Fans of Fuller House will remember the hit Netflix reboot of the beloved Full House, where old characters returned to the Tanner household and new storylines brought fresh drama. However, behind the scenes, Andrea Barber, who portrayed the quirky Kimmy Gibbler, recently opened up about a detail she initially didn’t want in the show — a detail that, in her own words, “still gets brought up.”
What was it that sparked such controversy? Let’s take a deep dive into this unexpected twist and explore what Andrea Barber had to say about it.
The Fuller House Moment That Divided Fans
The Full House Legacy Continues
When Fuller House debuted in 2016, it was met with excitement, nostalgia, and a sense of continuity as fans reunited with their favorite Tanner family members. However, with any reboot, there’s always the question: “Can it live up to the original?” For Fuller House, this question was answered with mixed feelings. Some fans loved seeing the old gang back together, while others found certain choices hard to digest.
Andrea Barber: Kimmy Gibbler’s Return
Andrea Barber’s return to the role of Kimmy Gibbler in Fuller House was a fan favorite. Kimmy, known for her quirky personality, served as the best friend of D.J. Tanner, and while she was always a supporting character in Full House, in Fuller House, Kimmy became one of the primary players. But not all of Kimmy’s storylines were universally praised.
The Detail Andrea Barber Didn’t Want in Fuller House
Why Andrea Was Hesitant About the Plot
As the show’s writers crafted Kimmy’s arc in Fuller House, Andrea Barber was not thrilled with one particular detail: Kimmy’s pregnancy. Although the plot twist of Kimmy becoming a surrogate for D.J. was meant to add new layers to the story, Barber had reservations. She knew that the plot point would be met with backlash, especially from fans who held Full House close to their hearts.
Fans’ Attachment to the Original Show
For fans of Full House, Kimmy Gibbler’s character was always the fun, offbeat sidekick who rarely took center stage. The idea of Kimmy suddenly becoming a surrogate was a significant shift in her character’s narrative. Andrea Barber feared this would lead to fan frustration and disapproval, as it didn’t quite align with Kimmy’s established persona.
The Backlash That Came With It
Despite Andrea’s reluctance, the writers moved forward with the storyline. As expected, the plot point about Kimmy’s pregnancy raised eyebrows among some viewers. Many fans questioned whether it was a necessary and believable character choice.
Andrea Barber recalled how the backlash from the fans continued long after the show aired. Even now, she says, “I’m still hearing about it,” as the storyline remains a hot topic of conversation among Fuller House devotees.
What Andrea Barber Had to Say About the Fan Backlash
The Pressure of Fan Expectations
In an interview, Andrea explained that the pressure of keeping the fans happy was immense. “It’s always tricky when you take a beloved character and try to give them a new arc,” she said. “I knew it would ruffle some feathers.”
But despite her reservations, Andrea understood that shows must evolve. Fuller House needed to introduce new dynamics and characters to maintain its relevance with a modern audience. However, Andrea felt conflicted about disrupting Kimmy’s quirky, carefree image with such a major change.
The Surrogate Storyline’s Legacy
In hindsight, Andrea recognizes that the surrogate plotline was an attempt to add emotional depth to Kimmy’s character and explore the strong bond between D.J. and Kimmy. While the storyline may have received mixed reviews, it certainly left a lasting impression on fans—whether they loved it or hated it.
Was the Risk Worth It?
While the backlash was hard for Andrea to handle, she eventually came to terms with the fact that every show takes risks. “You can’t please everyone,” she shared. Despite the mixed reactions, the storyline succeeded in one thing: keeping fans talking about Fuller House. And in the world of television, that’s no small feat.
Why Andrea Barber Is Still Loved by Fans
Kimmy Gibbler’s Timeless Appeal
Though Fuller House’s surrogate storyline was controversial, it did nothing to diminish Andrea Barber’s popularity with fans. Kimmy Gibbler’s charm is undeniably infectious. Fans still remember her for her hilarious one-liners, her close-knit friendship with D.J., and her loyal personality.
The Unwavering Support of Kimmy’s Fans
Throughout all the twists and turns of Kimmy’s Fuller House journey, Andrea Barber’s portrayal of her remained a fan favorite. The role may have changed over the years, but Kimmy’s essence—her humor and warmth—was what kept viewers tuning in.
Andrea Barber’s Role in Shaping Fuller House‘s Success
Although Fuller House was a joint effort between the original cast and new talent, Andrea’s return as Kimmy was crucial to the show’s heart. The show was built on nostalgia, and Kimmy’s return was a constant reminder of what fans loved about Full House—a family that supports each other, no matter the circumstances.
The Evolution of Kimmy Gibbler
Growing with the Fans
In Fuller House, Kimmy evolved from the eccentric, sometimes annoying best friend to a multidimensional character with her own journey and growth. While not everyone agreed with her storyline, Kimmy’s evolution is a testament to Andrea Barber’s range as an actress. She wasn’t just playing a quirky character—she was telling a story about love, family, and sacrifice.
The Power of Change in TV Storytelling
Television is an ever-changing medium, and as Fuller House proved, it’s important to take risks and keep the narrative fresh. Sometimes, those risks lead to controversies, but they also allow characters to grow in unexpected ways. Andrea Barber may not have loved every decision made about Kimmy, but she embraced her role and remained committed to portraying Kimmy with heart and humor.
Conclusion: Kimmy Gibbler’s Legacy in Fuller House and Beyond
Andrea Barber’s recounting of the Fuller House pregnancy plotline sheds light on the challenges of reviving a beloved character and creating new stories that resonate with both old and new audiences. Despite the controversies, Kimmy’s role in Fuller House was a testament to her impact as a character. Fans may still talk about the choices made for Kimmy, but they’re also quick to recognize her importance in the Fuller House universe.
Kimmy Gibbler may have had her controversial moments, but in the end, it’s clear: Kimmy will always have a place in the hearts of Full House and Fuller House fans.
FAQs
- What was the controversial storyline involving Kimmy Gibbler?
Kimmy Gibbler became a surrogate for her best friend, D.J., which sparked backlash from some fans who felt it was a drastic departure from Kimmy’s original character. - Did Andrea Barber want Kimmy’s pregnancy storyline?
No, Andrea Barber initially expressed reluctance about the storyline, fearing it would upset fans of Full House. - Why did Kimmy Gibbler’s storyline create controversy?
Kimmy was known for her quirky personality and was never a central character in Full House. Fans felt the pregnancy storyline was a major shift in her character’s narrative. - Did the controversy affect Andrea Barber’s relationship with fans?
Despite the controversy, Andrea Barber remains loved by fans, and Kimmy’s character continues to be a fan favorite. -
How did Andrea Barber feel about the backlash?
Andrea understood the risks involved in a character shift, and although the backlash was difficult, she accepted that television requires change and growth.
