Some TV couples are so iconic that fans cheer when they finally get together. Others? Well, they spark endless debates. That’s exactly what happened when Candace Cameron Bure — who played DJ Tanner-Fuller — recently shared a throwback to her Fuller House engagement scene with Steve Hale.
Instead of pure nostalgia, her post reopened old wounds. Fans flooded social media with mixed reactions, proving that even years after Fuller House ended, the DJ-Steve storyline still divides the fandom.
So why are fans salty? Let’s dive into the history of DJ’s love life, why the Steve engagement stirred controversy, and what this throwback means today.
DJ Tanner’s Complicated Love Life
From Full House to Fuller House, DJ Tanner’s relationships were always part of the story. In the original series, her teenage romance with Steve was sweet, awkward, and full of firsts. For many viewers, Steve was “the one.”
Fast-forward to Fuller House, and things got messy. DJ, now a widow and mom of three, found herself in a love triangle between Steve (her high school sweetheart) and Matt, her charming new love interest.
The Fuller House Love Triangle
Netflix leaned hard into the DJ-Steve-Matt triangle, stretching it across multiple seasons. DJ’s indecision kept fans guessing — would she choose nostalgia and history with Steve, or a fresh start with Matt?
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Steve Fans argued he had always been DJ’s soulmate.
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Matt Fans insisted he was better for her in the long run.
The writers played with the tension, but when DJ finally accepted Steve’s proposal in Fuller House, not everyone celebrated.
The Engagement Episode That Changed Everything
The engagement between DJ and Steve was designed to be a heartwarming moment. The proposal was romantic, sentimental, and filled with callbacks to Full House.
But instead of universal cheers, the fandom fractured. Some loved the nostalgic ending. Others felt it was lazy writing that erased years of character growth — and ignored Matt’s genuine connection with DJ.
Why Fans Are Still Salty About DJ Choosing Steve
Let’s break down the backlash:
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Predictability – Many fans complained the ending was too obvious. They felt the writers pandered to nostalgia instead of telling a fresh story.
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Matt Got Robbed – Matt was charming, supportive, and arguably more compatible with adult DJ. Fans who rooted for him felt betrayed.
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Character Regression – Some critics said DJ marrying Steve made her seem stuck in the past rather than moving forward.
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Missed Opportunities – A braver ending might have given DJ independence, focusing on her as a single mom without needing a romantic “completion.”
Candace Cameron Bure’s Throwback Stirred the Pot
When Candace posted a throwback photo of DJ and Steve’s engagement, she probably thought it was a sweet nostalgia trip. Instead, the comments section lit up with old debates.
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Some fans cheered: “They were always endgame!”
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Others groaned: “Matt deserved better.”
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A few even joked: “We’re still mad, Candace!”
The throwback reminded everyone that even though the show ended in 2020, the conversation around DJ’s choice is far from over.
Steve and DJ: A Love Story Decades in the Making
For those who supported the engagement, Steve and DJ’s relationship is one of the most enduring in sitcom history. From puppy love in the ’90s to rekindled romance in adulthood, their story gave fans a sense of closure.
Supporters argue that the show honored its legacy by bringing them together. After all, Fuller House was built on nostalgia.
The Case for Matt: The “What If” Ending
On the other side, Matt represented growth and new beginnings. He wasn’t tied to DJ’s past. Instead, he offered a chance at a fresh future — something many viewers thought would have been more realistic for her character arc.
In fan forums, people still imagine an alternate ending where DJ chose Matt or remained single, raising her kids on her own terms.
Why This Debate Matters to Fans
You might wonder — why does a fictional engagement matter so much years later? The answer is simple: Full House and Fuller House weren’t just sitcoms. They were cultural touchstones. Fans grew up with DJ, so her love life felt personal.
Seeing her settle down with Steve wasn’t just a plotline. For some, it was satisfying closure. For others, it was a frustrating step backward.
What the Cast Has Said
The actors themselves have weighed in over the years:
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Candace Cameron Bure: Proud of DJ’s storyline and happy with the engagement ending.
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Scott Weinger (Steve): Thrilled to reprise his role and close the loop on Steve and DJ’s story.
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Michael Campion (Jackson, DJ’s son): Even admitted he rooted for Matt!
These differing perspectives show that even behind the scenes, there wasn’t total agreement.
The Role of Nostalgia in Fuller House
The truth is, Fuller House wasn’t just about telling new stories — it was about revisiting the past. The DJ-Steve engagement was less about surprising fans and more about comforting them. It was the writers’ way of saying: some things never change.
That’s heartwarming for some, frustrating for others.
How Fans Keep the Debate Alive Online
Even today, Reddit threads, TikToks, and YouTube essays dissect the Steve vs. Matt storyline. People rank DJ’s relationships, rewatch the triangle episodes, and meme the proposal.
The throwback post from Candace just poured fresh fuel on the fire.
What If Fuller House Gets a Sequel?
Rumors occasionally swirl about another spinoff — maybe Fullest House. If that ever happened, would the writers revisit DJ’s love life again? Could Matt make a comeback? Fans would certainly tune in, if only to see whether the debates get resolved.
The Bigger Picture: Why We Care So Much About TV Romances
TV romances stick with us because they mirror real life. We see our own heartbreaks, choices, and “what ifs” in characters like DJ. That’s why fans get salty — because these stories feel personal.
And when a throwback post reignites old arguments, it’s proof that the show still matters.
Conclusion
Candace Cameron Bure’s throwback wasn’t just a trip down memory lane — it was a reminder of one of the most divisive endings in modern sitcom history.
Whether you loved DJ’s engagement to Steve or thought she should’ve chosen Matt, one thing’s clear: the Fuller House fandom is as passionate as ever. Years later, the debate rages on, proving that when it comes to the Tanners, fans will always have strong opinions.
So, are you #TeamSteve or #TeamMatt? Maybe that’s the real question keeping Fuller House alive in our hearts.
FAQs
1. Why are fans still upset about DJ’s engagement to Steve?
Because many felt the storyline ignored character growth and overlooked her strong relationship with Matt.
2. Did Candace Cameron Bure expect backlash with her throwback post?
Probably not — but it reignited an old debate that fans are still passionate about.
3. Was Steve always meant to be DJ’s endgame?
Yes. The show leaned heavily into nostalgia, making Steve the “safe” choice for closure.
4. How did fans react to Matt being left out?
Many felt disappointed, saying his character deserved better after investing so much in his romance with DJ.
5. Could future spinoffs revisit DJ’s love life?
Possibly. If another revival happens, writers could explore alternate directions, but for now, DJ and Steve remain canon.
