Netflix is beginning to look like an ‘80s and ‘90s comeback king, as the over-the-top (OTT) streaming service is adding another television notch to its belt with the resurrection of popular family sitcom Full House, called Fuller House, set to launch in 2016.
This sequel of sorts will center around the eldest Tanner daughter, DJ (played by Candace Cameron-Bure) — now DJ Tanner-Fuller — as a newly-widowed mom of two tween boys, with a third child on the way. Given her situation, which is morbidly similar to that of her father’s, she seeks out some familial help. Her younger sister Stephanie (played by Jodie Sweetin), an aspiring musician (just like her Uncle Jesse?), along with old neighbor and best friend Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) and her lively teenage daughter Ramona come to live with DJ and the kids to help out.
As viewers of the original series know, the show similarly featured Bob Saget as Danny Tanner, the father of three young girls who’s best friend and brother-in-law come to help out following the death of his wife at the hands of a drunk driver. And, well, they never end up leaving.
The storyline of Fuller House seems almost unbelievably eerie: DJ ends up living the same fate as her dad, losing her spouse, and raising three kids on her own with the help of a sibling and best friend? Still, younger viewers unfamiliar with the original may find it an interesting premise for a sitcom.
Indeed, Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content for Netflix, says Fuller House will be a “new narrative to existing fans worldwide who grew up on the original, as well as a new generation of global viewers that have grown up with the Tanners in syndication.”
Bob Saget will reportedly guest star on the show, and John Stamos, who played the wild, hearththrob musician brother-in-law, will both guest star and produce. Stamos, in fact, is the one who let the official cat out of the bag by confirming the news on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night.
No word on whether Dave Coulier will come back to tell the kids to “Cut. It. Out,” or if Lori Loughlin will appear as Aunt Becky, along with the twins. And, of course, might we see little sis Michelle, played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen? This is the show that propelled the twins to fame and fortune, after all. The least they could do is guest appear on an episode or two! (How rude!)
Jeff Franklin, who created the show for ABC back in 1987, will return for this version.
Full House originally aired for eight seasons from 1987 through to 1995. It took place in San Francisco, which is set to be the same location for Fuller House. We’ll have to wait to see if DJ will be living in the same home, and if each episode will end with the signature sombrer music and lesson of the day.
