Several elements of are difficult to get through now, almost 40 years since it debuted. The ABC family sitcom premiered in the late '80s and ran until 1994. While wasn't a critical darling, it captured the audiences thanks to its realistic exploration of the highs and lows of parenting from both the parents and kids' perspectives. Over time, it became a cult classic, so much so that a spin-off series was greenlit by Netflix —
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The Tanner household wasn't traditional in the sense that there was really no maternal figure. Instead, Danny, Jesse, and Joey raised three young girls — DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. This in itself was already what made groundbreaking as it challenged the norm when it came to home dynamics. Still, all three men served their respective functions. Danny was strict but gentle, Jesse was more laid-back and cool, and Joey was funny and encouraging.
While tackled narratives that were incredibly ahead of its time, some of its elements didn't age quite well.
was kicked off after Danny was suddenly widowed when his wife got killed by a drunk driver and left to raise three young kids on his own.
Luckily, he got help from his brother-in-law, Jesse, and close friend Joey. Both moved in with the Tanners to keep an eye on the kids. Considering its sitcom nature, it was understandable that the show focused on making jokes. However, it's quite odd that aside from just a couple of scenes that showed the family talking about losing , her death never really factored into its storytelling until much later when the older kids can finally drive.
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