The creator of the popular sitcom “Full House,” Jeff Franklin, recently opened up about an episode from the show’s third season that he considers to be one of the worst. In a candid discussion on Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber’s podcast, Franklin shared his thoughts on the episode that fell short of expectations.
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During the podcast episode, Sweetin and Barber, who were key cast members on “Full House,” discussed the highs and lows of the show’s third season. When asked about the worst episode from that season, Barber mentioned “Dr. Dare Rides Again,” where Scott Baio guest-starred as an old friend of John Stamos’ character, Uncle Jesse, pushing him to take a risky dare. Sweetin, on the other hand, singled out “Lust in the Dust,” an episode focusing on setting Bob Saget’s character, Danny, up on a date.
To the surprise of the actresses, Franklin revealed that he considered the season 3 premiere episode, “Tanner’s Island,” as the worst. In this episode, the cast goes on a vacation to Hawaii, which turns into a series of comedic misadventures, including Uncle Jesse staging an Elvis Presley-themed concert at a hula event.
Franklin explained that despite the episode having high production values and costing a significant amount of money, it lacked a cohesive storyline and emotional depth. He described it as being filled with frivolous moments without any real substance, comparing it to a “cartoon” rather than a well-crafted episode of television.
Reflecting on the episode, Franklin expressed that while the cast had fun filming it, he believed it ultimately missed the mark in terms of storytelling and character development. He joked about the absurdity of the plot, such as the characters going from Potato Chip Island to building tiki huts to a sudden Elvis concert, highlighting the disjointed nature of the narrative.
Additionally, Franklin shared his perspective on other episodes that he felt were among the show’s weakest, citing “Dr. Dare Rides Again” and “Lust in the Dust.” He acknowledged that not every episode could be a standout, attributing the success of the show to the talented cast members who brought their characters to life.
“Full House” originally aired from 1987 to 1995, gaining a devoted fan base that continued to grow through syndication. A sequel series titled “Fuller House” aired on Netflix from 2016 to 2020, with Franklin also serving as the creator of the show.
Despite Franklin’s candid assessment of certain episodes, fans of “Full House” continue to cherish the show for its heartwarming moments, lovable characters, and enduring popularity over the years. The creator’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges and creative decisions that shaped the beloved sitcom into a cultural phenomenon.