Jodie Sweetin Ponders the Future of ‘Full House’ Without Bob Saget: “Would It Ever Be the Same?”

The beloved cast of ‘Fuller House’ and ‘Full House’ continues to grapple with the profound absence of their dear friend and co-star, Bob Saget. Actress Jodie Sweetin, who famously portrayed Stephanie Tanner, recently opened up about the lingering question on everyone’s minds: could a potential sequel to the iconic family sitcom ever truly be the same without the late comedian, who was undeniably the heart of the series?

During an exclusive interview with Hollywood Life, while promoting her collaboration with Align Probiotic’s new product, Align Bloating Relief + Food Digestion, Sweetin delved into the possibility of another installment in the Tanner family saga. While she unequivocally stated that the door for a future ‘Full House’ spinoff remains open, she quickly acknowledged the immense void left by Bob Saget’s untimely passing. The sentimental impact of his absence looms large over any future creative endeavors involving the cherished cast.

The Indelible Legacy of Bob Saget as Danny Tanner

“I would always leave that door open [to do another ‘Full House’ spinoff], but I will say that I think now without Bob — that’s been … on all of our minds is like, would it ever be the same without, without Danny Tanner?” Jodie Sweetin thoughtfully remarked. Her words echo the sentiments of many fans and former colleagues who view Saget’s character, Danny Tanner, not just as a role, but as the very foundation upon which the show’s warmth and family values were built. Saget’s portrayal of the widowed, neat-freak father was central to the series’ charm, offering both humor and profound life lessons to his three on-screen daughters and, by extension, to millions of viewers worldwide.

Sweetin poignantly underscored Saget’s crucial role, stating that he “was the heart” of the show. This sentiment is widely shared, as Bob Saget infused Danny Tanner with a unique blend of endearing dad jokes, a meticulous nature, and an overwhelming capacity for love and emotional support. He was the anchor of the Tanner household, guiding D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle through their childhood and teenage years with unwavering dedication. His off-screen persona mirrored this, as he was known among the cast as a source of comfort, laughter, and genuine affection, solidifying the idea that the “TV family” truly became a “real family.” The idea of navigating the Tanner family’s world without his guiding presence is indeed a formidable challenge for any potential new series.

Jodie Sweetin’s Enduring Connection to Stephanie Tanner

Despite the inherent challenges, Jodie Sweetin’s personal commitment to her character, Stephanie Tanner, remains steadfast. “I will never say that I would never play Stephanie again. The door is always open, as we say, to playing Stephanie,” she affirmed. This deep-rooted connection stems from Sweetin having grown up with the character, embodying Stephanie from a young age in the original ‘Full House’ and reprising the role as an adult in ‘Fuller House.’ Stephanie Tanner is more than just a character; she’s an integral part of Sweetin’s identity and career trajectory.

The actress elaborated on the symbiotic relationship between herself and the character: “She’s a character that I know so well. Sometimes, I don’t know if she was influenced by me or me by her, I’m not sure.” This profound bond highlights the authenticity Sweetin brought to Stephanie, evolving from the sassy middle child known for her “how rude!” catchphrase to a mature, successful DJ and eventually a loving mother in ‘Fuller House.’ Her willingness to step back into Stephanie’s shoes, even amidst the emotional complexity of Bob Saget’s absence, speaks volumes about her dedication to the ‘Full House’ legacy and the character that helped define her career.

Imagining a Future Sequel: Addressing Danny’s Absence

When pressed about how a future installment might realistically address Bob Saget’s irreplaceable role, Jodie Sweetin offered a contemplative and respectful approach. She suggested that if the cast were ever to reunite for another show, they would “probably wait” until they are “Golden Girls-aged.” This specific timing would allow for a storyline that could naturally and respectfully explore a plot in which Bob’s character, Danny Tanner, “has passed [away].” Such a narrative would provide a framework for the characters to mourn, celebrate his life, and continue their own journeys, much like real families navigate loss.

This approach isn’t merely a logistical workaround; it’s a testament to the cast’s commitment to honoring Saget’s memory and the integrity of the show’s deeply emotional core. By allowing time to pass, a potential sequel could focus on how the surviving Tanner family members and their extended network cope with the patriarch’s absence, celebrating his enduring influence rather than attempting to replace him. It would be a narrative built on remembrance, resilience, and the continued strength of familial bonds that ‘Full House’ has always championed. The idea of the “Golden Girls-aged” cast also implies a focus on new dynamics, perhaps the grandchildren of the original characters, bringing a fresh perspective while maintaining the foundational values.

The Enduring Appeal of the Tanner Family Saga

‘Full House’ first captivated audiences in 1987, becoming Jodie Sweetin’s breakout role as a child star. For eight seasons, from 1987 through 1995, she starred as Stephanie Tanner alongside a cast that became a genuine family both on and off-screen. Bob Saget, as Danny Tanner, was the loving, if sometimes overly fastidious, father figure. The original series resonated with millions due to its heartwarming portrayal of a non-traditional family navigating life’s challenges with humor, love, and constant support. The show’s themes of camaraderie, communication, and the importance of family struck a chord that has endured for decades.

Decades later, the cast reunited for Netflix’s highly anticipated five-season sequel, ‘Fuller House,’ which aired from 2016 through 2020. This revival saw Sweetin, alongside original cast members Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner), Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler), John Stamos (Uncle Jesse), Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey), and Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky), reprise their beloved characters. Bob Saget also returned as Danny Tanner, further cementing his role in the family. The reunion was a nostalgic treat for long-time fans and introduced the Tanner legacy to a new generation, demonstrating the timeless appeal of its wholesome humor and family-first message. Notably, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who famously shared the role of Michelle Tanner, opted not to return for ‘Fuller House,’ a decision that was acknowledged within the show’s narrative.

Bob Saget’s Profound Impact: Beyond the Screen

Bob Saget’s sudden and untimely death in January 2022 sent shockwaves through Hollywood, profoundly impacting his co-stars, friends, and legions of fans worldwide. His passing created an immense void, not only in the entertainment industry but also in the lives of those who knew him personally. Jodie Sweetin, like many others in the ‘Full House’ family, openly expressed her grief and shared a heartfelt tribute to her late TV dad on Instagram shortly after his death. Her post, accompanied by a photo featuring several of the original stars, including Bob, resonated deeply with fans.

“Thirty-five years ago, we came together as a TV family, but we became a real family. And now, we grieve as a family,” the ‘Merry Swissmas’ actress penned in her emotional tribute. Her words beautifully encapsulated the unique bond shared by the ‘Full House’ cast, a bond that transcended professional colleagueship and blossomed into genuine, lifelong family. “Bob made us laugh until we cried. Now, our tears flow in sadness, but also with gratitude for all the beautiful memories of our sweet, kind, hilarious, cherished Bob. He was a brother to us guys, a father to us girls and a friend to all of us. Bob, we love you dearly. We ask in Bob’s honor, hug the people you love. No one gave better hugs than Bob.” This moving message not only honored Saget’s incredible ability to bring joy and comfort but also encouraged others to cherish their loved ones, reflecting the very essence of the values he embodied both on and off screen. His legacy as a comedian, actor, and above all, a genuinely compassionate human being, continues to inspire and remind everyone of the importance of love and connection.

As Jodie Sweetin concludes, “So, we’ll see. But I will never say that I wouldn’t play Stephanie [again].” The future of the ‘Full House’ universe remains uncertain, but what is clear is the indelible mark left by Bob Saget. Any potential return would be tinged with the bittersweet knowledge of his absence, yet it would undoubtedly be an opportunity to honor his memory and the enduring power of the family he helped create.