Full House became a household name during its original run from 1987 to 1995, and even today, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. From its touching family moments to its hilarious catchphrases, the show captured the essence of growing up in a chaotic yet loving home. But, as with any long-running series, not every season is created equal. So, where do each of Full House’s eight seasons rank? Let’s break it down and see how each season stacks up!
8. Season 8: The Final Season – A Sentimental Farewell
A Bittersweet Conclusion
Season 8 is undeniably sentimental, but it feels like the show is winding down after several seasons of ups and downs. The introduction of the twins, Nicky and Alex, brought new energy to the show, but there was a noticeable shift in the dynamic. The jokes weren’t as fresh, and the episodes began to feel formulaic.
Despite the tired feeling at times, the season provides some heartwarming moments that offer closure to the series. Full House fans were treated to a fitting farewell, but by this point, the show had lost much of its earlier magic. The series finale, in which Michelle Tanner recovers from a horse-riding accident, was heartfelt, but the season’s overall energy made it feel like it was time to say goodbye.
Best Episode: “Michelle Rides Again” – The emotional finale that wraps up the Tanner family’s journey.
7. Season 7: Hitting a Plateau
The Struggles of Keeping Things Fresh
Season 7 of Full House struggles with maintaining the same charm as its earlier years. The Tanners are still a lovable family, but this season feels like it is trying too hard to stay relevant, adding new storylines that just don’t pack the same punch. While the characters remain endearing, there’s a sense of repetition that slightly detracts from the show’s originality.
One significant change during this season was the increased focus on the younger characters like Michelle, who begins to take center stage. While this was a logical move, it didn’t have the same impact as the more balanced family dynamics earlier in the show’s run.
Best Episode: “The Last Dance” – A fun, classic episode with dance-themed antics and sibling bonding.
6. Season 6: Starting to Feel a Little Too Familiar
Same Old, Same Old?
Season 6 feels like it’s running out of steam but still manages to bring in some solid moments. By this point, the characters were becoming familiar staples in the viewers’ lives, and while there were some standout episodes, the show began to fall into a predictable pattern.
With Jesse and Becky preparing for parenthood, and Danny still doing his best to juggle life and fatherhood, the season hits a comfortable stride but lacks the excitement and edge that earlier seasons had. It’s certainly entertaining, but there’s nothing that stands out as being particularly groundbreaking or memorable.
Best Episode: “The House Meets the Mouse: Part 1 & 2” – A Disney World trip filled with fun, excitement, and great family moments.
5. Season 5: The Middle Years – Fun, But Not Quite at Its Best
A Season in the Sweet Spot
Season 5 is a good middle-ground for Full House. The characters are growing up, and the show is entering a transitional phase with the addition of new storylines, but it still holds on to its charm. The Tanners are more relatable than ever, and the situations they find themselves in are still filled with humor and heart.
While it doesn’t pack the punch of earlier seasons, this season offers a lot of fun episodes, especially around Michelle and the kids’ antics. There’s a good balance of comedy and life lessons, even though the show’s formula is starting to show signs of wear.
Best Episode: “Five’s a Crowd” – A hilarious episode where Danny tries to balance family time with his new relationship.
4. Season 3: The Golden Age of Full House
Peak of the Family Comedy
Season 3 hits that sweet spot where the series was firing on all cylinders. The characters were well-established, and the family dynamic was working beautifully. The episodes felt fresh, and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments mixed with emotional depth. Season 3 also introduced some of the more iconic episodes, with memorable guest stars and plotlines.
The season continued to explore the relationships between Danny and his brothers-in-law, Jesse and Joey, while also delving into the growing independence of the kids, especially DJ and Stephanie. It’s the perfect balance of humor and heart that makes Full House stand out.
Best Episode: “Stephanie Gets Framed” – A hilarious yet heartfelt episode dealing with family trust.
3. Season 4: A Strong Year for the Tanners
Still Going Strong
Season 4 of Full House continues the show’s successful run. By this point, the show had solidified its formula of quirky family dynamics, slapstick comedy, and touching moments. There were fewer new characters introduced, and the show focused heavily on the core Tanners. This helped keep the series feeling grounded and relatable.
Season 4 had some fantastic moments, from Jesse and Becky’s wedding to Michelle’s adventures, all while maintaining the classic Full House charm. This is also the season where the show really starts delving into the personal lives of the characters, giving more depth to the storylines.
Best Episode: “The Wedding” – The long-awaited wedding of Jesse and Becky, which is both heartwarming and hilarious.
2. Season 2: The Series’ Strength Shines
The Heart of Full House
Season 2 marks the time when Full House really found its groove. The characters became more defined, and the relationships started to evolve into something deeper. This season saw the birth of several key recurring themes—like the romantic development between Jesse and Becky—that would go on to define the rest of the series.
The humor was sharper, the writing was more refined, and there was a genuine sense of family that resonated throughout the episodes. The Tanners still had their ups and downs, but the heart of the show shone through in a way that made viewers fall even more in love with the family.
Best Episode: “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” – A beautiful episode that captures the true meaning of family during the holiday season.
1. Season 1: The Beginnings of a Timeless Classic
Fresh and Fun from the Start
Season 1 of Full House is the quintessential start to the series, and it sets the foundation for everything that would come later. While it’s not as polished as the later seasons, it’s packed with memorable moments that helped shape the show into a beloved family classic. This season introduced us to the Tanner family, their friends, and their unique, loving dynamic.
What makes Season 1 so great is its freshness. The characters were new, the humor was sharp, and the bond between Danny, his brothers-in-law, and the kids was genuinely heartwarming. The series was still finding its voice, but it laid the groundwork for the wholesome family values that would define the entire run.
Best Episode: “Our Very First Show” – The pilot episode that introduces us to the Tanner family and sets the tone for the series.
Conclusion
Ranking every season of Full House is no easy feat, as each season brought its own charm and beloved moments. But as we look back, it’s clear that the show was at its best when it found the right balance of humor, family drama, and heartwarming moments. Whether it was the emotional highs of the first season or the later, more polished years, Full House remains a timeless classic for generations of fans.
