‘Full House’ Star Opens Up About Declining Major Reality TV Show

Jodie Sweetin is being selective about her reality television appearances, recently revealing she passed on a high-profile opportunity that came her way. The actress, best known for playing Stephanie Tanner on “Full House” and “Fuller House,” and starring in Hallmark’s “Love Under the Rainbow,” shared details about turning down FOX’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” during a candid podcast interview.

During her June 2025 appearance on Kailyn Lowry’s “Barely Famous” podcast, Sweetin explained her reasoning for declining the military-style competition series. The decision came down to timing and her previous experience with a similar show format.

“I got asked to do that and I feel like it was probably too close to Panama. And I was like, ‘I’ve done that [expletive].’ But honestly, I’m good. I’ve done it,” Sweetin said.

The “Panama” reference relates to Sweetin’s participation in “Beyond the Edge.” This was a 2022 competition series where celebrities tested their survival skills in challenging conditions. Her experience on that show apparently satisfied her appetite for extreme reality television challenges.

Despite turning down “Special Forces,” Sweetin spoke positively about her time filming “Beyond the Edge.” The experience provided unexpected benefits that extended beyond the competition itself, particularly regarding her relationship with technology and personal reflection.

Finding Peace in the Jungle

Sweetin described her time away from modern conveniences during “Beyond the Edge” as transformative. The forced disconnect from digital devices created opportunities for introspection that she continues to value.

“I liked it in the jungle. I had some beautiful moments in the jungle where we didn’t have our phones. And I have a different relationship with my phone and electronics since after I came back from the jungle,” she shared during the podcast.

Sweetin also discussed her earlier reality television experience on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 22, which aired in 2016. The dancing competition required intense commitment and training that pushed her both physically and creatively.

“I wanted to work really hard, I danced six days a week. And there was no days off. And I worked Easter Sunday. And when you’re in it, you’re in it,” she explained about the demanding “DWTS” schedule.

Her motivation for joining DWTS stemmed from a lifelong passion for dance that connected to both her personal interests and her “Full House” character. “I’ve always wanted to do it,” she said, noting that she was a dancer growing up and used to watch ballroom competitions as a teenager.

Sweetin Embraces Her Legacy

While Sweetin continues exploring new projects, she’s made peace with her lasting connection to Stephanie Tanner. According to People magazine, she’s come to terms with the fact that this iconic character will always be part of her identity.

“I will be Stephanie Tanner forever. And I’ve come to be really okay with that over the last 20 years,” Sweetin told the outlet.

This acceptance has actually opened new doors in her career. This was particularly true after “Fuller House” allowed audiences to see her as an adult performer. The Netflix reboot served as a bridge between her childhood fame and her current diverse project portfolio.

Today, Sweetin balances various types of entertainment work, from Hallmark movies like “The Jane Mysteries” to more dramatic projects like the recent Lifetime film “Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life.”