Full House, the beloved family sitcom that became a cornerstone of ’90s television, ran for eight successful seasons, becoming a household name. Fans across the globe grew attached to the Tanner family, with its wholesome values and quirky, lovable characters. But after its eighth season, Full House came to an end, leaving viewers stunned and wondering why the show was canceled. Recently, Dave Coulier, who played the funny and endearing Joey Gladstone, reflected on the cancellation of the series. In a candid conversation, Coulier shared his thoughts on the show’s conclusion and why “not everybody was into it” during its final years.
Here’s a look at Coulier’s take on the Full House cancellation, the pressures the cast and crew faced, and the lasting legacy of the show.
The Success and Popularity of Full House
When Full House debuted in 1987, it quickly became a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of audiences with its wholesome humor, lovable characters, and family-friendly themes. The show followed Danny Tanner, a widowed father, raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey. The dynamic between the characters—especially Joey’s comedic antics—became a defining feature of the show.
Over the years, Full House continued to grow in popularity, attracting a loyal fanbase and becoming a cultural phenomenon. It also gave rise to the famous catchphrases “How rude!” and “You got it, dude!” that would become part of TV history. But despite the show’s immense success, Coulier’s recent reflections highlight some of the challenges the show faced as it neared its final seasons.
The Declining Interest and Changing Landscape of TV
In his interview, Coulier explained that by the time Full House reached its eighth season, the landscape of television had changed significantly. “Not everybody was into it,” he said, referring to both the audience and some of the people involved in the production. While the show was still beloved by many, the market for family sitcoms was shifting, and Full House was starting to feel like a relic of an earlier era.
Coulier acknowledged that the late ’80s and early ’90s saw a boom in more edgy, topical, and alternative programming. Shows like Married with Children and The Simpsons began to carve out their own audience, offering a different kind of humor that didn’t always align with the wholesome, feel-good vibe of Full House. As a result, the show’s viewership began to decline, making it harder to maintain the same level of excitement that had carried it through the earlier seasons.
Joey Gladstone’s Candid Thoughts on the Cancellation
For Coulier, the cancellation of Full House was bittersweet. In hindsight, he acknowledges that the decision to end the show was inevitable. “We had run our course,” Coulier explained. “The show had given everything it had to offer, and we were all ready to move on.” However, it was clear that the show’s ending wasn’t just a natural progression—it was influenced by the changing TV landscape and a shift in audience tastes.
Coulier reflected on how, by the end of the series, the core Full House audience had aged, and younger viewers weren’t necessarily as engaged. “It was no longer the hot show it once was,” he admitted. Although the cast had a close-knit bond and were still very much dedicated to the series, Coulier notes that sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, not every show can maintain the same momentum forever.
The Pressures of Maintaining a Long-Running Show
One of the biggest challenges faced by the cast of Full House in its later years was the pressure to keep the show fresh and engaging. As Coulier recalls, the longer a series runs, the harder it becomes to sustain the energy and ideas that made it popular in the first place. “You start to feel like you’re repeating yourself,” he said. “And that can be tough for everyone involved.”
For Coulier, playing Joey Gladstone meant constantly balancing the humorous aspects of his character with the need to deliver heartwarming moments for the audience. Over time, it became increasingly difficult to maintain that balance without feeling like the show had hit a plateau.
Looking Back on Full House‘s Legacy
Despite the challenges in the later seasons, Coulier is quick to emphasize how much Full House meant to him and his co-stars. “It was a very special time,” he reflected. The show created lasting bonds between the cast, many of whom remain close friends to this day. For Coulier, the memories of filming the show, the moments of laughter, and the behind-the-scenes camaraderie are among his fondest recollections.
Furthermore, the legacy of Full House has only grown in the years since its cancellation. The show’s reboot, Fuller House, brought back the original cast and introduced the next generation of Tanners to a whole new audience. Full House also continues to be a nostalgic favorite for fans who grew up watching the show, making it one of the most enduring family sitcoms of all time.
The Impact of Full House on the Cast and Their Careers
Beyond its cultural impact, Full House also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of its cast members, especially Coulier. Joey Gladstone’s goofy, kind-hearted persona became one of the show’s standout characters, and Coulier’s comedic timing and charm were key to making the role memorable. Even after the show ended, Coulier continued to work in television, comedy, and voice acting, thanks to the strong foundation that Full House had provided him.
Coulier is also grateful for the opportunity to work with a cast that has remained close over the years. He frequently speaks of his bond with co-stars like Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Candace Cameron Bure, and how the experience of filming Full House changed their lives in many ways. The cast’s camaraderie and love for one another have always been a central part of the show’s appeal.
Was Full House Ahead of Its Time?
Looking back, it’s clear that Full House was ahead of its time in many ways. Its emphasis on family values, humor, and heartwarming moments resonated with a wide audience, and the show tackled important life lessons in a relatable way. While it may have been overshadowed by more edgy programming toward the end of its run, the show’s impact cannot be overstated. In a time when television was often filled with darker or more controversial topics, Full House offered a refreshing dose of optimism.
The show also introduced themes that were progressive for its time, such as the importance of blended families, dealing with grief, and fostering open communication within families. These topics were often addressed in a way that was both entertaining and thoughtful, showing that a family sitcom didn’t have to be all fluff to be meaningful.
The End of Full House and the Show’s Lasting Influence
When Full House finally came to an end in 1995, it left behind a legacy that still endures. The cancellation, while tough for the cast and crew, ultimately paved the way for Fuller House, the show’s successful Netflix reboot, which introduced Full House to a new generation of fans. The original show remains an enduring part of pop culture, and its influence can still be seen in modern sitcoms that blend humor with heartfelt moments.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, But the Beginning of a Legacy
While the cancellation of Full House may have come as a surprise to many, it was a necessary step in the evolution of television. Joey star Dave Coulier’s candid reflections remind us that not every show can last forever, and that even the most beloved series will eventually have to say goodbye. But the impact of Full House—its heart, its humor, and its values—has endured long after its final episode. The show’s influence continues to be felt today, both in the form of its reboot and through the fond memories it left behind.
FAQs
- Why was Full House canceled after season 8? Full House was canceled after season 8 due to a decline in viewership and the changing TV landscape. By the time the show reached its final seasons, audience preferences were shifting, and family sitcoms were becoming less popular.
- What did Dave Coulier think about the cancellation of Full House? Coulier acknowledged that Full House had “run its course” and that the show’s decline in popularity was inevitable. He also emphasized that “not everybody was into it” by the end of the series.
- How did Full House impact the cast’s careers? Full House significantly shaped the careers of its cast, especially Dave Coulier. The show helped him establish himself as a popular comedian and actor, leading to continued success in television and voice acting.
- Why is Full House still popular today? Full House remains popular due to its timeless themes, memorable characters, and the emotional connection it created with audiences. Its legacy was further solidified by the reboot, Fuller House, which introduced the show to new generations.
- What is Dave Coulier doing now? Dave Coulier continues to work in comedy, voice acting, and television. He remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world and often reflects on his time on Full House in interviews and social media posts.
