When you think of Bob Saget, two very different images come to mind. To one generation, he’s Danny Tanner, the squeaky-clean, sweater-wearing dad from Full House. To another, he’s the edgy stand-up comic with a reputation for raunchy, boundary-pushing humor.
One of the most infamous examples of this comedic duality is his shocking line: “Now, Stephanie, we’ve talked about this. No shooting up in the house.” It’s a jarring joke that blends his family-sitcom roots with his raw, uncensored stand-up style. But why did Bob Saget lean so heavily into this kind of comedy, and what does it say about his legacy?
Let’s break it down.
The Context Behind Bob Saget’s Infamous Joke
Bob Saget often joked about his Full House co-stars in his stand-up routines. The “Stephanie” in his joke refers to Stephanie Tanner, played by Jodie Sweetin. Sweetin herself struggled with addiction after her child star years, which made the joke even more shocking for fans familiar with her story.
Although Saget meant it as edgy comedy, many saw it as too dark—especially considering the real-life struggles of his former co-star.
Why Bob Saget’s Humor Surprised People
The biggest reason this joke stood out is because of the huge contrast between Danny Tanner and Bob Saget the comedian.
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On Full House, he was the picture-perfect dad: clean, wholesome, and endlessly patient.
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On stage, he was unapologetically raunchy, delivering punchlines that often pushed boundaries around drugs, sex, and taboo subjects.
This duality shocked fans who only knew him from TV. It’s like finding out Mr. Rogers was secretly a heavy metal frontman.
The Shock Value Factor
Bob Saget thrived on shock value. He once admitted that part of the fun for him was watching people’s jaws drop when they realized Danny Tanner was telling filthy jokes.
This “Stephanie, no shooting up” joke wasn’t just about drugs—it was about delivering the unexpected. The tension between his squeaky-clean persona and his unfiltered humor created the punchline’s power.
The Jodie Sweetin Connection
Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie, has been candid about her real-life battles with addiction after Full House. Because of this, Saget’s joke took on an uncomfortable layer of reality.
Fans debated:
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Was he crossing a line by making light of a co-star’s struggles?
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Or was it simply Saget’s way of addressing dark topics through humor?
Jodie herself maintained a loving relationship with Saget, often praising him as a father figure, which suggests she didn’t take the joke personally. Still, audiences were divided.
Bob Saget’s Philosophy on Comedy
To understand the joke, you have to understand Saget’s philosophy:
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Comedy should push boundaries.
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Dark topics can be made lighter through humor.
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Shock and discomfort can be powerful comedic tools.
In interviews, Saget explained that he used comedy to cope with life’s darker realities. His humor wasn’t random—it was a way to turn pain and discomfort into laughter.
The Dual Legacy: Danny Tanner vs. Dirty Bob
Bob Saget lived in two worlds:
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Danny Tanner, America’s Dad: The role that cemented his fame and made him beloved by families.
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The Edgy Comic: The side that shocked people in comedy clubs and late-night specials.
The “Stephanie shooting up” joke perfectly embodies this dual legacy. It blends his sitcom history with his stand-up edge in one uncomfortable but memorable punchline.
Why People Still Talk About This Joke
Years after Saget first delivered the line, it still circulates online. Why?
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It’s controversial. Controversy sparks conversation.
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It highlights his comedic contrast. People can’t resist the whiplash of Danny Tanner making drug jokes.
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It touches on taboo. Anything involving child actors and addiction immediately draws attention.
In short, the joke has staying power because it’s unforgettable—whether you loved it or hated it.
Comedy and Taboo: Walking the Fine Line
Saget wasn’t the only comedian to use taboo humor, but he was one of the few who did it with a “family-friendly” alter ego attached. That made his jokes hit harder.
But comedy has always been about testing limits. As George Carlin once said, “It’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.” Saget embodied that philosophy.
The Audience Divide: Funny or Offensive?
Not everyone found the “Stephanie shooting up” joke funny. Some saw it as cruel, considering Jodie Sweetin’s history. Others laughed precisely because it was so outrageous.
This split shows the subjective nature of comedy. What one person finds hilarious, another finds offensive. Bob Saget thrived in that tension.
The Human Side of Bob Saget
Despite his edgy jokes, those who knew Bob Saget describe him as gentle, kind, and deeply caring. His dark humor was just one layer—it wasn’t the full picture.
Co-stars like Jodie Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, and John Stamos have all spoken about his generosity and fatherly presence off-screen. For them, the raunchy jokes didn’t define him—his heart did.
How Fans Remember the Joke After His Death
When Bob Saget passed away in 2022, fans revisited many of his stand-up moments. Some brought up the infamous “Stephanie shooting up” line, reflecting on the boldness of his comedy.
For many, it symbolized his unique style: never afraid to mix the sweet with the shocking.
Comedy as a Coping Mechanism
Bob Saget often used humor to deal with tragedy. He lost two sisters at young ages—one to a brain aneurysm, another to scleroderma. He admitted that his dark humor was partly a shield, a way to process grief and pain.
The “Stephanie” joke, while shocking, fits into this pattern. It wasn’t cruelty—it was catharsis, delivered with a mischievous smile.
The Broader Legacy of Bob Saget
Ultimately, Bob Saget will be remembered as:
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A sitcom icon who raised a generation as Danny Tanner.
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A fearless comic who pushed boundaries with raunchy, taboo jokes.
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A compassionate human being who cared deeply for his friends and family.
The “No shooting up in the house” joke is just one example of the contradictions that made him unforgettable.
Conclusion
Bob Saget’s infamous joke—“Now, Stephanie, we’ve talked about this. No shooting up in the house”—captures the essence of his comedic duality. On one hand, he was Danny Tanner, America’s wholesome TV dad. On the other, he was a stand-up comic unafraid to dive into the darkest corners of humor.
Love it or hate it, the joke reminds us that Saget’s comedy wasn’t meant to be safe. It was meant to surprise, shock, and make us think. And in doing so, he left behind a legacy as one of the most complex and unforgettable figures in entertainment.
FAQs
1. Why did Bob Saget make the “Stephanie shooting up” joke?
He often mixed his Full House persona with edgy humor to create shock value and highlight the contrast between his roles.
2. Did Jodie Sweetin ever respond to the joke?
While she never condemned it, she maintained a close relationship with Saget, suggesting she didn’t take it personally.
3. Why was Bob Saget’s comedy so different from his TV persona?
He enjoyed playing with contrasts, and stand-up gave him freedom to explore taboo topics outside of family television.
4. Was Bob Saget offensive on purpose?
Yes—he believed comedy should push boundaries and make people uncomfortable at times.
5. How is Bob Saget remembered today?
Fans remember him both as Danny Tanner and as a bold stand-up comic, but above all, as a kind, generous human being.
