Full House is one of the most beloved family sitcoms of all time, with its heartwarming moments, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable characters. But, as with many beloved shows, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes secrets and surprising facts that fans may not know. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of Full House to reveal 25 shocking and surprising secrets about the show that will leave you stunned!
1. The Show Was Almost Called ‘House of Comics’
Did you know that Full House was nearly named something completely different? Before settling on Full House, the show was initially going to be called House of Comics. This was a nod to the fact that Joey, played by Dave Coulier, was a comedian. Thankfully, the title was changed, and Full House became the iconic name we all know and love.
2. Bob Saget Was the ‘Serious’ One On Set
While Bob Saget played the fun-loving, goofy dad Danny Tanner on screen, he was actually known as the “serious” one behind the scenes. His role was to keep the atmosphere calm and professional, especially during the more emotional scenes. Ironically, he had a very different comedic style in his stand-up career.
3. The Show Was Inspired by Real-Life Tragedy
The premise of Full House—a widowed father raising his children with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend—was loosely inspired by real-life events. The show’s creator, Jeff Franklin, was inspired by a friend who had died, leaving behind a young family. Franklin wanted to explore the concept of a father navigating life after loss.
4. The Cast Was Super Close
Despite the show’s premise focusing on family dynamics, the Full House cast was also very close in real life. Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier formed a strong friendship, and it was evident both on and off the screen. They even called each other “The Three Musketeers”!
5. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Shared the Role of Michelle Tanner
As most fans know, the adorable Michelle Tanner was played by twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The twins alternated playing Michelle due to child labor laws, which restrict how many hours a child can work on set. This was a common practice for young child actors during the 80s and 90s.
6. Bob Saget Was Initially Cast as a ‘Fun’ Dad
When Bob Saget was first cast as Danny Tanner, he was actually hired to play the more laid-back, fun-loving father. However, the role was quickly altered, and he became the super-serious, slightly neurotic father we all know today.
7. John Stamos Has a Real Passion for Music
Though his character, Uncle Jesse, was known for his rockstar persona, John Stamos actually has a real passion for music! He’s a talented drummer and even performed with the Beach Boys on multiple occasions during the show’s run. His music career continues to this day.
8. Full House Was Almost Canceled After Season 1
The first season of Full House didn’t perform as well as expected in the ratings, and the show was almost canceled. Luckily, the show gained momentum in its second season, especially after it started to air in syndication, making it a worldwide hit.
9. The Cast Didn’t Know About the Series Finale
In an interview, Bob Saget revealed that the cast didn’t know that the series finale would be their last episode until the very end of filming. The writers kept it a secret until the end, and the actors were shocked when they found out they had just filmed the last scenes of the show.
10. Full House Changed Michelle’s Hair Several Times
Michelle Tanner’s iconic hairstyle evolved throughout the series. In the early seasons, she wore pigtails and other adorable styles, but by the end of the show, Michelle’s hair was styled in more grown-up looks, reflecting her character’s development.
11. The Show Was Filmed in Front of a Live Audience
Much like many sitcoms of the time, Full House was filmed in front of a live studio audience. The laughter you hear during many of the scenes is real, though the show also used a laugh track in some cases. The audience was often very engaged, cheering and laughing at the actors’ jokes.
12. Danny’s Girlfriend Was Played by Bob Saget’s Real-Life Wife
In Season 5, Bob Saget’s character Danny Tanner had a girlfriend named Vicky. What many fans didn’t know is that Vicky was played by Bob Saget’s real-life wife at the time, Sherri Kramer. They were married from 1982 to 1986.
13. Dave Coulier’s Iconic “Cut It Out” Catchphrase Was Improvised
Dave Coulier’s famous catchphrase “Cut it out” became a staple of the show and remains one of its most memorable lines. But what’s even more surprising is that Coulier improvised the catchphrase during a rehearsal, and it stuck!
14. Candace Cameron Bure Was Only 11 When She Started Playing DJ Tanner
Candace Cameron Bure was only 11 years old when she was cast as the oldest Tanner sister, DJ. Over the course of the series, she grew up before our eyes, dealing with teenage drama, crushes, and growing pains, all while playing the responsible older sister.
15. Jodie Sweetin Had to Learn to Dance for Her Role
Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner, had to take dance lessons before performing some of her iconic dance moves on the show. One of the most famous scenes is when Stephanie dances to “Hot Stuff,” and Sweetin had to master the moves before the performance.
16. The Tanner Family House Wasn’t Real
While the Tanner family’s home felt like a real, lived-in place, the iconic exterior of the house was actually a set located in Los Angeles. The house’s backyard was often used for the show’s outdoor scenes, but the interior of the home was created on a soundstage.
17. The Cast Went on Family Vacations Together
In addition to working together on set, the Full House cast would often take vacations together. These trips were a bonding experience for the actors and further solidified their close relationship both on and off-screen.
18. Kimmy Gibbler Was Supposed to Be Written Off
Kimmy Gibbler, DJ’s quirky best friend, became a fan favorite. But initially, her character was supposed to be written off the show after Season 1. The producers realized her comedic value and decided to keep her around, turning her into a beloved character.
19. The Set Was Designed to Look Like a Real Family Home
The interior set of the Tanner house was intentionally designed to resemble a real family home. The crew wanted to create a welcoming and familiar environment for the characters, reflecting a warm, suburban home rather than a flashy set.
20. The Show Had Several Guest Stars
Full House was known for bringing in several famous guest stars over its run, including people like Adam West, Jason Bateman, and even Bob Saget’s America’s Funniest Home Videos co-star, Tom Bergeron.
21. Full House Inspired a Spin-Off, Fuller House
Full House left such a lasting legacy that it eventually inspired a reboot series, Fuller House, which premiered on Netflix in 2016. The spinoff brought back several original cast members and introduced a new generation of fans to the Tanner family.
22. Michelle Tanner Was Written As a “Super Cute” Character
Michelle Tanner was written specifically to be an adorably cute and charming character, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were the perfect duo to bring her to life. Their cuteness was so irresistible that it helped propel the show’s popularity.
23. There Was a Full House Theme Song Contest
The famous Full House theme song, “Everywhere You Look,” was written by John Stamos. The song had a quirky, upbeat vibe, and the writers even held a contest to determine who would sing the theme song. Stamos won, of course!
24. The Cast Still Keeps in Touch
Even though the show ended in 1995, the Full House cast members remain in close contact. They’ve reunited on various occasions for special events and even shared heartfelt tributes to their beloved co-stars when Bob Saget tragically passed away in 2022.
25. The Show Helped Launch Multiple Careers
Full House was the stepping stone for many of its cast members’ careers. Bob Saget went on to host America’s Funniest Home Videos, John Stamos enjoyed a successful career in television and music, and Candace Cameron Bure became a hallmark star for the Hallmark Channel.
Conclusion
Full House remains one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, and these 25 surprising secrets provide a fresh look behind the curtain of this beloved show. From unexpected title changes to surprising cast connections, it’s clear that Full House has left an indelible mark on pop culture. So next time you watch an episode, remember these fun facts that make the show even more special!
