When Netflix launched the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 90s sitcom Full House in 2016, Fuller House was a huge hit with fans, reuniting beloved characters and bringing new stories to life. However, amid all the nostalgia and fun, there was one particular change that had fans scratching their heads: the retcon of Kimmy Gibbler’s family background.
In the original series, Kimmy Gibbler, played by Andrea Barber, was the quirky and often troublesome best friend of DJ Tanner. Her family was portrayed as a bit chaotic, with her mom and dad never being fully fleshed out characters. Fast forward to Fuller House, and suddenly, Kimmy’s family is drastically different—and that didn’t sit well with Andrea Barber.
In a recent interview, Andrea Barber opened up about how she felt when she discovered the changes made to her character’s backstory in Fuller House—specifically, the twist involving Kimmy’s family. Let’s dive into what happened, why fans were so upset, and what Andrea herself had to say about the whole situation.
What is the Kimmy Gibbler Family Retcon in Fuller House?
To understand why Andrea Barber had such a strong reaction to Kimmy’s family retcon, we need to first break down what exactly changed. In Full House, Kimmy’s family was portrayed as being a bit eccentric but lovable. Her parents, for instance, were never prominently featured. Kimmy’s mom, for example, was mentioned but never seen, and there was little information about her dad. However, when Fuller House came into play, Kimmy’s family suddenly had a completely different dynamic.
In Fuller House, viewers discover that Kimmy has a sister and that she comes from a much more affluent background than previously suggested. This is a significant shift from the original show, where Kimmy was often depicted as the less polished, quirky friend from a less privileged family.
The change stirred up confusion and disappointment among fans, who felt that the retcon was unnecessary. After all, Kimmy’s quirky, often wild behavior was rooted in her family background, and shifting that dynamic seemed to change the essence of her character.
Why the Kimmy Family Retcon Was So Controversial
A Shift in Character Identity
One of the major reasons the Kimmy Gibbler family retcon created such a stir was that it changed the core identity of the character. In Full House, Kimmy was a fun, down-to-earth, slightly awkward character whose family was shown to be loud, unpredictable, and colorful. She wasn’t wealthy, but her charm lay in the fact that she was a regular, everyday girl who brought humor and chaos into the Tanner household.
In Fuller House, the new narrative about Kimmy’s wealthier background felt like a complete contradiction. It stripped away the relatable aspects of her character. Kimmy’s eccentricity, her carefree nature, and her sense of humor were originally attributed to her quirky upbringing. By introducing a new, affluent family dynamic, it made her background feel inconsistent with what we saw in Full House.
A Betrayal to Fans’ Attachment to the Original Series
Fans of Full House had spent years connecting with the characters, especially Kimmy Gibbler. She was more than just the funny neighbor—she was a loyal friend to DJ and Stephanie, and we saw her grow over the years. To suddenly change her background in Fuller House felt like a betrayal to that fan attachment. The shift in her family dynamic seemed to undermine everything fans had previously understood about her character.
Andrea Barber Speaks Out: “Guys, No!”
Andrea Barber, who portrayed Kimmy Gibbler, has always been very open with fans about her feelings toward Fuller House. While she’s grateful for the opportunity to revisit her character, she admits that she wasn’t thrilled with the decision to alter Kimmy’s family backstory.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Barber revealed that her initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. “I’m like, ‘Guys, no!’” she admitted, reflecting on her first read of the scripts. She explained that the retcon wasn’t something she had expected, and it felt like a big change to the core of who Kimmy was.
Barber went on to explain that, while she understood the creative choices being made for Fuller House, she did feel conflicted about the shift in her character’s origins. She emphasized that her connection to the original Full House Kimmy was strong, and it was hard to reconcile that with the new, wealthier version of Kimmy presented in the sequel series.
The Importance of Staying True to Character Development
What Kimmy Gibbler Represented in Full House
Kimmy was one of the most beloved side characters on Full House. Her goofy personality and love for her friends made her an essential part of the Tanner household. Kimmy was the girl next door with an unconventional family—no frills, no pretensions, just a funny, loyal friend who would do anything for her loved ones.
Her character was deeply tied to the family dynamics she came from. Fans connected with Kimmy because, like many of us, she wasn’t perfect. She wasn’t rich or famous—she was just trying to figure things out and find where she belonged. That made her stand out in a show full of over-the-top personalities.
The Consequences of a Retcon
The retcon introduced in Fuller House fundamentally changed Kimmy’s relationship with the other characters. It also altered how viewers would perceive her role in the story. Fuller House aimed to bring fresh material, but in doing so, it made Kimmy’s family background feel artificially constructed and out of place.
When a show revisits its characters decades later, it can be tempting to make changes for the sake of drama or to freshen up the plot. However, this can result in a loss of what made the characters endearing in the first place. In Kimmy’s case, the decision to add a wealthier background shifted her from the relatable, every-girl character fans adored to a more privileged, out-of-touch version.
How Fans Reacted to the Kimmy Family Retcon
Fans were vocal about their disappointment with the Kimmy Gibbler retcon. On social media and in forums, viewers shared their thoughts about the change. Many felt that it didn’t serve the character, while others argued that it disrupted the continuity between Full House and Fuller House. Fans wondered if this new version of Kimmy was the same character they had watched for years.
Some took issue with the fact that the retcon undermined Kimmy’s charm, suggesting that it made her seem more like a caricature rather than the quirky, real-life friend that fans had grown to love.
Andrea Barber’s Reflections: Embracing the Change While Staying True to Kimmy
While Barber initially struggled with the changes to Kimmy’s background, she later came to accept them. In later interviews, she acknowledged that Fuller House was ultimately a different show with different goals. It was more about celebrating the legacy of Full House and exploring where the characters had gone as adults.
Staying True to Kimmy’s Heart
Barber emphasized that, despite the changes, she did her best to remain true to the core of Kimmy’s character—the loyalty, quirkiness, and heartfelt nature that made Kimmy so lovable. While her background may have shifted, Kimmy’s devotion to her friends and family remained at the forefront.
The Impact of Fuller House on Kimmy’s Legacy
In the end, while the Kimmy Gibbler family retcon may have left some fans scratching their heads, it didn’t diminish the lasting impact Kimmy had on audiences. Andrea Barber’s portrayal of the character remains iconic, and Kimmy’s relationship with DJ, Stephanie, and the rest of the Tanner family continues to be one of the most beloved elements of Full House and Fuller House alike.
Conclusion: A Family Revisited, but Not Forgotten
The Kimmy Gibbler family retcon in Fuller House remains a point of contention for many fans, but it also serves as a reminder of how characters evolve over time—sometimes in ways that may not feel entirely in line with their roots. Andrea Barber’s candid reflections on the change provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions that go into creating a beloved sequel series.
While the change to Kimmy’s family dynamic may have seemed jarring, it’s clear that Kimmy Gibbler herself remains as quirky, lovable, and unforgettable as ever. Whether you loved or disliked the retcon, one thing is certain—Kimmy will always be a favorite.
FAQs
1. Why was Kimmy Gibbler’s family background changed in Fuller House?
The creators of Fuller House made the decision to expand on Kimmy’s character and her backstory. While the original show didn’t focus much on her family, the retcon added new layers to Kimmy’s life in the sequel series.
2. Did Andrea Barber like the change to Kimmy’s family?
Andrea Barber initially didn’t love the change. She admitted in interviews that she was surprised by the retcon and found it difficult to reconcile with her understanding of Kimmy’s character.
3. How did fans react to Kimmy Gibbler’s family retcon?
Many fans were confused or disappointed by the change. Some felt it conflicted with the original depiction of Kimmy as a quirky, relatable character from a less affluent background.
4. Was Kimmy Gibbler’s character still the same in Fuller House?
While the retcon changed her family background, Kimmy Gibbler’s core personality—her loyalty, humor, and heart—remained intact, according to Andrea Barber.
5. Why is Kimmy Gibbler such a beloved character?
Kimmy’s quirky, funny personality and her deep friendship with DJ Tanner made her a standout character in Full House. Fans loved her for being real, authentic, and always there for her friends.
