How Fuller House Said Goodbye
When Netflix wrapped Fuller House with its fifth and final season in June 2020, fans prepared for a heartfelt goodbye. The season built toward one big moment: a triple wedding involving DJ, Stephanie, and Kimmy. But even when it looked like everything might fall apart—including a seized venue and a missing officiant—the show reinforced what it had always stood for: found family, love, and continuity.
Here’s a deep dive into how Fuller House tied up loose ends, insisted the pack stay together, and ended with the famous line: “The door is always open.”
Season 5: The Road to the Final Weddings
Planning the Triple Ceremony
The final season focused on the upcoming weddings: DJ with Steve, Stephanie with Jimmy, and Kimmy with Fernando. Each subplot revealed character growth—DJ embracing family again, Stephanie embracing motherhood, and Kimmy pursuing a second chance at love.
Obstacles, Jitters, and Wedding Night Drama
Typical wedding drama hits: bridesmaids faint, venues cancel, finances get weird. The show leaned into sitcom chaos while highlighting each character’s emotional growth before the big day.
The Wedding Day: Chaos Then Joy
Venue Seized, Minster Bails, Chaos Ensues
On wedding day, the venue is repossessed and their minister drops them—classic sitcom disaster. Yet, in true Fuller House fashion, they pivot to plan B: DJ’s backyard.
The Backyard Ceremony & Surprise Officiant
With moments to spare, New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre steps in as the officiant. Romantic, nostalgic, and a bit absurd—but utterly perfect for the show’s tone. Side glances from Danny, Jesse, and Joey reinforce the lineage of Full House.
Emotional Highs: Speeches and Tears
DJ’s Tearful Speech
DJ pours her heart out:
“You came into my life at my lowest point… you taught me how to live and love again… I finally have the strength to set you free.”
Candace Cameron Bure revealed they only filmed two takes—because it was so emotional—not just for the character, but for the cast too.
Toasts from the Original Tanners
Danny, Uncle Jesse, and Uncle Joey walk the brides down the aisle and offer heartfelt toasts. It’s a nostalgic callback to Full House and a bridge between the two generations.
The Fallout: Families Almost Move Out
She-Wolf Pack Prepares to Scatter
After the wedding, Kimmy and Fernando plan to move to Palo Alto; Stephanie, Jimmy, and baby Danielle are expected to join them. DJ reflects on her house feeling empty.
But—Plot Twist—Pack Stays Together
In a final beat, Kimmy and Stephanie return with a surprising twist: they can’t bear to leave. Stephanie announces she’s pregnant and needs her pack. DJ welcomes them back. The house stays full.
Steve’s Role: From Roommate to Family Leader
Steve Steps Up for DJ’s Kids
Scott Weinger’s character, Steve, moves in permanently and becomes a father figure. He’s not replacing their dad—but vows to care for them as Steve, not a father substitute.
Entrepreneur Turns Cousin
Steve helps buy Uncle Monty’s sandwich shop with Jimmy and Fernando, becoming an investor and part of the business team.
What Won’t Be Forgotten: Final Season Highlights
Subliminal Emotional Beats
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DJ finds her late husband’s old “special occasion” suit and tailors it for her son—Steve’s caring act underscores the emotional continuity.
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Child characters like Jackson, Max, and Ramona get heartfelt farewells and bonding moments.
Nods to Full House
We see throwbacks: Jesse and Becky’s cameo, Vicky at the wedding, Joey’s mementos. Even Michelle gets mentioned in passing, though the actresses declined to return.
Why the Finale Worked (Mostly)
It Stayed True to Its Roots
Despite challenges, Fuller House ended where it began: with love, home-cooked dinners, and loud laughter filling a single house.
Celebrated Community and Continuity
With three weddings, one big emotional speech, and familiar faces returning, the finale emphasized family legacy—past and present.
What Some Fans Found Flawed
Predictability vs. Emotional Payoff
The plot was obvious—will they stay or go?—but that predictability didn’t dull the emotional impact for many.
Aunt Becky and Michelle Missing
Long-time viewers noted the absence of Becky and Michelle as glaring omissions, especially since Michelle never appears and Aunt Becky is barely mentioned.
Open Door, Open Ending
Ambiguous, In Case They Return
DJ’s final line: “The door is always open.” That ambiguous sentiment hints it could return—though Netflix has canceled further seasons.
Fans Hope for More—but it Feels Final
Despite the open note, cast interviews and Netflix announcements underscore that Season 5 was meant to wrap things up.
Legacy: Why the Finale Sticks With You
It Was a Love Letter to Fans
The wedding day, group hugs, Full House callbacks—it felt like a direct message to long-time viewers.
A Tribute to Chosen Families
What distinguishes Fuller House is its celebration of nontraditional families. The finale affirmed that chosen families endure—and sometimes they live under one roof forever.
Conclusion: Fuller House Closed With a Hug
Fuller House ended with tears, laughter, and a triple dose of love. The final season honored the legacy, embraced the next generation, and reaffirmed live-with-your-loved-ones ideals. Though Netflix didn’t continue the story, the emotional finale—complete with weddings, pregnancy surprises, and the classic She-Wolf howl—felt like closure.
Because in the world of the Tanner-Fuller-Gibblers, leaving isn’t in the script—staying together always is.
FAQs
1. Who officiated the triple wedding in the finale?
New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre stepped in after the official minister backed out at the last minute.
2. Why did Kimmy and Stephanie stay instead of moving out?
In the final scene, they realized they missed living together and Stephanie announced her unexpected pregnancy. They chose family over independence.
3. Did Michelle Tanner appear in the series finale?
No. Michelle is said to be living in New York building her fashion career. Neither Mary-Kate nor Ashley Olsen returned.
4. How did Steve become part of DJ’s family?
Steve officially moved in and helped raise DJ’s kids. He also became part owner of Uncle Monty’s sandwich shop.
5. Was the finale meant to leave room for more seasons?
While DJ’s last line—“The door is always open”—suggests potential future stories, Netflix confirmed Season 5 was the final chapter.
