Full Breakdown
John Pose’s Unaired Full House Pilot and the Switch to Bob Saget
6/30/2026, 3:08:44 PM
Pilot with John Pose
John Pose was cast as Danny Tanner for Full House’s original pilot. Actress Jodie Sweetin confirmed the episode was fully shot before the series aired on ABC. Pose later described the sitcom’s tone as “sweet” and unlike the cynical comedies he knew.
Switch to Bob Saget
Bob Saget had been ABC’s first choice for Danny Tanner but was tied to CBS’s The Morning Program. When he became available, an ABC executive persuaded the network to replace Pose and reshoot the pilot. Pose recalled his agent’s call: “they’re testing Bob Saget,” after which he learned his role ended.
Statements from Those Involved
In a 2014 Yahoo interview, Pose said he learned of the change while driving in Mississippi and called the news unexpected. Sweetin, on a recent podcast, said the reshoot “cost a lot of money” and that creator Jeff Franklin “had to fight for so hard” to secure Saget. Pose added the young cast felt “a little bit shattered” by the switch.
Cast Reaction
Sweetin noted that “Candace … was very upset that [it] fell apart.” The reshoot also raised concerns about production costs, prompting Franklin’s vigorous advocacy for the change.
Key Dates
- Pre-1987: Pilot filmed with John Pose as Danny Tanner.
- 1987: Bob Saget becomes available; ABC replaces Pose.
- 1987-1995: Saget stars as Danny Tanner on Full House.
- 2014: Pose discusses casting change in Yahoo interview.
- 2022: Bob Saget dies.
- Recent: Sweetin recounts unaired pilot on podcast (date not specified).
Implications
The switch shows how network casting decisions can reshape a series before launch, affecting budget and on-set dynamics. It also highlights the fragile nature of pilot contracts and the weight of star power in network choices.
Discrepancies
Pose said he did not know Saget was the original first choice, while Sweetin’s account confirms Saget’s prior preference. The exact reason Saget became available—whether a contract termination or another factor—remains unspecified.
Quotes
- “Bob was the first choice for Danny.” — Jodie Sweetin, Actress
- “I was part of a pretty successful comedy group — Comedia — in Atlanta, and somebody from ABC was in town.” — John Pose, Actor
- “I just know this is who we need as the dad. This is going to be it.” — Jeff Franklin, Creator of Full House
- “I've never spoken to Bob. John Stamos is a friend. Dave Coulier is a friend.” — John Pose, Actor
Later Work
After the pilot, Pose continued acting, with guest spots on Better Call Saul and MTV’s Teen Wolf, the latter starring his son Tyler Posey.
