Joey is a good friend. Who else would move into his best friend's house and help take care of three little girls? Even with relatively no experience, Joey manages to be a positive force in the lives of DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle on Full House.
The comedian, played by a real one we know as Dave Coulier, brings a lot of love and laughs to the Tanner household. Flipping around gender roles was still a big deal in the 80s and 90s, and Joey made it a humorous and delightful experience. This was a long time ago, though, so here are some aspects of his character that would be less tolerable in 2020.
His Button-Downs
When the show started, the 80s fashion of bold prints on button-down shirts was all the rage. Joey kept his style pretty simple, but it usually involved a goofy button-down shirt of some kind. There's nothing wrong with that! However, the zany patterns that wardrobe chose for Joey are certainly dated in this day.
His Inability to Change a Diaper
Joey isn't caught changing too many diapers on Full House, but when he does, he goes for it. You would think Danny might have given Jesse and Joey some instructions on basic rules of childcare, but he must have forgotten. The season one diaper scene is a staple of the family sitcom, but this might not go over so well today.
His Stolen Car
Joey managed to accidentally purchase a stolen car for DJ's sixteenth birthday. This was, by far, one of his most serious moments. It was a little odd back then that Joey somehow got home with a beautiful red, stolen convertible. Such an error would be even more unlikely today, though. And the police officer the Tanners brought into their house probably wouldn't buy their silly routine in this episode now.
His Catchphrase
Joey is known for many things, but one of them is his constant use of the catchphrase "Cut it out." The phrase didn't originate with Full House, but it has become associated with the sitcom since it was used so much there. Coulier's character does occasionally use the phrase in the Fuller House reboot, but now that all the episodes are out, there's not much need to keep "cutting it out."
His Puppet
One man finding success with one puppet. Obviously, that's not an unheard-of story. When Joey works on a kids' television program as "Ranger Joe" in the later years, he needs a trusty sidekick. Mr. Woodchuck brought fans a lot of laughs and joy, but kids these days might not be so amused.
His Work with Jesse
Joey is always working on a new project with Jesse. The two try venturing out into advertising--both jingles and full-on productions--then there's the stint hosting a radio show, and at the end of the series, they're thinking about a TV show.
They manage to take care of the Tanner girls by working from home, which is nice. It's a little unusual to have so many different business ventures go well with the same person, though.
His Comedy Journey
Joey has a lot of opportunities for his stand-up comedy on Full House. He gets really weird about it, though. The goals he has set for himself often come with a lot of baggage. Still, he gets to do Star Search, work with Frankie and Annette, and share the spotlight with Phyllis Diller. Joey's complicated attitude around comedy is legitimate, but it might not be the best subject matter for a modern audience that doesn't understand it.
His Alcove
The fact that Joey lived in an alcove for most of the first season is absurd. For that time period, he had no privacy, no place to think, and the whole family could theoretically see him get dressed if they walked through the living room at the wrong time. With all those rooms, this would be unacceptable today.
His Obliviousness
No, Joey didn't miss the cement truck pouring its contents into the kitchen in every episode. He did miss it once, though. He also left Stephanie unattended in his car for one second for her to play "driving" and crash it into the kitchen.
She thought the "R" on the gear shift meant radio, not knowing about reverse. That poor kitchen. Joey could have kept a better eye out. Once might fly today, but twice? Nope.
His Dating History
No one particularly likes Joey's wife or bunch of kids on Fuller House, but he has a couple of solid chances at love on Full House. Unfortunately, the good ones always get away, and Joey is the odd man out more often than not. He's really quite a catch at the end of the day--lovable, funny, and ready to experience the world. He might need more romance to stay afloat in a new show, though.