Full House was a beloved family sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1995, becoming a cornerstone of 90s TV. The show, centered around Danny Tanner and his three daughters, took viewers on a heartwarming journey of love, life lessons, and humor. Whether you watched it in real time or discovered it on streaming platforms later, Full House holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. But among the many memorable episodes, which ones truly stand out? Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the 10 best episodes of Full House.
1. “The Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Why It’s Special: The Beginning of It All
The pilot episode of Full House marks the start of everything. It introduces us to Danny Tanner, his three daughters—Donna Jo (DJ), Stephanie, and Michelle—and the unique setup that would become the heart of the show: Danny’s brother-in-law Jesse, and his best friend Joey moving in to help him raise the girls. This episode sets the stage for the family dynamics and establishes the core values of love, support, and humor that would continue throughout the series. It’s iconic because it’s where the family begins, and we see the foundation of everything that follows.
2. “Tanner vs. Gibbler” (Season 8, Episode 6)
Why It’s Special: DJ vs. Kimmy Gibbler
This episode delivers some classic sibling and best-friend drama. DJ and Kimmy Gibbler have been friends for years, but when DJ runs for class president and Kimmy runs against her, things get tense. Their rivalry creates some hilarious moments, but in the end, it’s a great reminder about the importance of friendship, competition, and how not everything in life needs to be a battle. Plus, it’s fun to watch Kimmy’s quirky behavior shine as she tries to navigate a political campaign.
3. “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Why It’s Special: Heartwarming Family Moments
The Tanner family’s Thanksgiving dinner turns into a comedy of errors when Danny’s daughters, Stephanie and DJ, accidentally mess up the meal, and they scramble to make the holiday work. But in true Full House fashion, this episode brings out the importance of family coming together and supporting each other through difficult moments. By the end of the episode, they have a Thanksgiving dinner full of love and laughter, reminding us of what truly matters: the people we care about.
4. “The Long Goodbye” (Season 8, Episode 24)
Why It’s Special: A Bittersweet Farewell to Uncle Jesse
In this emotional season finale, Uncle Jesse faces the hard decision of moving to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. The whole family bands together for a touching farewell, showing how much they all mean to each other. The episode beautifully balances the humor and emotion that the show is known for, and it marks a significant moment in Jesse’s character arc. It’s one of the series’ most memorable and emotional moments, showing the complexity of family relationships and the bittersweet nature of life’s changes.
5. “Our Very First Show” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Why It’s Special: The Real Beginning of Full House‘s Impact
This episode is often remembered for introducing us to the quirky yet lovable characters who became icons. It’s the pilot, but it’s also the episode that fans loved so much that they wanted more. From Michelle’s cute moments to the unfolding of Danny and his family’s dynamics, the show kicked off with a bang and a huge dose of humor. It didn’t just establish the Tanner family, but set the tone for the warmth that Full House would bring to households everywhere.
6. “Michelle Rides Again” (Season 8, Episodes 23 & 24)
Why It’s Special: A Double Episode That Captures Family Ties
This two-part finale is one of the most iconic moments in Full House. It deals with Michelle Tanner facing the potential of losing her memory after a horse-riding accident. The entire family comes together to support her, and the emotional tension is palpable throughout the episode. The closing scene, where Michelle’s memory is restored and she realizes the love and support surrounding her, is emotional and unforgettable.
7. “You Pet It, You Bought It” (Season 2, Episode 5)
Why It’s Special: The Puppy Episode
In this episode, the Tanner family gets a new addition: a puppy! But, as any pet owner knows, adopting a new pet comes with its own set of challenges. This episode is a delightful romp filled with laughter as the family navigates the ups and downs of caring for a new dog. It’s a fun, feel-good episode that also touches on responsibility, making it one of the lighter but still important episodes of the series.
8. “The Seven-Month Itch” (Season 3, Episode 14)
Why It’s Special: Relationship Challenges for Jesse and Becky
In this episode, Uncle Jesse and Becky face relationship struggles that are common for many married couples: the “seven-month itch.” This episode offers a humorous look at the challenges of married life while also providing a heartfelt resolution. Jesse’s antics and his eventual realization that he needs to appreciate his wife more make for an entertaining and touching storyline. This episode shows that even in a sitcom, relationships require effort, love, and compromise.
9. “The Tanner Chronicles” (Season 8, Episode 16)
Why It’s Special: A Tribute to the Show’s Legacy
This episode is a fun and unique nod to the show’s legacy. It imagines the Full House characters in a fictionalized documentary-style look back at their most memorable moments. Watching the characters reflect on their journey brings back all the nostalgic feelings, and it’s a great way to celebrate the show’s impact on television. It’s a lighthearted yet heartfelt tribute to the fans and the legacy that Full House created over its eight seasons.
10. “Comet’s Excellent Adventure” (Season 7, Episode 9)
Why It’s Special: Comet the Dog’s Legacy
One of the most beloved family members in the Tanner household was their dog, Comet. This episode tells the story of Comet’s adoption and how the Tanner family grew even closer through the addition of this adorable dog. Comet’s adventures and his lovable personality made him an honorary Tanner, and this episode tugs at the heartstrings as it highlights the bond between the family and their furry friend.
Conclusion: Why Full House Will Always Be a Classic
These ten episodes represent the best of what Full House had to offer: love, humor, family dynamics, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re revisiting them for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, these episodes capture the essence of what made Full House a beloved show for so many years. From unforgettable family lessons to quirky adventures, these episodes will always have a special place in the hearts of fans, keeping the legacy of Full House alive for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What was the most emotional episode of Full House?
“The Long Goodbye” (Season 8, Episode 24) stands out as one of the most emotional episodes, marking a bittersweet farewell to Uncle Jesse as he contemplates moving to Los Angeles.
2. Which Full House episode featured Michelle’s horseback riding accident?
“Michelle Rides Again” (Season 8, Episodes 23 & 24) features Michelle’s accident and the emotional journey of her recovery.
3. What episode of Full House focused on the Tanner family getting a new puppy?
“You Pet It, You Bought It” (Season 2, Episode 5) is the episode where the family adopts a new puppy, bringing both joy and chaos into their lives.
4. Which episode of Full House featured a rivalry between DJ and Kimmy Gibbler?
“Tanner vs. Gibbler” (Season 8, Episode 6) showcased the rivalry when DJ and Kimmy ran against each other for class president.
5. What episode is considered the start of Full House?
The pilot episode, “Our Very First Show” (Season 1, Episode 1), is where it all began, introducing us to the Tanner family and setting the stage for the series.
