacy becomes something living—not just reruns on TV.
-
The Olsen absence from Fuller House is transformed from a gap into something acknowledged with love.
Transforming Absence into Presence
A special can turn absence (of Bob, of Olsen twins in Fuller House) into powerful presence. It doesn’t erase that they didn’t return to Fuller House, but it shows that relationships, respect, and memory continue beyond contracts and scheduling.
Concrete Steps Netflix Could Take
-
Announce a tribute special with notice, so cast can participate.
-
Include segments from the original Full House, Fuller House, and unseen content.
-
Invite cast members who stayed out of the sequel (like the Olsens) in respectful ways.
-
Maybe have fans submit memories or questions for cast to answer.
-
Release on or near an anniversary—Saget’s birthday, or death anniversary—to give it symbolic weight.
Conclusion
Bob Saget was more than the funny face behind the punchline—he was a father figure, a mentor, a friend. Fuller House came close, but it never quite closed the circle. A proper reunion special—including the Olsen twins—would be more than a nostalgia trip. It would be a heartfelt tribute, an act of love, a closure both for the cast and the fans.
If Netflix listens, this reunion could become something deeply meaningful—a moment where laughter mingles with tears, where memory meets gratitude. Because in the end, family matters. Especially when one is gone who meant so much.
FAQs
1. Why weren’t the Olsen twins included in Fuller House originally?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen decided not to return to acting in recent years and chose not to reprise their roles in Fuller House. Their absence was noticeable to many, but it reflects personal choice and priorities outside of the show.
2. What was Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute?
It was a Netflix special in which friends, family, and co-stars came together to share stories about Bob Saget, celebrating his life and legacy. While impactful, it did not fully capture a traditional cast reunion.
3. When would be the most meaningful time to launch this reunion special?
Ideally around Bob Saget’s birthday or the anniversary of his passing. Those dates hold emotional weight and offer symbolic resonance.
4. Could the reunion special help resolve any old cast tensions?
Potentially, yes. Shared grief, respect, and time can mend wounds. Creating a space for open conversation could help heal long-standing gaps or misunderstandings.
5. What should fans expect if such a special happens?
They should expect honesty, emotion, laughter, and tributes. Not a scripted show, but a gathering of people who shared lives together onscreen, honoring someone they lost.
