10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Full House (1987)

Description: The Cosby Show and Full House both revolutionized family sitcoms by presenting warm, loving households where parents played active roles in their children's lives. Both shows used humor to address family dynamics and child-rearing challenges, though The Cosby Show had more focus on the parents' perspectives while Full House centered more on the kids.

Fact: The show single-handedly revived NBC's Thursday night lineup, making it 'Must See TV.' Bill Cosby insisted the Huxtable home be decorated with authentic African-American art. It was the first sitcom to feature a successful African-American professional family.

Description: While not a traditional family sitcom like Full House, Perfect Strangers shares its optimistic tone and physical comedy style. Both shows feature fish-out-of-water scenarios (Danny's brother-in-law moving in vs. Balki coming from Mypos) and emphasize the importance of family bonds, even if they're unconventional.

Fact: The show's famous dance sequence became a cultural phenomenon. It was the first show in the TGIF lineup that would later include Full House. Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot performed most of their own stunts.

Description: While more urban and edgy than Full House, The Fresh Prince shares its structure of a non-traditional family unit (Will moving in with relatives) and its balance of comedy with serious moments. Both shows feature young protagonists learning life lessons from their extended family members in humorous ways.

Fact: Will Smith was a rapper with no acting experience when cast. The famous theme song was performed by Smith himself. The Banks' mansion was the same set used for The Hogan Family.

Description: Blossom shares with Full House its focus on a single-parent household and coming-of-age stories, though with a more teen-oriented perspective. Both shows blend humor with serious topics and feature strong sibling dynamics. Blossom's quirky narration style parallels Full House's direct-to-camera moments.

Fact: Mayim Bialik (Blossom) later earned a neuroscience PhD. Joey Lawrence's 'Whoa!' became a popular catchphrase. The show featured many celebrity guest stars including Kurt Cobain.

Description: Like Full House, Step by Step is a family sitcom that focuses on a blended family navigating everyday life with humor and heart. Both shows feature a mix of parents and children dealing with relatable issues, often resolved with a moral lesson by the end of the episode. The lighthearted tone and emphasis on family values are key similarities.

Fact: Step by Step was created by the same team behind Family Matters, another popular TGIF show. The show originally aired as part of ABC's TGIF lineup, just like Full House. Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers played the parents, bringing star power to the series.

Description: The Nanny shares with Full House its fish-out-of-water premise (Fran in the wealthy household vs. Jesse/Joey in the Tanner home) and mix of physical comedy with heartfelt moments. Both shows feature unconventional caregivers becoming integral to the family unit and helping raise the children with love and humor.

Fact: Fran Drescher based the character on her own Queens upbringing. The show's theme song was performed by Ann Hampton Callaway. The producer originally wanted a British nanny character before Fran pitched her version.

Description: Sister, Sister shares with Full House its focus on sibling relationships and family bonding. Both shows feature single parents raising children (though Sister, Sister adds the twist of separated twins reuniting) and deal with coming-of-age issues in a comedic yet heartfelt way. The strong sisterly bond mirrors the Tanner sisters' relationship.

Fact: Tia and Tamera Mowry are real-life twins playing twins on the show. The show originally aired on ABC before moving to The WB. Jackée Harry won an Emmy for her role in another show but joined Sister, Sister as Lisa.

Description: Growing Pains shares with Full House the theme of a loving family dealing with the challenges of growing up. Both shows balance comedy with heartfelt moments, focusing on the parents' attempts to guide their children through various life stages. The Seavers, like the Tanners, often face problems that are resolved through family bonding and understanding.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio joined the cast in later seasons as a troubled teen taken in by the family. The show's theme song, 'As Long As We Got Each Other,' had multiple versions with different singers. It was one of the first family sitcoms to show both parents working outside the home.

Description: Home Improvement shares Full House's focus on family life and parenting challenges, though with more emphasis on the husband-wife dynamic. Both shows feature three boys (similar ages to the Tanner girls) and use physical comedy alongside heartfelt moments. The shows also share a similar era and audience demographic.

Fact: Tim Allen's stand-up comedy inspired his character's persona. The Wilson character's face was always partially hidden. Patricia Richardson turned down $25 million to do a ninth season.

Description: Boy Meets World shares with Full House its coming-of-age focus and moral lessons, though from a child's perspective rather than a parent's. Both shows follow their young protagonists through various life stages with humor and heart, featuring strong parental figures who provide guidance (though in BMW it's often the teacher Mr. Feeny).

Fact: The show's creator, Michael Jacobs, also created Dinosaurs and My Two Dads. Rider Strong (Shawn) was only 13 when cast, playing younger than his actual age. Many episodes were filmed in front of live studio audiences.