Fuller House Review – Back To The Tanner Well?
The Tanner family is back. But here’s the real question: Did we actually need them to be?
Fuller House, the reboot-slash-continuation of the classic Full House series, landed on Netflix with all the force of a ‘90s theme song nostalgia bomb. For fans of the original, seeing DJ, Stephanie, and Kimmy all grown up (and now raising kids of their own) was like stepping back into your childhood living room — but does that familiarity still hold up in today’s binge-watch era?
Let’s dive into a fully honest, SEO-optimized, human-written breakdown of Fuller House — from cast chemistry and storyline choices to nostalgia overload and whether this reboot was truly worth it.
What Is Fuller House Really About?
The premise is simple — almost too simple. DJ Tanner (now DJ Fuller) is a widowed mom of three boys. Her sister Stephanie and quirky best friend Kimmy move in to help her raise them. Sound familiar?
Yep, it’s basically the gender-flipped version of Full House, only now the moms are in charge.
But is it enough to build five seasons on?
The Nostalgia Factor: Hits Hard, Then Wears Off
Let’s be real. When the first episode dropped, we all felt it — the music, the couch, the hugging. It was like getting a warm blanket straight from 1991.
The show doesn’t shy away from references. In fact, it leans heavily into them. Catchphrases like “How rude!” and “You got it, dude!” get recycled with wink-wink delivery.
But after a while, the constant callbacks start to feel more like a crutch than clever writing. Nostalgia works — but only when you balance it with fresh content. And Fuller House sometimes forgets that.
The Cast: What Works and What Falls Flat
DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure)
She’s sweet, responsible, and still very much the glue of the Tanner household. Her portrayal of a single mom feels genuine — even if the storylines often veer into cheesy sitcom territory.
Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin)
Honestly? Stephanie steals the show. She brings unexpected edge, humor, and depth to what could’ve been a one-note character. Jodie Sweetin’s performance might be the reboot’s biggest surprise.
Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber)
Still weird. Still lovable. And somehow, even more iconic as an adult. Kimmy is the wildcard who brings energy to even the flattest scenes.
What About the Original Cast?
You get appearances from Danny (Bob Saget), Joey (Dave Coulier), and Jesse (John Stamos). They pop in now and then — usually to deliver a laugh or tug at your heartstrings.
But here’s the deal: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen never returned as Michelle Tanner. The show constantly jokes about it, which starts off funny… and then gets awkward.
The Writing: Cheesy or Charming?
Both, honestly.
Some episodes feel like they were lifted straight from the ‘90s — complete with laugh tracks, moral lessons, and choreographed dance numbers. That can be charming for a few episodes. But after a while, you might find yourself wondering if this reboot evolved at all.
Still, if you loved that era of TV, this style feels like home. It’s comfort food.
Storylines That Stuck vs. Storylines That Sucked
What Worked:
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Stephanie’s struggles with fertility
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DJ navigating single motherhood
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Kimmy co-parenting with her ex-husband
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The strong focus on female friendship and chosen family
What Didn’t Work:
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Forced teen romance arcs
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Too many musical performances (seriously, it’s not Glee)
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Overused catchphrases
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Some sitcom tropes that just feel outdated
How Fuller House Handles Modern Life
You’d think a reboot would lean into current issues, right?
Kind of. The show tries to touch on things like parenting in the digital age, career stress, and co-parenting. But for the most part, Fuller House sticks to a light, sitcom-friendly vibe.
It’s not trying to be deep. And that’s okay — if you know what you’re signing up for.
The Kids: Cute But Forgettable
Let’s talk about the new generation.
DJ’s sons and Kimmy’s daughter get their own mini-plotlines, but most of the time, they’re just vehicles for a joke or a lesson. They’re not exactly the next Michelle Tanner or even early-series Stephanie.
That said, the youngest actors do have charm — just not much screen impact.
Fan Service Overload: Is It Too Much?
The show knows what its audience wants — and sometimes, it gives it to us a little too obviously.
We get it. You miss the old house, the hugging, the catchphrases. But do we need to hear “Cut. It. Out.” in every season?
There’s a fine line between a respectful homage and beating a dead sitcom horse. Sometimes Fuller House crosses that line.
Audience Reactions: Divided But Passionate
The reviews are split. Some fans call it a guilty pleasure. Others call it a missed opportunity. But one thing’s clear: Fuller House sparked a major emotional response.
For many, it was about reconnecting with childhood. And in that sense? The show totally succeeded.
Critical Reception: Not So Full of Praise
Critics weren’t kind. Rotten Tomatoes scores hovered in the low-to-mid range. Reviewers called the show “flat,” “uninspired,” and “nostalgia on autopilot.”
But here’s the kicker — audiences still tuned in. Netflix kept renewing it because people kept watching. And that says something.
The Final Season: Did It Stick the Landing?
Season five wrapped things up with a big triple wedding and enough hugs to power a Hallmark marathon. It was sentimental, predictable, and very on-brand.
Did it bring closure? Sure.
Was it satisfying? Depends on how high your expectations were.
So, Was Fuller House Worth Watching?
Here’s the honest truth: Fuller House was never meant to be groundbreaking TV.
It’s comfort food — warm, familiar, and sometimes a little stale. But if you loved the original, it’s hard not to enjoy the reboot at least a little.
You won’t walk away changed. But you might walk away smiling.
Conclusion: Back to the Tanner Well… And That’s Okay
Fuller House didn’t reinvent the wheel — and it didn’t need to. It brought back the feels, served up some cheesy laughs, and gave long-time fans one last trip down memory lane.
If you were looking for deep, layered storytelling, you probably bailed by episode 3.
But if you were looking for love, laughs, and a house full of heart?
Welcome home.
FAQs About Fuller House
1. Do I need to watch Full House before Fuller House?
No, but it definitely helps. There are a ton of callbacks and in-jokes that will fly over your head otherwise.
2. Why didn’t the Olsen twins return for Fuller House?
They declined to return. They had moved on from acting and focused on their fashion careers.
3. Is Fuller House appropriate for kids?
Yes, it’s family-friendly. But some jokes and teen plots are more geared toward older kids and adults.
4. Which season is the best one to watch?
Most fans agree Season 3 hits a nice balance between nostalgia and new character development.
5. Is Fuller House better than Full House?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Fuller House is glossier and faster-paced, but it can’t replicate the charm of the original.
