The Architect of the Tanner Empire
When you think of Full House or its Netflix revival Fuller House, you probably picture warm hugs, quirky catchphrases, and that unbeatable 90s nostalgia. But behind the scenes, the man who created it all — Jeff Franklin — found himself at the center of controversy that shocked Hollywood and fans alike.
Franklin wasn’t just the creator — he was the heartbeat of the franchise. But in 2018, his role abruptly ended in scandal after serious misconduct allegations surfaced from the set of Fuller House. The accusations weren’t just damaging — they cost him his job and triggered years of legal and reputational fallout.
Here’s the inside story of how the Full House visionary saw his empire crumble — and why his case marks a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s reckoning with toxic workplace behavior.
Who Is Jeff Franklin?
Before he became a sitcom mogul, Jeff Franklin was a comedy writer in the 1980s, working on shows like Laverne & Shirley and Bosom Buddies. But his big break came in 1987 when he created Full House — a heartfelt, family-friendly sitcom about a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of two quirky roommates.
Full House became a cultural phenomenon. When Netflix revived the series with Fuller House in 2016, Franklin returned to helm the reboot. But the comeback was short-lived — and what happened next rocked the production.
The Firing Heard Around Hollywood
In February 2018, Warner Bros. Television fired Jeff Franklin from Fuller House after receiving complaints about alleged inappropriate conduct on set. The allegations painted a disturbing picture of a showrunner whose behavior allegedly created a toxic, unprofessional workplace.
Here’s what sources alleged:
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Off-color and sexualized comments in the writers’ room
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Inappropriate casting discussions about female actors
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Inviting women he dated to the set
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Retaliation against staff who voiced complaints
Warner Bros. launched an internal investigation and made the call to remove Franklin, even though no criminal charges were filed.
The Toxic Work Environment Allegations
According to various reports, multiple Fuller House staffers and writers claimed that Franklin’s behavior made the work environment uncomfortable and hostile — especially for women.
Insiders alleged that Franklin:
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Complained about female directors, suggesting they weren’t as capable
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Made repeated sexual comments and crude jokes
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Used his position to prioritize female employees based on appearance
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Dismissed staff who raised concerns, creating a climate of fear
While Franklin denied many of these claims, Warner Bros. ultimately concluded that his leadership had violated the studio’s standards of conduct.
Franklin’s Response: Denial and Retaliation
Franklin didn’t go quietly.
He vehemently denied the allegations, calling them exaggerated or fabricated. He claimed that the accusations came from a “disgruntled” writer with a personal vendetta, and that he was the target of a smear campaign.
In 2020, Franklin filed a lawsuit against the writer, accusing them of defamation and intentional interference with his employment. His legal team painted the scenario as one where Franklin was the real victim — a creative force wrongly taken down by office politics.
Legal Fallout: The Courtroom Becomes a Stage
Franklin’s lawsuit opened a Pandora’s box. It exposed:
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Behind-the-scenes email exchanges
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Testimonies from writers and assistants
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Franklin’s own written communications, some of which were deeply problematic
The legal proceedings dragged on for years. While much of the court battle happened outside the public spotlight, the damage to Franklin’s image and career was undeniable.
Even if no criminal charges were brought against him, the industry essentially blacklisted him.
The Impact on Fuller House and Its Cast
The firing of Jeff Franklin mid-series sent shockwaves through the Fuller House cast. Some of the actors remained silent. Others, like Candace Cameron Bure, voiced support for Franklin — though cautiously.
Behind the scenes, however, sources reported that morale was strained. Trust had been broken, and the show’s future became uncertain. While Fuller House finished its run in 2020, Franklin’s departure left a permanent mark on the reboot.
Was It a Misunderstanding — or Something Deeper?
Franklin has repeatedly claimed that his behavior was mischaracterized — that he was an “edgy” boss, not a malicious one.
But former staff say otherwise. According to reports from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, multiple people corroborated the claims of:
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Sexually inappropriate banter
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Abuse of power
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Resistance to hiring women in leadership roles
In today’s post-MeToo Hollywood, such behavior is no longer tolerated — even if it falls short of criminal conduct.
The ‘Old Boys’ Culture in Hollywood
Franklin’s case is far from isolated. His downfall is part of a larger industry reckoning with the “old boys’ club” culture that dominated writers’ rooms and production offices for decades.
The allegations against Franklin highlight how even “beloved” creators can foster environments that alienate, intimidate, and marginalize others — especially women and underrepresented voices.
Can Jeff Franklin Stage a Comeback?
Hollywood loves a redemption arc — but so far, Jeff Franklin’s return seems unlikely.
He hasn’t been attached to any new projects since his dismissal. His lawsuit didn’t result in a public vindication, and the industry has mostly kept its distance. While Franklin maintains a loyal inner circle, his brand has taken a hit that might be permanent.
A Complicated Legacy
Jeff Franklin brought the world a show that defined childhoods. But his off-screen behavior complicates that legacy. Fans now have to wrestle with the idea that the heartwarming stories they grew up with came from a workplace that, behind the scenes, may have been anything but wholesome.
It’s a reminder that even the creators of family-friendly content aren’t immune to abusing their power — and that accountability is catching up with everyone, no matter how many laughs they once delivered.
Conclusion: From Power to Pariah
Jeff Franklin’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale of unchecked influence, blurred boundaries, and the new standards emerging in Hollywood. Once hailed as a sitcom genius, he now stands as a symbol of how quickly power can vanish when misused.
Whether you believe his behavior was misunderstood or part of a larger problem, one thing is clear: Full House will always be part of TV history — but its creator’s reputation may not survive the final credits.
FAQs
1. Why was Jeff Franklin fired from Fuller House?
He was removed by Warner Bros. following multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior and creating a toxic work environment.
2. Were any criminal charges filed against him?
No, Franklin has not faced criminal charges, but the internal investigation was serious enough to warrant his termination.
3. What was the nature of the misconduct allegations?
Allegations included sexualized comments, favoritism toward women based on appearance, and a generally hostile environment for staff, especially women.
4. Did Jeff Franklin sue anyone after being fired?
Yes, Franklin filed a defamation lawsuit against a writer he claimed was responsible for false accusations that led to his dismissal.
5. Is Jeff Franklin working in TV today?
As of now, Franklin has not returned to any major television projects and appears to be professionally sidelined.
