Ever wonder what happens off‑camera during a live sitcom taping? PEOPLE’s “Fuller House” set diary gives you the backstage, behind‑the‑scenes shimmer of the world premiere—from nostalgic tears to toddler song performances—revealing moments Netflix didn’t air. Join us as we unpack that exclusive press-only diary entry and relive the premiere magic.
1. A Kid Reporter’s Dream Come True
Imagine being the only media outlet invited to the Fuller House premiere taping in July. That’s exactly where PEOPLE found themselves—childhood memories colliding with journalistic ambition. Walking on set felt like stepping into a time capsule, complete with laughter, emotion, and the original Tanner family kitchen. Wikipedia+11Entert+11IMDb+11
2. Recreating the Iconic Tanner Kitchen
Stage 26 at Warner Bros. had been meticulously redesigned to mirror the original Full House set—with slight modern touches like updated decor that felt like the Tanners had renovated using HGTV. Fans watching at home would have sworn they were back in San Francisco circa 1990. EW.com+1Wikipedia+1
3. Jodie Sweetin’s Daughter Beatrix—The Unexpected Star
Between takes, Jodie Sweetin’s 4‑year‑old daughter Beatrix belted out Katy Perry’s “Roar!” She earned an on‑stage standing ovation, including from John Stamos, who gushed, “You were great… for a midget, you were fantastic.” Later, Beatrix proudly announced, “I sang ‘Roar!’” and Stamos replied warmly, “I heard.” It was adorable chaos that momentarily stole the spotlight. IMDb+3Entert+3People.com+3
4. Emotional Reunion — The Cast Welcomes Fans Back
In conversations captured by PEOPLE and EW, the original cast members made it clear: the bond they had never faded. As John Stamos said, “We never stopped loving each other.” Walking back into the recreated Tanner kitchen rekindled memories and emotions, prompting nostalgia-fueled tears from audience members. People.com+4People.com+4EW.com+4
5. Inside the Studio Before the Taping Begins
Cast members reminisced over old traditions. Jodie Sweetin shared how they restarted the “gum wall” tradition—a hidden wall in the kitchen where cast and crew would stick chewed gum over the years. Now decorated with names and dates, it became a secret society relic between actors and staff. EW.com
6. Fans React Live: Laughter, Tears, Raw Nostalgia
When audience members reunited with familiar faces, the reaction was real. EW reports people cried during the premiere taping; laughter turned into emotional reflection, as longtime fans recognized grown-up versions of the characters they once watched as children. EW.com
7. Why the Olsens Didn’t Return (And What That Meant)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen didn’t reprise their roles as Michelle. Their absence loomed large—and the set felt incomplete without the youngest Tanner sister. Cast and press noted it, explaining the spin‑off would still be meaningful, even without Michelle present. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
8. Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie and Reunion Spirit
Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, and Andrea Barber, the spin-off leads, embraced each other like long-lost sisters. They shared stories, joked about their roles, and reflected on the evolution of their characters, revealing chemistry that clearly stretches beyond the screen. Good Morning America+4EW.com+4People.com+4
9. Revisiting Full House Plotlines on Location
The premiere tapped into classic Full House storylines: the Tanner living room reunion, Danny’s cleaning obsession, Kimmy’s quirky entrance—all faithfully reenacted to hook both old and new fans. As GMA noted, the show revisit included Danny’s perfectionism, Uncle Joey’s puppet, and childhood catchphrases. Good Morning America+1glamour.com+1
10. A Live Audience—A Rare Sitcom Throwback
Unlike typical streaming productions, Fuller House was filmed in front of a live studio audience—evoking sitcoms of old. That meant genuine reactions, timing, and unscripted moments, like the gum wall and toddler performance, infused the taping with authenticity.
11. Afterparty Styled Like the Tanner Living Room
Post-taping festivities mirrored the iconic living room—with nautical-themed pillows labeled “Home Sweet Home,” familiar furniture, and décor that visually echoed the show. Guests dined surrounded by nostalgia.
12. Netflix’s Big Bet: Trailer Views and Fan Excitement
Netflix chief Ted Sarandos noted the premiere announcement trailer racked up 14 million views—more than any previous promo. Creator Jeff Franklin encouraged binges with “watch them all in a row,” anticipating major success and hoping for immediate renewal.
13. Cast’s Personal Milestones on Set
Candace Cameron Bure was balancing motherhood, industry events, and filming. Jodie Sweetin brought her family, including toddler Beatrix. Andrea Barber introduced her children to the reboot reunion experience, all while reliving their childhood roles.
14. The Emotional Weight of Time Traveling
Many cast members commented how surreal it felt to shoot where they once filmed as kids—saying things like “that trippiest moment” or crying seeing their younger selves represented again. It was more than nostalgic—it was healing.
15. WHAT TURNED A TAPING INTO A TIME MACHINE
This set wasn’t just a stage—it was a portal. A recreated kitchen, cast chemistry, spontaneous toddler serenades, tears from fans, and living out 20-year-old dreams made it feel like the show continued in another dimension.
Conclusion
PEOPLE’s “Fuller House” set diary peeked behind the curtain to show us that filming a premiere taping isn’t just rote work—it’s emotional homecoming, improvisation, and communal celebration. From toddler karaoke to gum-wall secrets, the atmosphere was equal parts nostalgia and surprise. It reminded us why Full House mattered—and why Fuller House still does.
FAQs
1. Who recorded PEOPLE’s set diary of the Fuller House premiere?
People writer Rennie Dyball was the only press member granted access to the live taping for the premiere episode.
2. Is the scene with Jodie Sweetin’s daughter in the Netflix version?
No—the adorable moment where Beatrix sang “Roar!” occurred between takes and isn’t part of the final edited Netflix episode.
3. Did Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen appear in Fuller House?
No—they opted not to participate in the spin-off. Their absence was noted during the set diary, but the show continued without Michelle in person.
4. What was the “gum wall” tradition the cast restarted?
Cast and crew used to stick chewing gum on a backstage wall during the original Full House. On Fuller House, they revived the tradition—adding cast member signatures and dates.
5. Why did fans react emotionally during the taping?
Revisiting the original kitchen set, seeing the original cast reunite, and feeling the nostalgia triggered real emotion—for Full House fans who grew up with the show, it felt like coming home.
