Jodie Sweetin Jokes Kissing “Fuller House” Costar John Brotherton in “Finding Hope” Was ‘Like Kissing Your Stepbrother’ (Exclusive)

Jodie Sweetin, famed for her role in the iconic sitcom ‘Full House’, returns to the small screen in a new microdrama titled ‘Finding Hope’. Released on vertTV, this fresh project is not only a reunion with familiar faces from her past but also a platform showcasing Sweetin’s evolving acting range.

In ‘Finding Hope’, Sweetin portrays Dr. Emily Harper, a dedicated medical professional who leaves her bustling city life behind to tend to her ailing father, a respected local doctor played by Richard Karn. The narrative deepens as Emily steps in to salvage his struggling clinic and unexpectedly rekindles a past romance with John Brotherton’s character, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.

Sweetin expressed her enthusiasm during an interview with PEOPLE, highlighting her collaborative experience with Marla Sokoloff, the show’s writer and director. Sokoloff, who reprised her role as Gia Mahan from ‘Full House’, collaborated closely with Sweetin and Brotherton, making their reunion particularly special.

“I absolutely loved working with Marla and John,” Sweetin remarked, reflecting on their shared history. The actress, now 44, admitted that she was initially taken aback by the concept of vertical television—programming designed specifically for mobile viewing. However, the project piqued her interest when Sokoloff presented her with the script.

Sweetin lauded the quality of the writing, saying, “The script was actually a really good script, which I totally expected from Marla. It was exciting to try something new, but with a script that I felt connected to and that told a good story.” She embraced the challenge of stepping into a role that diverged from her previous comedic work, appreciating the opportunity to portray a more serious character grappling with complex issues.

The depth of Emily Harper’s character is highlighted by her professional responsibilities and her complicated personal relationships. “She’s a doctor. She’s in charge of things. She’s conflicted,” Sweetin explained, noting the contrast between this role and her previous portrayals of Stephanie Tanner. “It was really fun to play someone that was a little more grounded outside of the sitcom reality,” she added, aligning the themes of the microdrama with more realistic portrayals.

Romantic interactions add another layer of intrigue to ‘Finding Hope’. Sweetin noted the initial awkwardness of acting alongside Brotherton, who previously portrayed her would-be brother-in-law on ‘Full House’. She humorously likened their kissing scenes to “kissing your stepbrother,” reflecting on their strong friendship and the challenges of shifting to a romantic dynamic. “At first, it was like, ‘This is weird,’ but then we decided to just go for it,” she recounted.

As she anticipates audience reactions, Sweetin expressed excitement for viewers to dive into the world of ‘Finding Hope’. She acknowledged the unwavering support from fans of both ‘Full House’ and ‘Fuller House’, emphasising the impact of this fanbase on the opportunities afforded to her and her former co-stars. “We get to do what we love because they have supported us for all these years,” she stated, highlighting the deep connection she feels with her audience.

With ‘Finding Hope’ now accessible on vertTV, Sweetin is eager for both long-standing fans and new viewers to experience the project they poured their hearts into. Her gratitude towards the ‘Fannerito family’—a nickname given to their devoted supporters—is evident, illustrating the strong bonds forged through shared experiences on screen.

This latest venture represents a new chapter in Sweetin’s career as she continues to explore diverse roles beyond her early days in family sitcoms. The microdrama format provides a unique space for storytelling, allowing artists to engage with contemporary themes in a compact and impactful manner.

As the landscape of television evolves, ‘Finding Hope’ stands as a testament to the enduring friendships and creative collaborations that have marked Sweetin’s journey—and as she navigates her future projects, her appreciation for her fans and colleagues remains a driving force behind her work.