For all its wholesome family values and feel-good moments, Full House wasn’t always as picture-perfect behind the scenes. Like many successful TV shows, Full House had its fair share of drama, backstage tensions, and cast controversies. From conflicts between cast members to a high-profile exit, the road to success wasn’t always smooth. But despite the challenges, Full House remains one of the most beloved family sitcoms of all time.
In this article, we take a closer look at what really happened off-screen during the production of Full House and the relationships that helped—and sometimes hindered—the show’s success.
The Cast’s Close-Knit Yet Complicated Relationships
At the heart of Full House was a tight-knit family, both on-screen and off. The cast members shared a special bond that made the show feel authentic, with Bob Saget (Danny), John Stamos (Jesse), and Dave Coulier (Joey) forming the core of the trio that anchored the series. Yet, as with any long-running show, not every relationship was as smooth as it seemed.
Saget, Stamos, and Coulier frequently spoke about the camaraderie between them. They often joked about how they became “brothers” over time, spending long hours together on set and bonding over their shared experiences as part of a hugely popular show. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing—especially when it came to the show’s child actors.
The Olsen Twins: The Most Notorious Cast Drama
Perhaps the most famous behind-the-scenes drama in Full House history revolves around Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played the adorable Michelle Tanner. While they became household names by sharing the role of the youngest Tanner, their journey was not without challenges.
Mary-Kate and Ashley’s dual role as Michelle meant they had to alternate filming scenes, which was a grueling process for two young children. The constant pressure of performing, combined with long hours and the need for them to grow up in front of the camera, led to some difficult moments for the twins.
In interviews, the Olsens have said that the early years of fame were overwhelming and that their parents were often very protective of their well-being. The child stars’ fame skyrocketed with Full House, and at times, the pressure of being thrust into the spotlight at such a young age caused strain in their personal lives.
Despite their initial discomfort, the twins went on to become some of the wealthiest and most successful former child stars in Hollywood, building their own fashion empire and steering clear of the public eye in later years.
The Exit of Candace Cameron (D.J.) and the Character’s Growth
One of the more dramatic behind-the-scenes events on Full House was the departure of actress Candace Cameron (D.J. Tanner). In Season 8, Candace’s contract was not renewed after a lengthy discussion with the show’s producers. Some reports suggested that she wanted to pursue other opportunities, while others claimed it was due to creative differences.
Interestingly, Candace went on to become one of the show’s most prominent stars. After Full House, she was able to establish a successful career as an actress and later as a TV personality. She eventually returned for the reboot, Fuller House, where she reprised her role as D.J. Tanner and shared a new chapter with fans who had grown up watching her. Despite her departure, Candace’s relationship with her co-stars remained strong, with the entire cast praising her professionalism and dedication to her role.
On-Set Tensions Between Bob Saget and John Stamos
While Bob Saget (Danny Tanner) and John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis) are often remembered for their on-screen chemistry as father and uncle, their relationship off-screen was far more complicated. According to various interviews, the two had a bit of a “brotherly rivalry” on set. John Stamos was the resident heartthrob of the show, attracting a massive fan following thanks to his good looks and charm, while Bob Saget was the more serious, often reserved, character who played the responsible father.
Saget and Stamos have openly admitted that they were both incredibly competitive. This rivalry was further fueled by Stamos’ frustration with being cast as the cool, carefree uncle while Saget took the more “dad-like” role. Despite this, both actors respected each other immensely and had great affection for one another. Over the years, their relationship has grown into a lifelong friendship, with Stamos and Saget continuing to work together and supporting each other in their post-Full House careers.
Dave Coulier and the Drama With Full House’s Humor
Dave Coulier’s character, Joey Gladstone, was the goofy and lovable sidekick of Danny Tanner, bringing humor and light-hearted moments to the show. Coulier’s comedic style was unique, often involving slapstick humor, impersonations, and his iconic “cut it out” catchphrase. However, Coulier’s personal life was occasionally thrust into the spotlight due to rumors about his relationships with his co-stars.
In particular, there were reports that Coulier’s relationship with the Olsen twins was a point of tension. It was widely rumored that Coulier was romantically involved with one of the twins, though he has never confirmed or denied this. Regardless of the speculation, Coulier was a fan favorite, and his jokes and humor helped establish Full House as one of the most iconic family sitcoms of its time.
Behind the Scenes with the Directors and Writers
Another significant aspect of Full House’s success was its talented writing team and directors who worked behind the scenes to keep the show running smoothly. In particular, creators Jeff Franklin and Thomas L. Miller, along with producer Bob Boyett, were instrumental in shaping the direction of the show.
The writing team helped to create episodes that felt grounded in real-life experiences while adding elements of absurdity and slapstick humor. They also knew how to balance the emotional moments with the more lighthearted aspects of the show. Franklin, especially, was known for his ability to craft episodes that resonated deeply with audiences—whether it was about the Tanner family coping with loss or learning important life lessons.
Despite the show’s success, the final season saw a shift in direction, partly due to the changing dynamics of the cast and the pressures from ABC to wrap up the show. While it wasn’t without challenges, the behind-the-scenes team did everything they could to keep Full House feeling fresh and relatable.
The Impact of the Full House Legacy and Reboot
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Full House remains one of the most enduring sitcoms in TV history. After its end in 1995, the show remained popular through reruns and gained even more fans thanks to its family-friendly content. In 2016, Fuller House, the reboot series, brought back many of the original cast members, including Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin, and Andrea Barber, and introduced new generations of viewers to the Tanner family.
Fuller House was not just a chance for fans to relive the magic of Full House but also an opportunity for the cast to reflect on their legacy together. Despite the off-screen drama, the cast and crew of Full House still share an undeniable bond that transcends their professional work.
Conclusion
While Full House was an incredibly successful and beloved show, its behind-the-scenes story is filled with fascinating dynamics, challenges, and drama. From the complicated relationships between the cast members to the pressures of stardom and the constant balancing act between creativity and network demands, Full House was far from an easy ride.
But despite the drama and the challenges, the show’s ultimate success is a testament to the chemistry and passion that the cast and crew brought to the table. The Tanner family’s legacy continues to live on, proving that behind every successful sitcom, there are stories of perseverance, friendship, and growth—both on and off the screen.
