Review: ‘Fuller House’ lets fans return home again

Samantha Hollingshead
Thu, 03 Mar 2016 04:35:02 +0000
Arts & Life, News, TV, full house, fuller house, netflix, television

Have mercy! Those were the words that went through my head when I got wind that “Full House” was being remade on Netflix.

So many questions went through my head. Would it be the same stars all grown up? Would it take place in the same house? Would the hot and sexy Uncle Jesse once again be on my screen? All of these can be answered with, “Yes.”

I, like most people my age, grew up watching the original show and, like most people, loved it. Well, not most people; some people thought the show lacked drama or great acting, but come on, it was a family sitcom. The show may not have won any Emmy Awards, but that wasn’t the show’s goal. The goal was to bring families and friends together to watch a 30-minute feel-good comedy about a fictional family’s lives, problems and experiences.

Let’s be honest: Nobody back in the ‘80s and ‘90s ever said, “Hey ‘Full House’ is TV’s greatest program,” and I don’t think the producers back then ever cared for people to do so. Yet it didn’t stop most people from tuning in every week to catch up with their favorite TV family. It certainly didn’t stop me.

I loved watching “Full House” as a kid. I can honestly say I have seen every episode, some multiple times. It was the type of show that I could relate to, coming from a big family. I loved the Tanner sisters; finding common problems I shared, even with a fictional character, helped me through my younger and more vulnerable years.

The show was just what it was meant to be: a feel-good show directed toward people of all ages and especially families. And now, 29 years later, that’s exactly what “Fuller House” set out to do.

When Friday came, I set all things aside, logged into my Netflix account and dare I say it … chilled … for six and a half hours.

Yes, I binged the entire season. I couldn’t help it. How often do we get to revisit our childhood and the characters we loved, now all grown up?

Was it everything I hoped for and more? Yes and no.

The show starts off slow, allowing for all the old catchphrases, reintroducing old characters, introducing new ones and bringing up old jokes and more. It’s what you would expect: witty.

I’ll admit, halfway through the first episode, the thought crossed my mind that maybe as an adult this type of comedy and show wouldn’t be as funny or relatable. However, once the writers get past the overzealous former jokes and humor, they get back to the basics. The show, like its original, has a spark.

No, it’s not award-winning in nature, and no, it’s not the best acting, but it wasn’t 29 years ago, either. “Fuller House” is just that — fuller. More characters, more comedy, more life lessons and more fun. For those who liked the original, the remake is a must watch.

After all, how often do you really get to go home again?