How to Watch Full House and Its Sequel Series in Release and Chronological Order
If you’re ready to dive back into the warm, quirky world of the Tanner family, you’ve come to the right place. Full House and its sequel Fuller House have become cultural staples, blending family laughs, life lessons, and unforgettable characters. But with decades of episodes spread across two series, many fans wonder: What’s the best way to watch these shows? Should you follow the release order, or switch to a chronological timeline?
Let’s break down the ultimate viewing guide so you can binge like a Tanner pro.
Why Watch Full House and Fuller House Together?
First things first—why combine both shows into one viewing experience?
Full House aired from 1987 to 1995, creating the foundation with classic family sitcom vibes. Fuller House rebooted the magic on Netflix in 2016, catching up with the Tanner clan in a fresh, modern setting. Watching both shows lets you trace character growth, revisit iconic moments, and feel the emotional payoff of longtime fan arcs.
Release Order: The Classic Way
Watching Full House first, then Fuller House, respects how audiences originally experienced the series.
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Full House (1987-1995) has 8 seasons and 192 episodes
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Fuller House (2016-2020) has 5 seasons and 75 episodes
This order preserves the nostalgia factor and builds anticipation as characters age and evolve.
Chronological Order: A Timeline-Based Approach
Sometimes fans want to watch the story unfolding as the characters live it. That means paying attention to storylines, flashbacks, and time skips. Here’s how to approach this:
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Start with Full House seasons 1 through 8 in order
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Note any special flashback episodes and place them accordingly
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Jump to Fuller House seasons 1 through 5, as it picks up years later
Since Fuller House takes place roughly 20 years after Full House, the chronological timeline flows naturally after the original series.
Key Episodes to Watch Carefully
Some Full House episodes serve as emotional touchstones or backstory foundations that echo in Fuller House. Don’t miss:
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The pilot episode, which sets up the family dynamic
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“Michelle Rides Again” parts 1 & 2, critical to Michelle’s character arc
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The final episode of Full House, for closure and future setup
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Fuller House’s pilot, reintroducing characters and new family challenges
Watching these at their intended spots ensures story continuity.
Streaming Platforms: Where to Watch Both Series
If you want to start watching today, here’s where to find the shows:
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Full House is available on platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock (availability may vary by region)
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Fuller House streams exclusively on Netflix
Subscribing to both services is the easiest way to binge both series without breaks.
Should You Watch Both Series Back-to-Back?
Bingeing all 267 episodes (combined) in one sitting might sound tempting but pacing matters. Taking breaks helps the stories breathe and gives you time to reflect on the evolving Tanner family dynamics. Try watching:
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One or two seasons of Full House per week
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Then move to Fuller House, following a similar schedule
This approach keeps the experience fresh and rewarding.
Understanding Character Progression
Seeing characters mature is a major highlight of watching in order. For example:
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D.J. Tanner transforms from a teenager to a single mom and career woman
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Stephanie grows from a middle child into a confident adult
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Michelle’s character arc closes in Full House and doesn’t appear in Fuller House
Understanding these arcs is crucial to appreciating the full story.
Binge Tips for First-Timers
New to the Tanner family? Here are some tips:
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Take notes or watch recaps after seasons to stay on top of storylines
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Don’t skip the emotional or holiday specials—they add heart
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Embrace the ’90s vibes and fashion; they’re part of the charm
The deeper you get, the more you’ll love the quirky Tanner magic.
How to Avoid Spoilers
If you want to avoid spoilers for Fuller House, stick to watching Full House first, then move on. Avoid reading online fan theories or episode summaries until you catch up. It keeps the experience authentic and fun.
Revisiting the Series: For Longtime Fans
Even if you’ve watched before, revisiting the series with fresh eyes reveals new jokes, family dynamics, and Easter eggs you might’ve missed. Plus, sharing the experience with younger family members adds another layer of joy.
What About Related Media and Specials?
Don’t forget the Full House reunion specials and cast interviews that add context and behind-the-scenes fun. These usually come after you finish both series and can enhance your appreciation for the actors and storylines.
Handling Missing Episodes or Seasons
Sometimes, platforms don’t have every episode available. If that happens, seek out DVDs or digital purchase options to fill the gaps. Having a complete viewing experience ensures you don’t miss important story developments.
How to Organize Your Watchlist
Organizing episodes by season and show helps track progress. Create two separate playlists—one for Full House and one for Fuller House. As you finish, switch over smoothly to maintain story flow.
Why Release Order Is Usually Best for Nostalgia
Watching in release order lets you experience the evolution of TV storytelling and production values. Plus, it respects the way fans fell in love with the characters, making emotional moments hit harder.
The Role of Time Jumps Between the Series
Fuller House is set 20 years after Full House, which can feel like a giant leap if you don’t watch in order. This time jump shapes character development and new plotlines. Watching chronologically keeps this natural.
Final Thoughts on Watching Order
Whether you choose release or chronological order, the important thing is to enjoy the journey with the Tanner family. Their stories about love, family, and growth remain timeless and heartwarming—no matter how you watch.
Conclusion
Watching Full House and Fuller House is like visiting an old friend: comforting, funny, and filled with life lessons. For the best experience, start with Full House in release order, then move on to Fuller House chronologically. This approach balances nostalgia, story flow, and character development perfectly. Whether you’re a first-timer or revisiting the series, the Tanner family’s warm embrace is always ready.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Can I watch Fuller House without watching Full House first?
You can, but watching Full House first provides valuable background and emotional context for Fuller House.
2. Are there any crossover episodes between Full House and Fuller House?
No direct crossover episodes exist, but Fuller House references many events from Full House.
3. Where can I stream Full House and Fuller House together?
Full House is on various platforms like Hulu and Peacock, while Fuller House streams exclusively on Netflix.
4. How long does it take to watch both series fully?
Watching all episodes back-to-back would take roughly 11 days nonstop, but pacing it out is recommended.
5. Are there any spin-offs or specials I should watch with the series?
Yes! The Full House reunion special and cast interviews offer fun insights after finishing the series.
