‘Full House’ Stars Believe Show Needs a Reboot

Taking a Look Back at Full House: Barber and Sweetin’s Spotlight on Pamela Tanner

In a recent episode of their podcast "How Rude, Tanneritos," Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin shared candid thoughts on "Full House." A fan opinion sparked their discussion. It suggested that the show needed more exploration of Pamela Tanner’s character. Both stars surprisingly agreed.

Ghost of Pamela Tanner: An Untouched Storyline?

Pamela Tanner, mother to beloved characters D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle, passed away before the series even began. While her absence was central to the storyline, Pamela’s presence was scarcely felt. Barber, known for her portrayal of Kimmy Gibbler, reflected on Pamela’s ghost-like status. "Pam is talked about briefly in season one. There’s a VHS tape, but that’s about it," she remarked.

Sweetin, who brought Stephanie Tanner to life, wished Pamela’s legacy had been given more attention. "It didn’t need to be morbid or down," she said. Sweetin imagined funny anecdotes and heartwarming tales of Pamela with the kids. She felt these could have enriched the show’s depth.

"When someone’s gone, stories keep them alive," Sweetin noted. Pamela’s presence seemed to vanish swiftly. "She’s like, you’re dead, bye," she quipped, pointing out the missed narrative opportunities.

Balancing Sitcom Lightness with Emotional Stories

While sitcoms are designed to be light-hearted, Sweetin believed Pamela’s memory could have been integrated gently. "I guess you can’t get too dark in a sitcom," she mused, suggesting that careful storytelling might have bridged this gap.

Barber chimed in with agreement. "It doesn’t have to be sappy with violins and crying," she asserted. Barber suggested adding more photos of Pam around the Tanner home. This visual homage would have been subtle yet significant. By season four, Pamela seemed erased from existence.

Sweetin humorously added, "By episode four! They were like, just wipe her name off. Yeah, bye." The duo laughed but felt deeply aligned with the fan’s perspective. Sweetin concluded with conviction, "I definitely agree that you should have talked about Pam more."

Your Turn: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on Pamela Tanner’s role in "Full House"? Did the show miss an opportunity for meaningful storytelling? Let us know in the comments below!