View source for Home Improvement (TV series)

{{short description|American television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Home Improvement (TV series logo).svg
| based_on             = {{based_on|Stand-up comedy material|[[Tim Allen]]}}
| genre                = [[Sitcom]]
| creator              = {{Plain list|
* [[Carmen Finestra]]
* [[David McFadzean]]
* [[Matt Williams (producer)|Matt Williams]]
}}
| starring             = {{Plain list|
* [[Tim Allen]]
* [[Patricia Richardson]]
* [[Earl Hindman]]
* [[Taran Noah Smith]]
* [[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]]
* [[Zachery Ty Bryan]]
* [[Richard Karn]]
* [[Debbe Dunning]]
}}
| theme_music_composer = Dan Foliart
| open_theme           = "Iron John's Rock"
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 8
| num_episodes         = 204
| list_episodes        = List of Home Improvement episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plain list|
* [[Carmen Finestra]]
* [[David McFadzean]]
* [[Matt Williams (TV producer)|Matt Williams]]
* [[Bob Bendetson]]<br />{{small|(seasons 3–5)}}
* Elliot Shoenman<br />{{small|(seasons 3–8)}}
* [[Bruce Ferber]]<br />{{small|(seasons 4, episode 6–season 8)}}
* [[Charlie Hauck]] {{small|(seasons 6–7)}}
* Tim Allen {{small|(seasons 6–8)}}
* [[Laurie Gelman]] {{small|(season 8)}}
}}
| producer             = {{Plain list|
* Gayle S. Maffeo
* Alan Padula {{small|(seasons 4–8)}}
* [[John Pasquin]] {{small|(seasons 1–2)}}
* Frank McKemy {{small|(seasons 4–6)}}
}}
| cinematography       = {{Plain list|
* [[Donald A. Morgan]]
}}
| editor               = {{Plain list|
* [[Marco Zappia]]
* James Spach {{small|(season 8)}}
* Richard Russell {{small|(seasons 6–7)}}
* Roger Ames Berger {{small|(seasons 3–5)}}
* Alex Gimenez {{small|(seasons 1–2)}}
}}
| location             = {{Plain list|
* Soundstage 4
* [[Walt Disney Studios (Burbank)|Walt Disney Studios]]
* Burbank, California
}}
| camera               = [[Videotape]]; [[Multi-camera]]
| runtime              = 22 minutes
| company              = {{Plain list|
* [[Wind Dancer Productions]]
* [[ABC Signature|Touchstone Television]]
}}
| network              = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1991|9|17}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|1999|5|25}}
| related              = {{plainlist|
* ''[[Buddies (TV series)|Buddies]]''
}} 
}}

'''''Home Improvement''''' is an American [[sitcom]] television series starring [[Tim Allen]] originally airing on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] from September 17, 1991, to May 25, 1999, with a total of 204 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons. The series was created by [[Carmen Finestra]], [[David McFadzean]], and [[Matt Williams (producer)|Matt Williams]], and was one of the most watched sitcoms in the United States during the 1990s, winning many awards and being ABC's number-one sitcom for most of its run. The series also launched stand-up comedian Allen's acting career,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-17-ca-2925-story.html |title=Tim Allen's Power Tools: Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement.' |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 17, 1991 |access-date=September 8, 2012 |first=Daniel |last=Cerone}}</ref> and grossed more than $500 million in syndication revenue by 1996.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Lowry|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-21-fi-1242-story.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310095203/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-21-fi-1242-story.html|title=Program Suppliers Pulling the Plug on Low-Rated Longshots|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|archivedate=March 10, 2024|date=November 21, 1996|accessdate=March 10, 2024}}</ref>

== Show background ==
Based on the stand-up comedy of [[Tim Allen]], ''Home Improvement'' made its debut on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on September 17, 1991,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/home-improvement/episodes-season-1/100210 |title=Home Improvement Season 1 episodes |work=TVGuide.com |access-date=January 7, 2012}}</ref> and was one of the highest-rated sitcoms for almost the entire decade. It went to No.&nbsp;2 in the ratings during the 1993–1994 season, the same year Allen had the No.&nbsp;1 book (''Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man'') and film (''[[The Santa Clause]]'').<ref>{{cite episode |title=Tim Allen |series=''Inside the Actors Studio'' |series-link=Inside the Actors Studio |airdate=May 28, 2006 |season=12 |number=15}}</ref>

Beginning in season 2, ''Home Improvement'' began each episode with a [[cold open]], which features the show's logo during the teaser. From season 4 until the end of the series in 1999, an anthropomorphic version of the logo was used in different types of animation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1999/05/27/1999-05-27_power_ratings_for__home_.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110815045731/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1999/05/27/1999-05-27_power_ratings_for__home_.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |title=POWER RATINGS FOR 'HOME' |last=Petrozzello |first=Donna |date=May 27, 1999 |work=NY Daily News |access-date=February 24, 2010 |location=New York }}</ref>

== Episodes ==
{{See also|List of Home Improvement episodes}}
{{:List of Home Improvement episodes}}

== Plot details and storylines ==

=== Taylor family ===
The series centers on the Taylor family, which consists of Tim ([[Tim Allen]]), his wife Jill ([[Patricia Richardson]]) and their three sons: Brad ([[Zachery Ty Bryan]]), Randy ([[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]]), and Mark ([[Taran Noah Smith]]). The Taylors live in suburban [[Detroit]], and they have a neighbor named Wilson ([[Earl Hindman]]).

=== ''Tool Time'' ===
Each episode includes Tim's own Binford-sponsored home improvement show, called ''Tool Time'', a [[story within a story|show-within-a-show]]. In hosting this show, Tim is joined by his friend and mild-mannered co-host Al Borland ([[Richard Karn]]), and a "Tool Time girl"—first Lisa ([[Pamela Anderson]]) and later Heidi ([[Debbe Dunning]])—whose main duty is to introduce the pair at the beginning of the show with the line "Does everybody know what time it is?" In reply, the audience yells, "TOOL TIME!" The Tool Time girl also assists Tim and Al during the show by bringing them tools.

''Tool Time'' was conceived as a parody of the PBS home-improvement show ''[[This Old House]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Home Improvement|url=http://www.timallen.com/actor/tv_home_improvement.php?xpt=1|website=TimAllen.com|quote=Tim originally envisioned the show as This Old House combined with a Myrna Loy-type wife to a William Powell-type husband from "The Thin Man" movies from the forties.|access-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119193316/http://www.timallen.com/actor/tv_home_improvement.php?xpt=1|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Tim and Al are caricatures of the two principal cast members of ''This Old House'', host [[Bob Vila]] and master carpenter [[Norm Abram]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Storrs|first1=Francis|title=This Old House: An Oral History|url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2009/01/this-old-house/|work=Boston Magazine|date=February 2009|quote=Vila: The Disney people contacted me before Home Improvement premiered. I think there was some concern in the legal department about whether I was being ripped off. The fact is, it’s a sitcom based on me and Norm, you know?}}</ref> Al has a beard and always wears plaid flannel shirts when taping an episode, reflecting Norm Abram's appearance on ''This Old House''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Storrs|first1=Francis|title=This Old House: An Oral History |url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2009/01/this-old-house/|agency=Boston Magazine|date=February 2009|quote=In the mid-1990s the ABC sitcom Home Improvement featured Tim Allen as a bumbling version of Bob Vila and Richard Karn as his able, flannel-clad assistant, a thinly veiled Norm Abram.}}</ref> Bob Vila appeared as a guest star on several episodes of ''Home Improvement'', while Tim Allen and Pamela Anderson both appeared on Bob Vila's show ''Home Again''.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Visiting Tim Allen at Home |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erv6Rr2Nmkw| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/Erv6Rr2Nmkw| archive-date=October 30, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|title=Pamela Anderson Lee on Home Improvement|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR6YJ4yr_bI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/SR6YJ4yr_bI| archive-date=October 30, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Characters ==

=== Main ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Characters
! Actor/Actress
! Episodes
! Seasons
|-
| Tim Taylor
| [[Tim Allen]]
| (204 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8
|-
| Jill Taylor
| [[Patricia Richardson]]
| (204 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8
|-
| Wilson Wilson Jr.
| [[Earl Hindman]]
| (202 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8
|-
| Mark Taylor
| [[Taran Noah Smith]]
| (201 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8
|-
| Randall William "Randy" Taylor
| [[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]]
| (179 episodes, 1991&ndash;1998)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8 (until episode 178, guest star thereafter)
|-
| Bradley Michael "Brad" Taylor
| [[Zachery Ty Bryan]]
| (202 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| starring seasons 1&ndash;8
|-
| Albert "Al" Borland
| [[Richard Karn]]
| (201 episodes, 1991&ndash;1999)
| recurring season 1; starring seasons 2&ndash;8
|-
| Heidi Keppert
| [[Debbe Dunning]]
| (148 episodes, 1993&ndash;1999)
| recurring seasons 3&ndash;6; starring seasons 7&ndash;8
|-
|}

=== Recurring ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Characters
! Actor/Actress
! Episodes
! Seasons
|-
| Marty Taylor
| [[William O'Leary (actor)|William O'Leary]]
| (30 episodes, 1994–1999)
| 4–8
|-
| Harry Turner
| [[Blake Clark]]
| (24 episodes, 1994–1999)
| 4–8
|-
| Lisa
| [[Pamela Anderson]]
| (23 episodes, 1991–1993, 1997)
| 1–2 and 6
|-
| Benny Baroni
| Jimmy Labriola
| (16 episodes, 1994–1999)
| 3–8
|-
| Ilene Markham
| [[Sherry Hursey]]
| (16 episodes, 1993–1997)
| 3–6
|-
| Pete Bilker
| [[Mickey Jones]]
| (13 episodes, 1991–1999)
| 1–8
|-
| Dwayne Hoover
| Gary McGurk
| (11 episodes, 1991–1999)
| 1–8
|-
| Rock Flanagan
| [[Casey Sander]]
| (10 episodes, 1991–1999)
| 1–8
|-
| Trudy McHale
| [[Megan Cavanagh]]
| (5 episodes, 1998–1999)
| 7–8
|}

== Production ==

The series ended after eight seasons in 1999. Richardson was offered $25 million to do a ninth season; Allen was offered $50 million. The two declined the offer and the series came to an end as a result.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/68477/14-sturdy-facts-about-home-improvement |title=14 Sturdy Facts About 'Home Improvement'|last=Cormier |first=Roger |magazine=Mental Floss |date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |quote=Richardson was offered $25 million to do a ninth season; Allen was offered double that. The two declined, and Home Improvement ended after eight seasons and 203 episodes.}}</ref>

== Michigan college and university apparel ==
Throughout the show, Tim Taylor would often wear sweatshirts or T-shirts from various Michigan-based colleges and universities. These were usually sent by the schools to the show for him to wear during an episode.<ref>{{cite web|title=Home Improvement|url=http://www.timallen.com/actor/tv_home_improvement.php?xpt=1|website=TimAllen.com|quote=Colleges and universities in Michigan sent Tim sweaters and T-shirts to wear on the air, and he did.|access-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119193316/http://www.timallen.com/actor/tv_home_improvement.php?xpt=1|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Because Allen considered Michigan his home state, the rule was that only Michigan schools would get the free advertising.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.directexpose.com/home-improvement-didnt-know/12/|title=Bet You Didn't Know This About Home Improvement! - DirectExpose|date=October 23, 2015}}</ref> There were two notable exceptions. During the episode "Workshop 'Til You Drop" Tim wears a Wofford College (South Carolina) sweatshirt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home Improvement: Wofford University |url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wofford-university/ |website=T-Shirts On Screen |access-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221030149/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wofford-university/ |archive-date=December 21, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> And in "The Wood, the Bad and the Hungry" he is seen wearing an Owens Community College (Ohio) sweatshirt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home Improvement: Owens Community College |url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-owens-community-college/ |website=T-Shirts On Screen |access-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005215/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-owens-community-college/ |archive-date=February 4, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! College or university
! City (of main campus)
! Episode
! Season
|-
| [[Albion College]]
| Albion
| My Dinner with Wilson
| 4
|-
| [[Alpena Community College]]
| Alpena
| Engine and a Haircut, Two Fights<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-alpena-community-college/|title=Home Improvement: Alpena Community College|date=December 22, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005206/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-alpena-community-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Aquinas College (Michigan)|Aquinas College]]
| Grand Rapids
| Crazy For You<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-aquinas-college/|title=Home Improvement: Aquinas College|date=April 24, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104444/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-aquinas-college/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Baker College]]
| Flint Township
| No Place Like Home<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-baker-college/|title=Home Improvement: Baker College|date=January 11, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005156/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-baker-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| [[Bay de Noc Community College|Bay College]]
| Escanaba
| Her Cheatin' Mind<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-bay-college/|title=Home Improvement: Bay College|date=December 13, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175949/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-bay-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Calvin College]]
| Grand Rapids
| Eve of Construction<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-calvin-college/|title=Home Improvement: Calvin College|date=May 5, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005150/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-calvin-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Central Michigan University]]
| Mount Pleasant
| Blow-Up<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-central-michigan-university/|title=Home Improvement: Central Michigan University|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206105059/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-central-michigan-university/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Cleary University]]
| Howell
| You're Driving Me Crazy; You're Driving Me Nuts
| 2
|-
| [[Cornerstone University]]
| Grand Rapids
| Talk to Me<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-cornerstone-athletics/|title=Home Improvement: Cornerstone Athletics|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180013/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-cornerstone-athletics/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| [[Davenport University]]
| Grand Rapids
| Room Without a View<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-davenport-college/|title=Home Improvement: Davenport College|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175952/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-davenport-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| rowspan='3'|[[Eastern Michigan University]]
| rowspan='3'|Ypsilanti
| To Build or Not to Build<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university/|title=Home Improvement: Eastern Michigan University|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180017/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 2
|-
| Let Them Eat Cake<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university-2/|title=Home Improvement: Eastern Michigan University|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175959/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university-2/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| Believe It or Not<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university-construction-management/|title=Home Improvement: Eastern Michigan University Construction Management|date=January 24, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005220/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-eastern-michigan-university-construction-management/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 7
|-
| [[Ferris State University]]
| Big Rapids
| Be True to Your Tool<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-ferris-state-university/|title=Home Improvement: Ferris State University|date=April 28, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206105056/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-ferris-state-university/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Grand Valley State University]]
| Allendale
| What You See is What You Get<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-grand-valley-state/|title=Home Improvement: Grand Valley State|date=May 29, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180010/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-grand-valley-state/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Henry Ford Community College]]
| Dearborn
| A House Divided
| 4
|-
| [[Hillsdale College]]
| Hillsdale
| The Naked Truth<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-hillsdale-college/|title=Home Improvement: Hillsdale College|date=July 28, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180007/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-hillsdale-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| rowspan='2'|[[Hope College]]
| rowspan='2'|Holland
| Talk to Me
| 4
|-
| Shopping Around<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-hope-college-soccer/|title=Home Improvement: Hope College Soccer|date=December 24, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005145/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-hope-college-soccer/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Kalamazoo College]]
| Kalamazoo
| When Harry Kept Delores
| 5
|-
| rowspan='2'|[[Kellogg Community College]]
| rowspan='2'|Battle Creek
| Future Shock<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-kellogg-community-college/|title=Home Improvement: Kellogg Community College|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005159/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-kellogg-community-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| Jill and Her Sisters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.kellogg.edu/2016/01/08/tim-allen-wore-a-kcc-sweatshirt-on-home-improvement-in-the-1990s/|title=Tim Allen wore a KCC sweatshirt on "Home Improvement" in the 1990s|first=Kellogg Community|last=College|date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| [[Lake Michigan College]]
| Benton Township
| Eye on Tim
| 5
|-
| [[Lake Superior State University]]
| Sault Sainte Marie
| Brother, Can You Spare a Hot Rod<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-lake-superior-university/|title=Home Improvement: Lake Superior University|date=July 9, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175944/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-lake-superior-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| [[Lawrence Technological University|Lawrence Tech]]
| Southfield
| High School Confidential<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-lawrence-tech/|title=Home Improvement: Lawrence Tech|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180004/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-lawrence-tech/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Madonna University]]
| Livonia
| Oh, Brother<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-madonna-university/|title=Home Improvement: Madonna University|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005212/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-madonna-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Marygrove College]]
| Detroit
| The Route of All Evil<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-marygrove-college/|title=Home Improvement: Marygrove College|date=July 2, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175956/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-marygrove-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| rowspan='2'|[[Michigan State University]]
| rowspan='2'|East Lansing
| Frozen Moments<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-state/|title=Home Improvement: Michigan State|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206105630/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-state/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| It Was the Best of Tims, It Was the Worst of Tims<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-state-2/|title=Home Improvement: Michigan State|date=May 14, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104408/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-state-2/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Michigan Technological University|Michigan Tech]]
| Houghton
| A Hardware Habit to Break<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-tech/|title=Home Improvement: Michigan Tech|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005209/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-tech/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 8
|-
| [[Mott Community College]]
| Flint
| Wilson's World<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-mott-college/|title=Home Improvement: Mott College|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005223/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-mott-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| [[Northwood University]]
| Midland
| A Sew, Sew Evening<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northwood-university/|title=Home Improvement: Northwood University|date=April 25, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104411/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northwood-university/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Northern Michigan University]]
| Marquette
| Swing Time<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northern-michigan-university/|title=Home Improvement: Northern Michigan University|date=May 28, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206105546/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northern-michigan-university/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Northwestern Michigan College]]
| Traverse City
| Chicago Hope<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northwestern-michigan-university/|title=Home Improvement: Northwestern Michigan University|date=December 20, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175941/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-northwestern-michigan-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| [[Oakland University]]
| Auburn Hills
| Slip Slidin' Away<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-oakland-university/|title=Home Improvement: Oakland University|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104856/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-oakland-university/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| [[Owens Community College]]
| Toledo, Ohio
| The Wood, the Bad and the Hungry<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-owens-community-college/|title=Home Improvement: Owens Community College|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005215/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-owens-community-college/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| [[Saginaw Valley State University]]
| University Center
| The Eyes Don't Have It<ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Taylor: Saginaw Valley State |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BssGyGqCcAARKQ0.jpg |website=Twitter |access-date=June 7, 2018}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| rowspan='8'|[[University of Michigan]]
| rowspan='8'|Ann Arbor
| Borland Ambition
| 4
|-
| Super Bowl Fever<ref>{{cite web |title=13 Reasons to Get Excited for the Super Bowl to End |url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/slideshows/13-tv-show-episodes-thatll-get-you-excited-about-the-super-bowl/page-2.html |website=tvfanatic.com |date=January 28, 2018 |publisher=TV Fanatic |access-date=June 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145621/https://www.tvfanatic.com/slideshows/13-tv-show-episodes-thatll-get-you-excited-about-the-super-bowl/page-2.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 4
|-
| A Marked Man
| 4
|-
| Advise and Repent<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-university-of-michigan/|title=Home Improvement: University of Michigan|date=December 14, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204180001/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-university-of-michigan/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 5
|-
| The Vasectomy One
| 5
|-
| Family Un-Ties<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-university-of-michigan-2/|title=Home Improvement: University of Michigan|date=January 12, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005218/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-university-of-michigan-2/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| An Older Woman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-football/|title=Home Improvement: Michigan Football|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005148/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-football/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 7
|-
| Room at the Top<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-xxl/|title=Home Improvement: Michigan XXL|date=January 15, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005201/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-michigan-xxl/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 7
|-
| [[Walsh College of Accountancy and Business|Walsh College]]
| Troy
| Dollars and Sense<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-walsh-college/|title=Home Improvement: Walsh College|date=April 29, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104930/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-walsh-college/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| rowspan='2'|[[Wayne State University|Wayne State]]
| rowspan='2'|Detroit
| Olde Shoppe Teacher<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wayne-state-university/|title=Home Improvement: Wayne State University|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175947/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wayne-state-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 4
|-
| Burnin' Love<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wayne-state-university-2/|title=Home Improvement: Wayne State University|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005153/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wayne-state-university-2/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| rowspan='6'|[[Western Michigan University]]
| rowspan='6'|Kalamazoo
| May the Best Man Win
| 2
|-
| It Was the Best of Tims, It Was the Worst of Tims<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan/|title=Home Improvement: Western Michigan|date=May 7, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206105600/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 3
|-
| That's My Momma
| 5
|-
| Future Shock<ref>{{cite web |title=Home Improvement: 6x02 Future Shock |url=http://sharetv.com/shows/home_improvement/episodes/247446 |website=sharetv.com |publisher=Share TV |access-date=June 20, 2018}}</ref>
| 6
|-
| A Night to Dismember<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan-univesity/|title=Home Improvement: Western Michigan University|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204175938/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan-univesity/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 7
|-
| Taylor Got Game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan-university/|title=Home Improvement: Western Michigan University|date=February 7, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005204/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-western-michigan-university/|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 8
|-
|[[Wofford College]]
| Spartanburg, South Carolina
| Workshop 'Til You Drop<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wofford-university/|title=Home Improvement: Wofford University|date=January 5, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221030149/http://www.tshirtsonscreen.com/home-improvement-wofford-university/|archive-date=December 21, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 6
|-
|}

== Syndication ==
In the United States, ''Home Improvement'' began airing in broadcast syndication in September 1995, distributed via [[Buena Vista Television]] (now [[Disney–ABC Domestic Television]]) and continued to be syndicated until 2007, in a manner similar to ''[[Seinfeld]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons]]'' after they began airing in broadcast syndication. Episodes of ''Home Improvement'' were not aired in order of their production code number or original airdate.  On cable, the series started airing in 2002 on superstations [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] and [[WGN America]].  It later ran on [[Nick at Nite]], and its sister network [[TV Land]], [[ABC Family]] and eventually the [[Hallmark Channel]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hallmark Channel Acquires Rights to 1990s Comedy HOME IMPROVEMENT |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Hallmark-Channel-Acquires-Rights-to-1990s-Comedy-HOME-IMPROVEMENT-20130321 |website=broadwayworld.com |access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref> The show's creators brought a lawsuit against Disney in 2013 alleging that Disney sold the syndication rights for the show at "well below market value" including offering the syndication rights in New York for "no monetary compensation". The lawsuit was settled in 2019. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.<ref name="LATimes">{{cite web|title=Disney settles lawsuit over 'Home Improvement' profits|website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=July 24, 2019 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2019-07-24/disney-settles-lawsuit-over-home-improvement-profits|access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref>

==Home media==
[[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment|Buena Vista Home Entertainment]] has released all eight seasons on [[DVD]] in Regions 1, 2, and 4. Season 8 has the "Backstage Pass" (which immediately followed "The Long and Winding Road, Part III")

On May 10, 2011, Walt Disney Studios released a complete series box set entitled ''Home Improvement: 20th Anniversary Complete Collection'' on DVD in Region 1. The 25-disc collection features all 204 episodes of the series as well as all special features contained on the previously released season sets; it is encased in special collectible packaging, a ''Home Improvement'' toolbox with a Binford "All-In-One Tool" tape measure.

The series became available on [[Netflix]] on February 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Rourke|first=Ryan|title='Home Improvement' Heads to Netflix in 2025|url=https://collider.com/home-improvement-streaming-netflix/|website=Collider|date=December 11, 2023}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | DVD name
! rowspan="2" | Ep#
! colspan="3" | Release dates
|-
! Region 1
! Region 2 
! Region 4
|-
| The Complete First Season || align="center" |24 || November 23, 2004 || July 14, 2005 || June 28, 2005
|-
| The Complete Second Season || align="center" |25 || June 7, 2005 || October 13, 2005 || July 20, 2005
|-
| The Complete Third Season || align="center" |25 || November 22, 2005 || January 12, 2006 || January 16, 2006
|-
| The Complete Fourth Season || align="center" |26 || June 6, 2006 || December 6, 2007 || December 5, 2007
|-
| The Complete Fifth Season || align="center" |26 || November 14, 2006 || March 6, 2008 || April 2, 2008
|-
| The Complete Sixth Season || align="center"|25 || May 15, 2007 || November 13, 2008 || December 3, 2008
|-
| The Complete Seventh Season || align="center"|25 || August 7, 2007 || April 2, 2009 || March 18, 2009
|-
| The Complete Eighth Season || align="center"|28 || June 10, 2008 || August 13, 2009 || December 2, 2009
|-
| 20th Anniversary Complete Collection || align="center"|204 || May 10, 2011 || N/A || N/A
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Home Improvement}}

==Post-series events==
{{prose|section|date=January 2025}}
[[Tim Allen]], [[Richard Karn]], [[Casey Sander]] and [[Debbe Dunning]] had a reunion in a television special named ''Tim Allen Presents: A User's Guide to Home Improvement'' in 2003 (a terminally ill [[Earl Hindman]] did voice-overs, befitting his never-seen persona of Wilson; Hindman died shortly after the special aired).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371993/|title=Tim Allen Presents: A User's Guide to 'Home Improvement' (TV Movie 2003)|date=May 4, 2003|work=IMDb}}</ref> Allen presented his own favorite clips from the show, insider's tips, personal reflections and a question and answer session with the live audience.

On August 3, 2011, in [[Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles|Pacific Palisades, California]], the surviving main cast members reunited for ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' magazine, including [[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]], whom the cast had not seen since 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Barrett |first=Annie |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/09/08/home-improvement-cast-reunion-official-photo/ |title='Home Improvement' cast reunites for photo – EXCLUSIVE |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref>

Karn guest starred in two episodes of Tim Allen's 2010s ABC/[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] sitcom ''[[Last Man Standing (American TV series)|Last Man Standing]]'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20121220abc14/ |title=Listings – LAST MAN STANDING on ABC (#209) "Attractive Architect" |publisher=TheFutonCritic.com |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20130225abc09/ |title=Listings – LAST MAN STANDING on ABC (#217) "The Fight" |work=The Futon Critic |access-date=March 6, 2013}}</ref> Thomas has also appeared on ''Last Man Standing'',<ref>[https://people.com/tv/jonathan-taylor-thomas-tim-allen-on-last-man-standing-first-look/ Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Tim Allen Reunite on Last Man Standing] Retrieved March 20, 2013</ref> and has directed episodes of the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20130930abc09/|title=Listings &#124; TheFutonCritic.com|website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20140319abc05/|title=Listings &#124; TheFutonCritic.com|website=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Patricia Richardson]] guest starred on ''Last Man Standing'' in the episode "Helen Potts", playing the episode's titular character.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/09/26/last-man-standing-patricia-richardson-home-improvement/ |title='Last Man Standing' to stage another 'Home Improvement' reunion |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 26, 2014 |access-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> Thomas made a cameo in the episode, playing Richardson's son.

On May 5, 2015, ''Hollywood Life'' reported that Allen and Karn had admitted talking about getting back together as a cast for a ''Home Improvement'' reboot or reunion show. Karn was quoted as saying, "There is always a chance, absolutely. Would I be on board? Yeah, I think so! I would love to see what the story lines could be, it could be very funny!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/05/04/home-improvement-reboot-tim-allen-richard-karn-interview/|title=[INTERVIEW] 'Home Improvement' Reboot Coming? — Tim Allen & Richard Karn Are In – Hollywood Life|first=Emily|last=Longeretta|work=Hollywood Life|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508144730/http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/05/04/home-improvement-reboot-tim-allen-richard-karn-interview/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 18, 2020, ''CinemaBlend'' reported that Allen wants to bring back ''Home Improvement'' for a revival:

<blockquote>I like the idea of doing it as a one-off, like a one-hour movie [versus a full-fledged revival series]. I like the idea of finding out where the boys are now, and where... ''Tool Time'' would be in today's world. I just think it's a marvelous idea, and all the actors think it's a great idea.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2490358/how-tim-allen-wants-to-bring-home-improvement-back-for-a-revival|title=How Tim Allen Wants To Bring Home Improvement Back For A Revival|last=Venable|first=Nick|date=February 18, 2020|publisher=CinemaBlend|website=cinemablend.com|access-date=February 23, 2020}}</ref></blockquote>

In January 2021, Allen reprised his role of Tim Taylor in an episode of ''[[Last Man Standing (American TV series)|Last Man Standing]]'' titled "Dual Time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Ryan|title=Last Man Standing Boss Breaks Down the Big Home Improvement Crossover|url=https://tvline.com/2021/01/07/last-man-standing-home-improvement-crossover-explained-tim-allen/|website=TVLine|date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

Premiering in February 2021, Tim Allen and Richard Karn, teamed up with YouTuber DIYer [[April Wilkerson]], on History Channel unscripted competition show ''Assembly Required''; where home handymen/makers/DIYers/inventors, compete to build souped up home tools a la ''Tool Time'' from ''Home Improvement'', with supplied parts and pieces, and some of their own junk at home.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/tim-allen-richard-karn-unscripted-building-series-assembly-required-history-1234747310/ |title= Tim Allen, Richard Karn Reunite for Building Competition Series 'Assembly Required' at History |date= August 25, 2020 |publisher= Variety }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://decider.com/2021/02/23/assembly-required-history-review/ |title= Stream It Or Skip It: 'Assembly Required' On History, Where 'Home Improvement' Stars Tim Allen And Richard Karn Reunite As Reality Show Judges |author= Joel Keller |date= February 23, 2021 |publisher= Decider }}</ref>

Premiering in June 2022, Allen and Karn again teamed up with Wilkerson on another History Channel documentary series ''More Power''; where the hosts cover the history of tools, again a la ''Tool Time'' from ''Home Improvement''.<ref name=Collider-20220606>{{cite news |url= https://collider.com/more-power-tim-allen-richard-karn-reunion-history-channel/ |title= 'More Power': 'Home Improvement' Stars Tim Allen and Richard Karn Reunite for History Channel Show |author= Aidan King |date= June 6, 2022 |publisher= Collider }}</ref>

In a 2024 podcast interview, Richardson debunked Allen's claims of a reunion and denied interest in one. She cited Earl Hindman's death, Zachery Ty Bryan's legal issues, and the retirement of both Taran Noah Smith and Jonathan Taylor Thomas from acting as further reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EPISODE #213: Home Improvement with Patricia Richardson |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-213-home-improvement-with-patricia-richardson/id1429283949?i=1000650707147 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-US}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090505111746/http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/touchstone/homeimprovement/ Official homepage]
* {{IMDb title|id=0101120|title=Home Improvement}}
* {{epguides|HomeImprovement|Home Improvement}}
* [http://www.hiarchive.co.uk/ The ''Home Improvement'' Archive]
* [http://www.ultimatedisney.com/homeimprovement-season1.html UltimateDisney.com – Seasons 1–8 DVD Reviews]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080612095233/http://video.movies.go.com/tvondvdhits/home_imp_franchise/index.html Home Improvement Seasons 1–8 on DVD]

{{Home Improvement}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Home Improvement|Awards for ''Home Improvement'']]
|list =
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Show}}
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy}}
}}

{{Portal bar|Television|United States|Comedy|1990s|Michigan}}

[[Category:Home Improvement (TV series)]]
[[Category:1991 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1999 American television series endings]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into video games]]
[[Category:American television series about families]]
[[Category:Television series about television]]
[[Category:Television series by ABC Studios]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Michigan]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Detroit]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company sitcoms]]
[[Category:1990s American multi-camera sitcoms]]