25 Surprising Secrets About Full House You Never Knew
For over three decades, Full House has remained one of the most iconic and beloved family sitcoms in TV history. The show, which aired from 1987 to 1995, has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, thanks to its heartwarming family dynamics, lovable characters, and unforgettable moments. But as much as we all know and love the Winslows, there’s a lot more about Full House that may surprise you. In this article, we’ll uncover 25 lesser-known facts and surprising secrets behind the scenes that will make you see the show in a whole new light.
1. The Show Was Almost Called Something Else
While we all know the show as Full House, it almost had a different name! Initially, the title was going to be House of Comics, referencing the comedic nature of the show. Fortunately, the title was changed to Full House, which better reflected the heart of the story about a family filled with love, chaos, and, of course, humor.
2. Bob Saget Wasn’t Always the Fun Dad
Bob Saget, known for playing Danny Tanner, was famous for his clean, family-friendly humor on the show. However, in real life, he was known for his edgy and often raunchy comedy. His stand-up performances were much more adult-oriented compared to his wholesome TV dad persona, which often surprised fans!
3. The Cast Wasn’t All Immediate Friends
While the cast of Full House became a tight-knit family on-screen, the initial chemistry wasn’t immediate. Bob Saget and John Stamos, for example, took some time to bond. Their characters, Danny and Jesse, became close friends on-screen, but it took a while for the two actors to become close off-screen.
4. Candace Cameron Bure Was the Youngest Cast Member
Candace Cameron Bure, who portrayed the sweet and strong-willed DJ Tanner, was just 10 years old when she landed the role. She grew up in front of the cameras, making her one of the youngest TV stars of the ’80s and ’90s.
5. Jodie Sweetin Wasn’t a Natural at Dancing
Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner, became known for her energetic dance moves during the show. However, Sweetin has admitted that she wasn’t a natural dancer. In fact, her dance skills were something she had to learn and improve over time, especially for the show’s famous dance sequences.
6. The House Was Just a Set
While Full House takes place in a beautiful San Francisco home, the iconic house was never real. The exterior shots of the house were filmed in front of a real home in San Francisco, but the interior was a completely staged set in a Hollywood studio.
7. There Was a Hidden Message in Every Episode
Every episode of Full House was known to have a hidden message about family values or life lessons. These were subtly woven into the plots, and many fans didn’t even notice how deep the show actually was under all the laughs.
8. John Stamos’ Iconic Hairstyle Wasn’t Always His Choice
John Stamos’ signature hairstyle as Uncle Jesse became iconic over the years. But what many fans don’t know is that his wild, voluminous hair wasn’t always his idea. The producers encouraged him to keep his hair long and wavy to fit the character’s “bad boy” image, but Stamos later admitted that he wasn’t always a fan of the look.
9. The Show Wasn’t Always a Hit
Although Full House is now seen as a legendary TV show, it wasn’t an instant success. The ratings were pretty low during its early seasons, and the show had a difficult time finding its audience. However, after a few years, it gained traction and became a mainstay on TV.
10. The Show Almost Got Canceled Multiple Times
Full House had a rocky start, and at various points, the show was almost canceled. The early ratings weren’t great, but the producers and network gave it a chance. By season three, the show’s popularity began to rise, and it was renewed for several more seasons.
11. Bob Saget Didn’t Want to Play the Dad Role
When Bob Saget was first offered the role of Danny Tanner, he was hesitant because he wasn’t interested in playing a stereotypical “dad” role. However, after meeting with the creators and reading the script, Saget was convinced to take on the part, and it became one of his most iconic roles.
12. The Show Was Filmed in Front of a Live Audience
Many fans might not realize that Full House was filmed in front of a live studio audience. The laughter you hear throughout the show is the result of real-time reactions from the audience. This added a level of authenticity to the performances and made the show feel even more genuine.
13. The Cast Used to Have a Secret Full House Handshake
Over the years, the cast became incredibly close, and they even had their own special Full House handshake. This little tradition was something they would do between takes, adding to their already strong camaraderie.
14. The House on Full House Was Bigger on the Inside
Even though the Full House house looked small on the outside, it was actually much larger on the inside, thanks to the magic of television production. The living room and kitchen were far more spacious in real life than they appeared on screen.
15. The Theme Song Was Almost Different
The show’s catchy theme song, “Everywhere You Look,” is a fan favorite, but it was almost different. The song’s original version had lyrics that were much more serious and emotional, but the producers decided to go with a more upbeat, fun version instead.
16. Lori Loughlin Auditioned for a Different Role
Lori Loughlin, who played Aunt Becky, originally auditioned for the role of the mom, Harriette. However, she didn’t get the part. Later, the producers called her back for the role of Aunt Becky, and she became one of the most beloved characters on the show.
17. Bob Saget Was a DJ Before Acting
Before Bob Saget became Danny Tanner, he worked as a stand-up comedian and even DJed at parties! His background in entertainment helped him bring the right energy to his role as the family’s lovable father.
18. Candace Cameron Bure Was a Child Star, but Not Really into Acting
Despite being a child star, Candace Cameron Bure didn’t always have the acting bug. She has said that she wasn’t particularly passionate about acting in her early years but was happy to be part of Full House and build a career from there.
19. The Famous Family Photo Had a Hidden Detail
If you take a closer look at the famous family photo in the Full House intro, you’ll notice a subtle detail: Danny Tanner’s hand is placed awkwardly on Stephanie’s shoulder, a detail that’s become a funny observation for fans.
20. The Tanners Had a Real-Life Neighbor
While Steve Urkel (from Family Matters) was known as the ultimate annoying neighbor, the Tanners had a more welcoming neighbor in real life. The actor who played the Winslow family’s next-door neighbor was actually good friends with the cast, further enhancing the show’s authenticity.
21. A Full House Spin-Off Was Almost Created Early On
At one point during the show’s run, there was talk of creating a Full House spin-off focused on the lives of DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. The idea was scrapped, but Fuller House eventually became a reality in 2016, reuniting much of the original cast.
22. Michelle Tanner’s Twin Sister Was Played by Two Different Actresses
The character of Michelle Tanner, played by the Olsen twins, was technically portrayed by both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. While they alternated playing the role throughout the show, they each played the character at different times.
23. The Show Was Influenced by Real Family Dynamics
The show’s producers, especially creator Jeff Franklin, drew inspiration from their own families when creating the Full House dynamic. The struggles and growth of the family were based on the challenges that many families experience, making the show feel incredibly relatable.
24. The Cast Was Always in Touch After the Show
The Full House cast has remained close, even after the show ended. Over the years, they’ve continued to reunite for various events and even started an Instagram page to interact with fans and share memories.
25. Full House Inspired Other Family Sitcoms
Full House wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon; it also set the stage for other family sitcoms in the ’90s. Shows like Step by Step, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Family Matters owe a lot to Full House in terms of their formula for family-oriented humor and drama.
Conclusion: A Show That Continues to Endure
Full House wasn’t just another family sitcom – it was a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with fans old and new. The 25 surprising secrets behind the scenes of the show only deepen our appreciation for the cast, crew, and the show’s impact on television history. Whether it’s the hidden details in the sets or the offbeat moments that became fan favorites, Full House will always hold a special place in TV history.
FAQs:
1. Why was Full House so successful?
Full House was successful because it combined humor with heart, offering relatable family dynamics and memorable characters that fans could connect with.
2. Was Full House filmed in front of a live audience?
Yes, Full House was filmed in front of a live studio audience, and the laughter you hear on the show comes from real-time reactions.
3. Why did Full House almost get canceled?
The show’s early ratings were low, but it eventually found its audience and became a major hit, leading to multiple seasons and a spinoff.
4. How long did Full House run?
Full House aired for eight seasons, from 1987 to 1995, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. Did the cast of Full House stay in touch after the show ended?
Yes, the cast remained close after the show wrapped up, frequently reuniting for special events and even participating in the spinoff Fuller House.
