For fans of Full House, the 80s and 90s sitcom was a staple of family-friendly television. Its wholesome moments, memorable catchphrases, and lovable characters made it a hit, spanning eight seasons. But, like any long-running show, not every episode could be a fan favorite. In a recent revelation, two Full House stars have boldly declared that one episode from Season 1 “easily” takes the title of the worst episode in the show’s history. With their candid confession, they’ve sparked a conversation about the challenges of early-season TV production and how a show can evolve over time. Let’s dive into this juicy tidbit from the cast and explore why these two stars feel so strongly about one specific episode.
The Stars Who Spilled the Beans
The two Full House stars who have spoken out about the infamous Season 1 episode are none other than Candace Cameron Bure (who played the ever-sweet DJ Tanner) and Jodie Sweetin (who portrayed the spunky Stephanie Tanner). Both actresses, who have fond memories of working on the beloved sitcom, admitted that when it came to early-season episodes, there was one that stood out for all the wrong reasons.
While fans may have fond memories of the early days of Full House, the stars themselves were not as enamored with certain episodes. The one they called “easily the worst” is from Season 1, and according to them, it didn’t quite meet the high standards they had set for the series as it progressed.
The Infamous Episode: “The Return of Grandma” (Season 1, Episode 13)
So, which episode did Bure and Sweetin identify as the “worst” in Full House history? It’s none other than “The Return of Grandma”, Episode 13 of Season 1. In this episode, the Tanner family eagerly anticipates a visit from Grandma, but things don’t go according to plan when the children struggle to connect with her, leading to some awkward and uncomfortable moments.
While the premise of the episode itself is harmless, the execution was less than stellar. Bure and Sweetin both noted that the episode was poorly received by fans, mainly due to the awkwardness between the characters and the lack of chemistry that some of the newer family dynamics were still trying to find. For a show that prided itself on heartwarming family moments, this episode fell short in the eyes of its stars.
Why Was This Episode So Problematic?
There are a few reasons why Full House stars have declared “The Return of Grandma” as their least favorite episode. First, early seasons of a show often go through growing pains as the writers, cast, and crew work to fine-tune the formula. For Full House, the first season was its experimental phase. The characters were still finding their footing, and the chemistry between the actors wasn’t as natural as it would become in later seasons.
In “The Return of Grandma,” the show tried to introduce a new character – the grandmother – and tried to establish a new family dynamic. However, the new character wasn’t as engaging or as likable as others in the show. The episode struggled to create the same warm, funny, and relatable moments that made Full House such a hit. Instead, it felt like the family dynamics were forced, and the episode left viewers feeling less connected to the characters than usual.
The Challenges of Season 1 TV Episodes
It’s important to remember that many shows, including Full House, often go through a rough start in their early seasons. In the case of “The Return of Grandma,” the show’s writers and producers were still finding their voice. It wasn’t unusual at the time for a show to have a few missteps before it found its rhythm.
This episode was also made at a time when the sitcom genre was still evolving. TV shows during the 80s and 90s often relied on more formulaic plots, and while Full House aimed to be a wholesome family comedy, this episode felt like it didn’t fully deliver on that promise. It wasn’t until later seasons when the show really honed in on what made it successful—combining humor with family values, relatable struggles, and unforgettable heartwarming moments.
The Evolution of Full House After Season 1
As the series progressed, Full House quickly became one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time. The first season, despite its popularity, was still figuring out what worked and what didn’t. From Season 2 onward, the show hit its stride with consistently strong writing, more focused character arcs, and better integration of guest stars.
By Season 2, the show had become more polished, and its ability to balance humor with heartfelt family moments became a hallmark. Episodes like “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” and “How to Miss a Guy in 10 Days” became some of the most memorable moments in the show’s history, and the show gained a dedicated fanbase that would continue throughout its run.
The character dynamics between Danny, Jesse, Joey, and the Tanner girls solidified into a fan-favorite ensemble, and by the time the show reached its final seasons, Full House was firing on all cylinders, leaving behind any awkward early-season moments like “The Return of Grandma.”
Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag
While Bure and Sweetin’s opinions might surprise some fans, the reaction to “The Return of Grandma” is still mixed today. Some viewers may remember it fondly as a classic early Full House episode, while others may agree with the stars’ assessment that it doesn’t live up to the show’s later standards.
For many fans, Season 1 remains an important part of Full House’s legacy, even if certain episodes didn’t fully capture the magic. “The Return of Grandma” may not be the fan favorite, but it did serve as part of the building block for what would become one of television’s most iconic family sitcoms.
The Importance of Early Seasons in Show Development
It’s important to understand that early seasons of a TV show are often crucial for development, even if they don’t always hit the mark. These early episodes set the foundation for characters, themes, and storylines that will evolve and be refined in later seasons. For Full House, Season 1 may not have been perfect, but it laid the groundwork for the relationships and dynamics that made the show such a hit in the following years.
The “worst” episode of the show, as deemed by Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin, is just one small chapter in the larger story of Full House. Every show has its moments of missteps, and it’s the growth over time that really matters in the long run.
Conclusion: Full House – A Legacy of Family and Fun
While “The Return of Grandma” may be dubbed the worst episode of Full House by its stars, it certainly doesn’t overshadow the incredible impact the show had on television. The iconic series became synonymous with family values, laughter, and love, and even its weaker episodes helped contribute to the overall charm and longevity of the show.
Full House continues to be cherished by fans around the world, and the sitcom’s legacy lives on in its spinoff series Fuller House, where newer generations are introduced to the lovable Tanner family. Despite any early-season hiccups, Full House remains a timeless classic.
FAQs
1. Why did Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin call a Season 1 episode the worst? Both actresses felt that “The Return of Grandma” didn’t capture the charm and warmth the show later became known for. It felt forced and lacked the chemistry that developed as the show progressed.
2. What is “The Return of Grandma” about? In this episode, the Tanner family looks forward to a visit from Grandma, but things get awkward when the children struggle to connect with her, leading to uncomfortable family dynamics.
3. Did Full House get better after Season 1? Yes, Full House quickly improved in Season 2 and beyond, with the show refining its character dynamics, writing, and humor.
4. Are there other Full House episodes considered weak? Like many long-running shows, Full House had a few weaker episodes, but the show’s consistent focus on family values and relatable moments won over viewers in the long run.
5. Is Full House still popular today? Yes, Full House remains a beloved classic and continues to be popular with fans, especially with the spinoff series Fuller House introducing a new generation to the Tanner family.
