When you think of Full House, it’s hard not to picture John Stamos as Uncle Jesse—the leather-jacket-wearing, Elvis-loving heartthrob who stole scenes and cemented himself as one of TV’s most beloved uncles. But here’s the shocker: Stamos almost didn’t stick around. In fact, he admitted he hated the show at first and even wanted out.
So, what went wrong in the early days, and how did Stamos go from hating Full House to embracing its legacy? Let’s break it down.
John Stamos’ Big Break Before Full House
Before Full House, John Stamos was no stranger to the spotlight. He rose to fame on General Hospital and quickly built a reputation as a rising TV star. By the late ’80s, he was looking for his next big role—something cool, edgy, and career-defining.
He thought Full House would be it. But as it turns out, things didn’t exactly match his expectations.
What Stamos Expected: A ‘Bosom Buddies’-Style Comedy
According to Stamos, when he first signed onto Full House, he thought the show would be more like Bosom Buddies—a quirky, adult-oriented comedy with witty banter and lots of laughs for grown-ups.
Instead, he quickly discovered that the heart of the show wasn’t him—or the other adult leads—but the kids.
The Reality Check: Jodie Sweetin Steals the Show
During one of the early tapings, Stamos noticed something that rattled him: the live audience loved Jodie Sweetin, who played the bubbly Stephanie Tanner. Her adorable catchphrases and comedic timing had everyone in stitches.
Meanwhile, Stamos’ character wasn’t getting the same reaction. He later admitted it made him question whether he even belonged on the show.
Why Stamos “Hated” Full House in the Beginning
In his own words, Stamos felt like the series was too saccharine, too kid-centered, and too far from what he thought he signed up for. He wanted sharp comedy. Instead, he found himself in a family sitcom built around hugs, lessons, and child actors.
It didn’t help that critics initially slammed the show as cheesy and overly sentimental. Stamos wondered if Full House would sink his career instead of elevating it.
The Temptation to Quit
The frustration grew so much that Stamos considered walking away. He admitted he wanted out after realizing his role wasn’t what he expected.
But here’s the twist: the very thing that bothered him—the kids stealing the spotlight—became the reason Full House turned into a massive hit.
Why He Ultimately Stayed
Stamos stayed because of two things: loyalty and growth. He had already signed onto the project, and despite his doubts, he recognized the chemistry among the cast.
Slowly but surely, his character evolved. Uncle Jesse became more than a sidekick—he turned into one of the central pillars of the Tanner family.
How Uncle Jesse Became Iconic
Uncle Jesse’s transformation from a cool bachelor to a responsible father figure mirrored the show’s heartwarming themes. Fans loved watching his journey from living for himself to embracing family life with the Tanners, and eventually, with his wife Becky and their twins.
Stamos not only won over the audience—he ended up becoming one of the most memorable parts of the show.
The Shift in Perspective
Over time, Stamos’ attitude toward Full House changed. What he once saw as corny, he began to see as heartfelt.
The very kid-focused energy that frustrated him at first was exactly what made the show timeless. Millions of families tuned in because they saw themselves in the Tanner household.
The Legacy of Jodie Sweetin’s Role
It’s ironic that Jodie Sweetin’s popularity once made Stamos question his role. Today, he praises her talent and the dynamic energy she brought to the show. Without the kids—Stephanie, DJ, and Michelle—Full House wouldn’t have worked.
And Stamos eventually embraced that.
Full House: From Criticism to Cult Classic
When Full House first aired in 1987, critics weren’t kind. Many labeled it too sweet, predictable, and unrealistic. But audiences didn’t care. Families connected with the Tanners, and ratings soared.
By the time the series ended in 1995, it was one of the most beloved sitcoms of its era—and Stamos was a huge part of that success.
The Fuller House Revival: A Redemption Story
When Netflix revived the show with Fuller House in 2016, Stamos returned not just as Uncle Jesse but also as a producer. This time, he fully embraced the family-centered themes he once resisted.
In interviews, he admitted he had grown to love what Full House stood for: togetherness, values, and finding humor in everyday life.
The Lesson Stamos Learned
Looking back, Stamos’ journey with Full House is a reminder that sometimes the roles we resist the most end up shaping us in the best ways.
He went from almost quitting to becoming one of the faces most associated with the show’s success.
Why Fans Love This Confession
Fans appreciate Stamos’ honesty. Hearing that he “hated” the show at first makes his later devotion to it even more meaningful. It shows growth, humility, and an ability to laugh at the past.
Plus, it makes us love Uncle Jesse even more.
Conclusion
John Stamos’ early struggles with Full House prove that even the biggest TV icons don’t always see the magic right away. What he once saw as cheesy turned into a cultural phenomenon that defined his career.
The irony? The very moments that made him want to quit—Jodie Sweetin’s big laughs, the kid-centered plots, the wholesome family values—are exactly what made Full House unforgettable.
FAQs
1. Why did John Stamos almost quit Full House?
He initially disliked the kid-focused, sentimental tone and worried the show wasn’t what he signed up for.
2. Who did Stamos compare Full House to before joining?
He thought it would be like Bosom Buddies, an edgier adult sitcom.
3. How did Jodie Sweetin’s performance impact Stamos?
Her strong audience reactions made him feel overshadowed, which frustrated him in the beginning.
4. Did John Stamos eventually embrace the show?
Yes, he grew to love it and even returned as a producer for Fuller House.
5. What is Uncle Jesse’s legacy in Full House?
He became a fan favorite, representing growth, family love, and the balance between coolness and responsibility.
