If you’re wondering which Full House season 1 episode is the worst, cut it out — series stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber have revealed their definitive opinion.


During Thursday’s “minisode” of their podcast, How Rude, Tanneritos, the Full House alums laughed about how they share the same thought on their pick for the worst episode not just of the first season of their hit sitcom, but also of all-time.

“I think the audience already knows the answer to the worst,” Sweetin said.

“Oh, yeah,” Barber agreed. “Should we start with the worst?”

Sweetin cued them up to reveal their pick together. “On the count of three,” she said. “One, two, three.”

Then they both declared, “Sea Cruise!”


“Easily the worst episode,” Barber said after laughing. “I don’t think there’s been a worse episode since Sea Cruise. Like I think Sea Cruise takes the cake for all seasons.”

Sweetin agreed. “Sea Cruise takes the cake,” she said. “Although, whatever that weird Michelle dream sequence was was also creepy.”

“That was very creepy,” Barber said. 

Full House, the beloved American sitcom that captured the hearts of millions, first premiered in 1987 and ran for eight successful seasons. The show revolved around the lives of three single men – Danny Tanner, Jesse Katsopolis, and Joey Gladstone – as they navigated the challenges of raising three young girls in San Francisco. In a recent interview, series stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber, who played Stephanie Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler respectively, shared their candid thoughts on the show’s first season, revealing which episode they think is the worst.

The first season of Full House, which consisted of 22 episodes, introduced audiences to the lovable Tanner family and their quirky friends. While the season received generally positive reviews, Sweetin and Barber agree that one episode stands out as the weakest link. According to the actresses, the worst episode of Season 1 is “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9). In this episode, the Tanners are struggling to come to terms with their first Thanksgiving without Pam, the girls’ mother, who passed away. The episode’s storyline centers around the family’s efforts to recreate the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, with chaotic and hilarious results.

Sweetin and Barber’s criticism of “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” stems from its heavy-handed approach to tackling the sensitive topic of grief. The episode’s tone is often inconsistent, veering wildly from slapstick comedy to sentimental drama. Sweetin, who was just six years old when the episode was filmed, recalls feeling uncomfortable with the script’s handling of Pam’s death. “I think the writers were trying to do something special, but it just didn’t work,” she explains. “It’s a tough subject to tackle, especially in a sitcom, and I think we missed the mark.”

Barber, who joined the show in its first season as the Tanners’ eccentric next-door neighbor, Kimmy Gibbler, concurs with Sweetin’s assessment. “The episode just feels forced,” she says. “We’re trying to make this big, emotional point about the importance of family, but it comes across as insincere. I think we were all still finding our footing as a cast, and it shows in this episode.” Despite their reservations, both Sweetin and Barber acknowledge that the episode has its moments, particularly in the comedic performances of Bob Saget and John Stamos.

Interestingly, “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” was not the only episode from Season 1 to tackle serious themes. Another episode, “The Big Three-O” (Season 1, Episode 16), deals with Danny’s anxiety about turning 30 and feeling unfulfilled. However, Sweetin and Barber argue that this episode handles its themes with greater nuance and sensitivity. “The Big Three-O” features a more subtle and character-driven approach, allowing the cast to shine in their performances. In contrast, “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” relies on contrived plot devices and overly sentimental moments.

Despite the missteps of “The Miracle of Thanksgiving,” Full House’s first season remains a beloved and iconic part of television history. The show’s lighthearted humor, colorful characters, and catchy theme song helped establish it as a staple of 80s and 90s pop culture. Sweetin and Barber’s critiques of the episode serve as a reminder that even the most popular shows can have their flaws, but it’s how the cast and crew learn from these mistakes that truly matters.

In the years since Full House first aired, the show has undergone numerous reruns, spin-offs, and even a revival series, Fuller House. Through it all, the show’s core message about the importance of family and friendship has remained a constant. While “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” may not be the strongest episode in the series, it still contributes to the show’s overall impact and charm. As Sweetin and Barber look back on their time on Full House, they are reminded of the show’s enduring legacy and the lessons they learned along the way.

One of the most significant takeaways from Sweetin and Barber’s interview is the importance of taking risks and experimenting with different storylines and tone. While “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” may not have worked, it represents a crucial step in the show’s development and growth. The episode’s failures ultimately paved the way for more successful and memorable episodes, like “The Big Three-O” and “Our Very First Promo” (Season 1, Episode 12). By acknowledging and learning from their mistakes, the cast and crew of Full House were able to refine their craft and create a show that continues to delight audiences today.

In the world of television, it’s not uncommon for shows to have their fair share of duds. Even the most critically acclaimed series can have episodes that fall flat or fail to resonate with viewers. However, it’s how the show’s creators respond to these missteps that truly matters. In the case of Full House, the show’s willingness to take risks and experiment with different storylines and tone helped establish it as a beloved and enduring part of television history.

As for Sweetin and Barber, their candid assessment of “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” serves as a testament to their dedication to the show and its legacy. By sharing their honest opinions, they offer a unique glimpse into the making of Full House and the lessons they learned along the way. For fans of the show, their insights provide a fresh perspective on the series and its development, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, while “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” may be the worst episode of Full House’s first season, it remains an important part of the show’s history and legacy. Sweetin and Barber’s critiques of the episode serve as a reminder that even the most beloved shows can have their flaws, but it’s how the cast and crew learn from these mistakes that truly matters. As the show continues to delight audiences today, its impact and charm are a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the importance of family and friendship.