When you think of Full House, you likely think of the wholesome, family-friendly sitcom that captured the hearts of millions during the late ’80s and early ’90s. The show was known for its feel-good moments, life lessons, and its ability to tackle tough topics in a way that was accessible to families. However, not every episode of Full House was met with universal praise. In fact, one episode stands out as a particularly controversial moment in the show’s history.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) recently opened up about what they consider the “worst episode” of Full House. While the show had plenty of light-hearted and entertaining moments, this particular episode didn’t sit well with viewers—and even the cast themselves. Let’s take a closer look at what made this episode so contentious and why Sweetin and Barber reflect on it with mixed emotions.
The Episode That Left Fans Divided
“The Apartment” – Season 8, Episode 19
The episode that has been labeled the “worst” by some Full House fans is titled “The Apartment” from season 8, episode 19. In this episode, Stephanie and Kimmy, two of the main characters, are dealing with the transition of Stephanie’s life as she prepares to move into her own apartment. However, this seemingly innocent plot takes a surprising turn, leaving audiences divided over the choice of themes and the way the storyline was handled.
While Full House was no stranger to covering challenging topics—like grief, family struggles, and other serious issues—the tone and execution of this episode felt out of place for many. The episode’s attempt to explore more mature themes, such as growing up and finding independence, came across as forced, leaving fans feeling uncomfortable and disconnected from the show’s usual charm.
Jodie Sweetin Reflects on the Controversy
Stephanie Tanner’s Transformation
Jodie Sweetin, who played the iconic role of Stephanie Tanner, has opened up about how she feels about the episode now that she’s an adult. While she acknowledges that Full House tried to tackle important life milestones, she feels that this particular episode didn’t quite land the way it was intended. Sweetin explains that it was a strange episode for her character’s arc, especially considering the tone and the way the script leaned into themes that felt more appropriate for a drama than a family sitcom.
Looking back, Sweetin says that she felt a bit uncomfortable with the direction the storyline took, noting that the transition from being a child to an independent adult felt rushed and out of place. Stephanie’s character had always been known for her humor, relatability, and sweetness, and this departure from that image didn’t quite resonate with her.
“I think we were trying to take Stephanie into a new direction, but it was awkward,” Sweetin admitted. “Stephanie was the fun, quirky middle child, and all of a sudden, she was supposed to be this responsible, mature adult. It didn’t quite work for me, and I think the audience felt the same way.”
Andrea Barber’s Perspective on Kimmy Gibbler’s Role
Kimmy’s Struggle with Maturity
Andrea Barber, who played the hilarious and ever-present Kimmy Gibbler, also weighed in on the episode. Known for her role as the quirky best friend, Kimmy Gibbler was often the comic relief on Full House. Kimmy’s eccentric personality and humorous antics brought levity to the show, and she was beloved by fans for her light-hearted nature.
However, in “The Apartment,” Kimmy’s character had to face the challenge of growing up and becoming more mature. Andrea Barber acknowledges that it was a departure from Kimmy’s usual storyline, which was often about causing chaos and making everyone laugh. The episode’s attempt to shift Kimmy’s character into a more serious role didn’t feel right, and Barber admits that it was a tough pill to swallow.
“Kimmy was never the ‘serious’ character, and in this episode, we were trying to make her grow up really quickly,” Barber explained. “It didn’t align with who Kimmy was, and it felt like we were forcing it. It was tough to watch because Kimmy’s charm came from her immaturity and her wild, spontaneous energy.”
Why the Episode Didn’t Resonate with Fans
The Clash of Tones
One of the key issues fans had with “The Apartment” was the clash of tones within the episode. Full House was known for its comedic approach to life’s struggles, with a focus on family dynamics, quirky situations, and heartfelt moments. The sudden shift towards a more serious exploration of growing up and independence felt jarring for many viewers, especially since it deviated from the show’s usual formula.
In addition, the episode’s attempts to cover such a serious topic—Stephanie moving into her own apartment—felt rushed. The emotional depth that many fans had come to expect from Full House was missing, and the episode’s attempt to delve into themes of self-reliance and adulthood didn’t feel natural or earned.
Fans felt that the show’s strengths lay in its ability to handle more relatable, light-hearted moments, and this episode didn’t do justice to that. The forced maturity and lack of comedic moments left many feeling dissatisfied, and the episode has since been widely regarded as one of the show’s weakest.
The Importance of Staying True to Character
The Pressure to Evolve
Both Sweetin and Barber acknowledge the challenge of evolving their characters over the course of Full House. As the show progressed, they had to deal with the inevitable changes that come with growing older and transitioning from children to young adults. However, they both agree that it’s crucial for a character to stay true to their core personality, no matter how much time has passed.
For Full House, the decision to push Stephanie and Kimmy into more mature roles was an attempt to keep up with the changing dynamics of the show and its audience. However, in doing so, it ultimately alienated fans who were accustomed to the fun, family-oriented tone that Full House was built on.
“I think we were trying to show growth and maturity, but at the end of the day, the audience wanted to see the same characters they loved,” Sweetin said. “When a show tries to change too much too quickly, it can lose what made it special.”
The Legacy of Full House: Lessons Learned
Learning from Past Mistakes
While “The Apartment” may have been a misstep in the eyes of many, it was part of the show’s broader evolution. Full House was never afraid to take risks and explore new territories, and this episode was an attempt to deal with the inevitable transition that comes with growing up. However, as Sweetin and Barber reflect, sometimes sticking to the show’s heart—humor, warmth, and family values—was the better approach.
In the end, the legacy of Full House is one of enduring love and connection, and even its missteps provide valuable lessons for TV shows today. Characters grow and change, but the core essence of a show should always remain intact to maintain its charm and connection with the audience.
Conclusion: Full House’s ‘Worst Episode’ and What We Can Learn From It
“The Apartment” may have been a controversial episode of Full House, but it also highlights the challenges that come with evolving a show’s characters and tone over time. Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber’s reflections on the episode show that even the cast was uncertain about the direction it took. However, Full House’s legacy remains strong, despite its few missteps. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and staying true to the heart of a show is the best way to keep fans engaged.
FAQs
1. Why is “The Apartment” considered the “worst episode” of Full House?
“The Apartment” has been labeled the “worst episode” by some fans due to its forced attempt at tackling mature themes, which felt out of place for the show’s usual tone. The episode tried to make Stephanie and Kimmy grow up too quickly, alienating viewers who loved the characters’ lighter, comedic qualities.
2. Did Jodie Sweetin enjoy filming “The Apartment”?
Jodie Sweetin has openly admitted that she felt uncomfortable with the direction of the episode, as it didn’t align with her character’s usual playful and quirky nature. She felt that the episode rushed Stephanie’s growth in a way that didn’t resonate with her or the audience.
3. How did Andrea Barber feel about Kimmy’s role in the episode?
Andrea Barber expressed that Kimmy’s character was forced into a more serious role, which didn’t fit with her usual humorous and wild personality. It was a challenging experience for Barber as Kimmy’s charm was based on her immaturity and unpredictability.
4. What lesson can be learned from the episode?
The main lesson is that while characters must evolve, it’s important to maintain their core essence. Full House learned that pushing characters too far from their original traits can lead to disconnection with the audience.
5. Did the episode impact the overall success of Full House?
While “The Apartment” was a controversial episode, it didn’t significantly impact the overall success of Full House, which remained a beloved show. However, it serves as a reminder that not every risk pays off, and staying true to the heart of the show is key.
