Let’s face it — Full House is a ‘90s sitcom legend. It gave us heartwarming moments, unforgettable characters, and just enough cheese to keep us coming back for more. But not every episode was a winner.
Recently, the show’s creator shocked fans by revealing that one of the most expensive episodes ever filmed in Season 3 was, in his words, “one of the worst.” And yes, it cost a ton to produce.
So, what went wrong? Why did this pricey episode fall flat despite the show’s huge popularity? And what can we learn about the behind-the-scenes truth of producing a hit sitcom?
Let’s dig in.
The Golden Era of ‘Full House’—And Its Unexpected Stumble
Season 3 of Full House aired between 1989 and 1990, a time when the show was hitting its stride. With rising viewership, lovable characters, and a loyal fanbase, the creators weren’t afraid to take risks—and spend big.
But sometimes, more money doesn’t mean better results.
The Creator’s Confession: What He Really Thought About the Episode
During a recent podcast appearance, Full House creator Jeff Franklin got real. He openly admitted that a lavish Season 3 episode set in Hawaii was a major letdown.
His words?
“It cost a fortune. We flew the entire cast to Hawaii. But it just didn’t work. It felt forced, and honestly, it’s one of our weakest episodes.”
Yikes.
The Infamous Episode: “Tanner’s Island”
Yes, we’re talking about Season 3, Episode 1 — “Tanner’s Island.” On paper, it had everything: a tropical setting, adventure, and the full Tanner clan on vacation. But somehow, the magic didn’t land.
Why Was “Tanner’s Island” So Expensive?
Great question.
Filming on location in Hawaii isn’t cheap. The show flew the entire main cast, along with a full crew, and handled lodging, logistics, and high production costs. The budget skyrocketed — well above the usual cost of a standard studio episode.
And the return? Disappointing.
What Went Wrong with the Episode’s Storyline?
The episode centers around Danny surprising the family with a trip to Hawaii. Cue the laughs, right?
Well, not quite.
The plot felt disjointed, the jokes didn’t land, and much of the magic that made Full House so charming got lost in the exotic setting. Instead of feeling fresh, it came off as awkwardly scripted and overly sentimental.
Fans Reacted… and They Were Not Impressed
While the location wowed at first glance, many fans later admitted the episode lacked the emotional punch of the show’s best moments. It felt more like a vacation highlight reel than a real story.
A few fans even dubbed it “the most boring episode of the series.” Ouch.
Why Do Sitcoms Love Vacation Episodes?
Shows like Full House often do vacation episodes to shake things up. Whether it’s Paris, Disney World, or Hawaii, location changes can boost excitement and ratings. But only if the writing and character dynamics stay strong.
In this case, the visuals were stunning — but the heart? Not so much.
The High Risk of High-Budget Episodes
TV history is full of examples where big budgets didn’t save bad writing. Producers often think throwing money at a location or celebrity guest will elevate an episode. But the reality is, if the story falls flat, the rest won’t matter.
“Tanner’s Island” became a cautionary tale of doing too much and losing what made the show special.
Jeff Franklin’s Honest Reflection
What’s refreshing is Jeff Franklin’s transparency. He didn’t try to defend the episode. He owned the misstep, even joking that it became a “$1 million postcard.”
It’s a rare moment of honesty in a business that usually just spins everything as a win.
How the Show Bounced Back After the Flop
Luckily, Full House had more than enough charm to recover. The rest of Season 3 delivered classic episodes like “Breaking Up is Hard to Do (in 22 Minutes)” and “Mr. Egghead,” which brought the laughs and life lessons fans loved.
The Hawaiian misstep became just a blip in an otherwise successful season.
The Bigger Lesson: Staying True to the Show’s Roots
“Tanner’s Island” strayed from what made Full House tick — relatable family moments, emotional growth, and light-hearted humor. The exotic setting distracted from the core.
It’s a reminder to any creator: stick to your story first.
Fans Today Look Back with Mixed Emotions
Some fans still enjoy the episode for its nostalgia, scenic views, and rare outdoor scenes. Others rewatch it only for completion’s sake. Either way, it stands as a unique moment in Full House history — not necessarily for the right reasons.
Could a Reboot or Revival Fix the Mistake?
With Fuller House already wrapping its run, fans wonder: Could the original cast ever return for a “redo” of that infamous episode?
It’s unlikely, but the idea has floated around online. A new version with a better plot could be a fun nod to longtime fans — and maybe give “Tanner’s Island” the redemption arc it deserves.
Full House Still Holds a Special Place in Pop Culture
Despite a few flops, Full House remains iconic. It’s a show that raised a generation, taught us valuable life lessons, and gave us unforgettable catchphrases (have mercy!).
One bad episode doesn’t undo a legacy — but it sure makes for an interesting story.
Conclusion: Even the Best Shows Make Mistakes
No TV show gets it right 100% of the time. Even a powerhouse like Full House has its off days. “Tanner’s Island” stands as a reminder that even the biggest productions can fall flat if the soul of the story goes missing.
But hey — sometimes it’s the mistakes that teach us the most. And in the case of Full House, the heart of the show was always in the right place — even if the plane landed in the wrong episode.
FAQs
1. What episode of Full House did the creator call the worst?
Jeff Franklin referred to Season 3’s “Tanner’s Island” as one of the show’s weakest episodes.
2. Why was “Tanner’s Island” so expensive to film?
It was filmed on location in Hawaii with the full cast and crew, which dramatically increased production costs.
3. Did fans agree that the episode was bad?
Many fans were underwhelmed and felt the episode lacked the emotional depth and humor typical of the show.
4. Did this episode hurt the show’s ratings?
No, the show remained popular, and future episodes quickly restored its momentum.
5. Has there ever been talk of redoing the episode?
While fans have floated the idea, there are no official plans to revisit or redo “Tanner’s Island.”
