Full House Filming Secrets: When & Where The Magic Happened

**For over three decades, *Full House* has remained a beloved fixture in American pop culture, a heartwarming sitcom that captured the hearts of millions with its tales of family, friendship, and life lessons. From its catchy theme song to its memorable catchphrases, the show created an indelible mark on television history. But beyond the laughter and the tears, a common question often arises among fans and curious viewers alike: when was *Full House* filmed, and where did the Tanner family's iconic adventures truly unfold?** The journey of bringing the Tanner family to life on screen was a meticulous process, blending the magic of studio production with the charm of real-world locations. While the show's narrative centered around a bustling Victorian home in San Francisco, the reality of its production involved a fascinating mix of soundstages, carefully constructed sets, and only a handful of exterior shots captured in the City by the Bay. Understanding the "when" and "where" of *Full House*'s filming provides a deeper appreciation for the creative efforts that went into crafting this enduring family drama.

The Genesis of a Sitcom Icon: When Full House Began

*Full House* is an American television sitcom created by Jeff Franklin for ABC. This beloved family drama, which chronicled a widowed father's struggles of raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend, first graced television screens in the late 1980s. The show, featuring a memorable cast including John Stamos, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron Bure, and Jodie Sweetin, quickly became a staple of Friday night television. So, when exactly did this iconic series begin its filming journey? The original run of *Full House* spanned an impressive eight seasons, from 1987 to 1995. This period marked the primary filming window for the show. Each season typically involved a production schedule that began in the summer or early fall and continued through the spring of the following year, allowing for episodes to be aired weekly during the traditional television season. This consistent schedule ensured that fans could reliably tune in to catch up with the Tanner family's latest adventures. Knowing when *Full House* was filmed helps us understand the context of its production within the television landscape of the late 20th century.

Studio Magic: The Primary Filming Location of Full House

While *Full House* is famously set in San Francisco, the vast majority of its scenes were not filmed in an actual house in the city. In fact, the question of "where was *Full House* filmed" largely points to a specific studio lot in Los Angeles. The show's creators opted for the controlled environment of a studio, a common practice for multi-camera sitcoms of that era. This choice allowed for efficient production, consistent lighting, and the ability to manage the logistics of a live studio audience. ###

Live Audience and Lorimar Studios: The Heart of the Tanner Home

The entire original series was filmed live before a studio audience at the Lorimar Studios in Los Angeles. This live audience component was crucial to the sitcom's energy, providing immediate laughter and reactions that fed into the performances of the cast. Later, production moved to the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, specifically Stage 24, which became synonymous with the Tanner home. This stage was meticulously designed to replicate the interior of a Victorian house, complete with the iconic kitchen, living room, and various bedrooms that fans grew to know so well. No interior scenes were filmed inside the actual house used for exterior shots in San Francisco; everything inside the Tanner home was a set built on a soundstage. This is a key piece of information when discussing when *Full House* was filmed and its production methods.

The Iconic San Francisco Exterior: Where Full House Truly Lived

Despite the bulk of filming occurring in Los Angeles, *Full House* created one of the most iconic establishing shot locations ever. When watching the iconic opening credits, viewers are immediately transported to the picturesque streets of San Francisco, showcasing the city's unique charm and the famous Victorian architecture. These exterior shots were vital in grounding the show in its supposed San Francisco setting, even if the interior magic happened miles away. ###

The Broderick Street House: A Landmark Beyond the Screen

Yes, the house featured in the series is a real townhome located in California. Danny Tanner’s home in *Full House* is located at 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco, California. This specific dwelling was used to film the opening credits and establishing shots for both *Full House* and its Netflix sequel, *Fuller House*. Though most of the sitcom was filmed at the Warner Brothers Studio in Los Angeles, the show's opening credits and exterior shots were all shot in San Francisco. This Broderick Street house has become a pilgrimage site for avid film and television lovers who enjoy visiting the locations where their favorite shows were filmed. Fans have visited the home, leaving notes, flowers, and other tokens of appreciation, cementing its status as a real-world landmark tied to a fictional family.

Beyond the Studio: Rare On-Location Shoots

While the majority of *Full House*'s production was confined to the soundstages of Los Angeles, there were a few notable exceptions where the cast and crew ventured out for on-location filming, adding a touch of authenticity and variety to the show's narrative. These instances were rare but significant, offering viewers a glimpse of the Tanner family outside their familiar studio-built home. ###

Hawaii and San Francisco: Expanding the Tanner Family's World

One of the most memorable on-location shoots took place for *Full House* season three. While most of the show was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, the cast also filmed in Hawaii. Specifically, *Full House* season three was filmed primarily in Hawaii for a special two-part episode, "Tanner's Island," which saw the family embark on a tropical vacation. These episodes provided a refreshing change of scenery and allowed for broader storytelling possibilities. Beyond the Hawaiian escapade, the cast also occasionally shot scenes in San Francisco itself, beyond just the establishing shots of the Broderick Street house. For instance, the cast of *Full House* was seen at Alamo Square Park in the show’s opening credits, with the iconic Painted Ladies in the background. While these moments were infrequent, they reinforced the show's connection to its San Francisco setting, providing a tangible link between the fictional world and the real one. These limited on-location shoots add another layer to the answer of when *Full House* was filmed, showcasing the show's occasional departures from its studio confines.

The Legacy of Filming: Full House's Enduring Appeal

The filming choices made for *Full House* played a significant role in its enduring appeal. By using a live studio audience, the show cultivated an energetic atmosphere that translated well to the screen, making viewers feel like they were part of the experience. The meticulous construction of the Tanner home set allowed for consistent staging and character blocking, contributing to the show's seamless flow. This careful approach to production ensured that despite the show’s often lighthearted tone, its technical execution was professional and polished. Moreover, the strategic use of the San Francisco exterior shots, particularly the Broderick Street house, created a powerful visual anchor for the series. Even though *Full House* filmed almost entirely in the studio, the visual of that Victorian home against the San Francisco backdrop became instantly recognizable. This blend of studio efficiency and iconic real-world imagery contributed to *Full House* becoming a hit and maintaining its cultural relevance for decades. The decisions made about when *Full House* was filmed and where its scenes were captured directly contributed to its status as a beloved classic.

From Full House to Fuller House: Continuity in Filming

The enduring popularity of *Full House* eventually led to a highly anticipated sequel series, *Fuller House*, which premiered on Netflix in 2016. When the series was rebooted, the creators made a conscious effort to maintain continuity with the original, not just in terms of story and characters but also in its filming approach. This commitment to honoring the past extended to the very physical spaces where the magic happened. ###

Stage 24 Revisited: The Next Generation's Home

For *Fuller House*, the production team returned to the very same soundstage that housed the original Tanner family home: Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios. They used the same Stage 24 as the original series, recreating the familiar interior sets with a modern touch while retaining their iconic layout. This decision provided a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for long-time fans, making the transition to the new series feel seamless. Just like its predecessor, *Fuller House* did not film the interiors of the Broderick Street house, relying entirely on the meticulously designed studio sets. This consistency in filming location underscores the success of the original production model and how it continued to serve the narrative in the sequel.

The Financial Footprint of a Filming Location

The real-world house at 1709 Broderick Street, San Francisco, has not only gained fame as a filming location but has also seen significant financial activity due to its iconic status. Lest you think this dwelling is a step down from one of the Painted Ladies, the most recent sold price for the “Tanner home” had a price tag of $7.5 million (€6,930,000). This demonstrates the immense value that a property can accrue when it becomes a recognizable part of popular culture. The show’s producer, Jeff Franklin, recognizing the house's importance to the series, bought the Broderick Street home in 2016 for $4 million. He later sold it in 2020 for $5.35 million. This transaction highlights the unique investment potential of properties associated with beloved television shows. The house's history and its connection to *Full House* contribute significantly to its market value, making it more than just a piece of real estate; it's a piece of television history.

Full House: A Filming Timeline and Episode Count

To fully grasp the scope of *Full House*'s production, it's helpful to look at its timeline and the sheer volume of content created. The series aired from 1987 to 1995, a consistent run that allowed the show to develop its characters and storylines over many years. In total, there were 192 episodes filmed for the show over the course of its eight seasons. This extensive episode count signifies a sustained period of filming, with the cast and crew dedicating nearly a decade to bringing the Tanner family's adventures to life. Each episode typically involved a week of rehearsals and then a live taping session, demonstrating the rigorous schedule involved in producing a network sitcom. This long-term commitment is a testament to the show's success and its ability to consistently deliver engaging content to its audience. The timeline of when *Full House* was filmed directly correlates with its impressive run and the vast library of episodes available to fans.

Visiting the Full House House: A Fan Pilgrimage

For many fans, the Broderick Street house in San Francisco isn't just a building; it's a tangible link to the beloved world of *Full House*. Avid film and television lovers who enjoy visiting the locations where their favorite shows were filmed often make the pilgrimage to 1709 Broderick Street. It's a testament to the show's impact that a simple exterior shot location has become such a popular tourist attraction. While *Full House* and *Fuller House* did not film the interiors of the Broderick Street house, the exterior remains instantly recognizable. Fans often gather outside, taking photos and sometimes leaving notes or small gifts. There is also a special part in the garden of the Broderick house, where cement tiles with handprints and signatures from the cast were added, further solidifying its status as a fan landmark. This interaction between the show's legacy and its real-world location highlights the deep connection viewers feel to the Tanner family and their fictional home.

The Art of Illusion: Why Studio Filming Reigns

The decision to film *Full House* almost entirely in a studio, despite its iconic San Francisco setting, was a practical and creative one. Studio filming offers unparalleled control over lighting, sound, and set design, which is crucial for a multi-camera sitcom. It allows for quick scene changes, seamless transitions between different rooms of the house, and the consistent capture of performances. The ability to reset and reshoot takes without external interference is a significant advantage. Moreover, filming before a live studio audience in a controlled environment allows for immediate feedback and helps fine-tune comedic timing. This dynamic interaction between performers and audience is a hallmark of successful sitcoms. While the exterior shots provided the necessary geographical context, the interior sets were where the characters truly lived and breathed. This blend of real-world establishing shots and meticulously crafted studio interiors created an effective illusion, allowing viewers to believe they were watching a family truly living in San Francisco, even though the bulk of the work happened on a soundstage in Los Angeles. This strategic choice underscores the answer to when *Full House* was filmed and how its production was optimized for television.

In conclusion, the question of when was *Full House* filmed leads us on a fascinating journey from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, primarily within the controlled environment of Los Angeles studios, specifically Lorimar and later Warner Bros. Stage 24. While the iconic exterior shots of the Broderick Street house in San Francisco firmly anchored the show in its setting, the true magic of the Tanner family's daily lives unfolded on meticulously crafted soundstages. The show's impressive run of 192 episodes over eight seasons, from 1987 to 1995, demonstrates a consistent and dedicated production schedule that brought joy to millions. The legacy of its filming choices even extended to its sequel, *Fuller House*, which faithfully returned to the original Stage 24.

Understanding these details not only satisfies curiosity about the show's production but also highlights the artistry and strategic decisions that go into creating a beloved television series. The blend of studio efficiency and real-world iconic imagery solidified *Full House*'s place in television history. We hope this deep dive into the filming locations and timeline has given you a fresh perspective on this classic sitcom. What are your favorite memories of *Full House*? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on iconic TV show filming locations!

AYM Sports: "Monarcas vs Toluca (sub.20)"

AYM Sports: "Monarcas vs Toluca (sub.20)"

Lia Leigh: "At the pool"

Lia Leigh: "At the pool"

Feiroz Djemoui: "Morgonkrök ciggpaus"

Feiroz Djemoui: "Morgonkrök ciggpaus"

Detail Author:

  • Name : Christina Schowalter
  • Username : kub.garfield
  • Email : sweber@koepp.com
  • Birthdate : 2006-11-08
  • Address : 58747 Schroeder Key Suite 743 Port Audieberg, CO 70481
  • Phone : +15416455505
  • Company : King PLC
  • Job : Chemical Technician
  • Bio : Quo nostrum unde nulla voluptatem doloribus eos. Veritatis placeat voluptatem dolores tempore odio velit est quibusdam. Aliquid quia error eos voluptas nobis aliquid nulla.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cristi
  • username : cristi
  • bio : Optio quia dignissimos ducimus. Eum vitae occaecati explicabo temporibus.
  • followers : 5994
  • following : 737

linkedin:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/isadore9657
  • username : isadore9657
  • bio : In corporis quas nostrum sapiente qui repellendus distinctio.
  • followers : 432
  • following : 404

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/isadorecrist
  • username : isadorecrist
  • bio : Voluptatem velit quia velit eligendi. Vitae vel corporis deleniti corporis saepe enim aut. Mollitia et et officia et.
  • followers : 1237
  • following : 1237

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@crist1994
  • username : crist1994
  • bio : Sit necessitatibus et aspernatur. Neque hic velit dolor.
  • followers : 2799
  • following : 228