If you grew up watching Full House or you’re new to the world of the Tanner family, you’re probably wondering how to watch the series in the most enjoyable and logical way. With Full House (1987-1995) and its sequel series, Fuller House (2016-2020), there’s a lot of content to dive into. But the question remains: should you watch them in release order, or chronological order?
In this article, we will break down both approaches to watching Full House and Fuller House. Whether you want to experience the shows in the way they were originally aired, or follow the story of the Tanner family through time, this guide will help you navigate the best viewing experience!
Why Should You Care About the Order?
Before we jump into the details, let’s talk about why the order matters. Watching Full House and Fuller House in the correct order enhances your viewing experience. You’ll follow the Tanner family’s journey and growth, see how the characters evolve, and catch all the nostalgic references and callbacks. The viewing order also makes a difference if you want to see how the family dynamic changes over the years.
Now, let’s get into the best way to watch!
1. Release Order: Watching Full House First, Then Fuller House
If you want to experience Full House the way it was originally intended for audiences, watching in release order is your best bet. This order allows you to start with the original series from the late ’80s, where the Tanner family began their journey.
Start with Full House (1987-1995)
Full House introduced viewers to Danny Tanner, a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and his best friend Joey. The show focused on family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and growing up. Watching Full House first allows you to follow the Tanner family’s growth from their early years.
The show ran for 8 seasons, ending with a heartwarming conclusion. By watching in release order, you get to see the characters evolve over time, and how the dynamics of the family change as the kids grow older. The emotional impact of the series is felt as you witness the development of beloved characters like Michelle, Stephanie, and DJ.
Then Watch Fuller House (2016-2020)
After Full House wrapped up, the world of the Tanners wasn’t done. In 2016, Netflix released Fuller House, a sequel series that follows the life of DJ Tanner as an adult and mother of three. The show brings back many of the original cast members, while also introducing new characters and life situations. The nostalgia is real in Fuller House, and it feels like a continuation of the original series.
In release order, Fuller House follows directly after the events of Full House (though 20 years have passed), so you get to see the characters as adults, raising their own families and experiencing their own challenges. The original cast, including Bob Saget (Danny Tanner), John Stamos (Uncle Jesse), and Dave Coulier (Joey), make appearances throughout the show, creating an emotional connection for longtime fans.
The Pros of Watching in Release Order
- You experience the original show the way fans did back in the 80s and 90s.
- Watching Fuller House after Full House offers a sense of nostalgia and continuity.
- You witness the growth of the characters as they move from childhood to adulthood.
2. Chronological Order: Following the Tanner Family’s Life Story
If you prefer to watch Full House and Fuller House based on the characters’ life timeline, then chronological order is your way to go. This order focuses on the events in the characters’ lives, from the very beginning to where they are in the later series.
Start with Full House (1987-1995)
The chronological journey starts with Full House, where the Tanner family is first introduced. The story begins with Danny Tanner, who is left to raise his three daughters—DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle—after his wife passes away. The plot revolves around family issues, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Watching Full House first makes sense because this is where the story of the Tanner family begins.
You get to see the family growing up, experiencing milestones, and creating memories that will shape who they are in the future.
Skip to Fuller House (2016-2020)
After watching the original Full House series, you move on to Fuller House for the chronological continuation of the Tanner family’s story. Fuller House picks up with DJ Tanner, now an adult, raising her own kids. She’s living in the same house, with the same family structure, and dealing with similar challenges—parenting, family dynamics, and personal growth.
This series reflects how the Tanner family has evolved over the years. It touches on familiar themes from Full House, such as family unity and love, while showing the next generation of Tanners experiencing the ups and downs of their lives.
The Pros of Watching in Chronological Order
- You follow the Tanner family’s story from start to finish in real-time.
- You can track the character development more seamlessly across both shows.
- The family dynamics are easy to follow, from the start of Full House to the conclusion of Fuller House.
3. What’s the Difference Between Release and Chronological Order?
You may wonder what the key differences are between these two approaches. Here’s a breakdown:
Release Order:
- Experience Full House as it originally aired and Fuller House as a sequel.
- Watch the characters grow over time.
- Provides more context to the reboot, as you understand the nostalgic callbacks to the original show.
Chronological Order:
- Experience the Tanner family’s life story in the order that it happened.
- Focuses on the progression of the characters’ lives from childhood to adulthood.
- You’ll notice the passage of time and how characters have grown between the shows.
In short, release order is ideal for those who want to feel the nostalgic buzz of Full House first, followed by the excitement of the Fuller House sequel. Chronological order works better if you’re more interested in seeing how the Tanner family evolves as the years go by.
4. Can You Watch Fuller House Without Watching Full House?
While Fuller House can be enjoyed without having seen the original Full House, watching Full House first provides crucial context. Characters from the original show return in Fuller House, and their personal histories are tied to Full House. Watching the original series ensures you’ll understand the emotional connections between characters, making the continuation in Fuller House more meaningful.
If you’re simply looking for a feel-good show with humor and heart, Fuller House can stand on its own. But if you want the full experience, watching Full House first is recommended.
5. Where to Stream Full House and Fuller House
Both Full House and Fuller House are available on streaming services, making it easy for you to watch both series in any order you choose.
- Stream Full House: Available on platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Prime.
- Stream Fuller House: Available exclusively on Netflix.
6. Final Thoughts: Which Order Should You Choose?
The best way to watch Full House and Fuller House really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re all about nostalgia and want to experience the shows in the order they were released, then go for release order. You’ll love the evolution of the show over time.
On the other hand, if you’re keen on watching the Tanner family’s journey unfold chronologically, follow the timeline from Full House to Fuller House. Either way, you’re in for a heartfelt, funny ride with the Tanner family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I watch Fuller House without seeing Full House?
Yes, you can watch Fuller House without Full House, but you might miss out on important backstories and character relationships. Watching Full House first enhances the experience of Fuller House.
2. Is Fuller House a direct continuation of Full House?
Yes, Fuller House picks up the story years after Full House ended, focusing on DJ Tanner as a grown-up and mother of three.
3. Where can I watch Full House and Fuller House?
Full House is available on Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Prime, while Fuller House is exclusive to Netflix.
4. Do I need to watch Full House before Fuller House to understand the plot?
While it’s not mandatory, watching Full House first will provide important context and backstory for the characters in Fuller House.
5. Is there a significant time gap between Full House and Fuller House?
Yes, there’s a 20-year gap between the two shows, with Fuller House picking up in the present day, featuring adult versions of the original characters.
