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Home Improvement

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Laughs and lessons abound in whole-family sitcom.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Both parents are excellent role models for communication and moral living. They value education and put it first, even as they encourage their kids' exploration of other interests. Some male/female role stereotyping, but it's always played for laughs.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Very occasional boy/girl flirting and kissing. Tim and Jill trade affectionate banter.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Occasional brandless soda and junk food.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Home Improvement was written by Emily Ashby

Parents need to know that this show finds its humor in family-friendly issues like sibling dynamics, parenting challenges, and an accident-prone Mr. Fix-It dad. Very little about this series is cause for concern; it lends a pretty realistic view of life within a typical nuclear family. Each episode offers an obvious lesson (sometimes for parents as well as kids) in moral judgment, communication, or responsibility. The series occasionally touches on more-serious topics like divorce or a family member's death.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the importance of communication within a family. Why do family members need to be honest and open with each other? How do the Taylors work out their problems? Does their situation seem realistic to you? Families also can discuss when teasing is appropriate and when it isn't. Why do the Taylor boys pick on each other? How do you feel if someone teases you?
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More on Home Improvement

What’s the Story?

HOME IMPROVEMENT was a favorite for eight seasons on ABC in the '90s, and it continues to entertain fans in syndication and on DVD. Tim Allen stars as Tim Taylor, a Michigan native who hosts a local cable show called Tool Time. The show celebrates all things manly: tools, hardware stores, cars, and the like. A firm believer that "more power" is always a good thing, Tim often tweaks and adjusts his way to disastrously funny on-set mishaps that delight the Tool Time audience but test the patience of his mild-mannered assistant, Al Borland (Richard Karn).

Is It Any Good?

Tim is no less accident-prone at home, but even though his wife, Jill (Patricia Richardson), has been known to call in professionals to pick up the pieces of her husband's work, she remains his biggest fan. They have a loving, respectful relationship that allows them to be an effective parenting team for their three boys: Brad (Zachary Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), and Mark (Taran Noah Smith).

Like many couples, Tim and Jill often struggle with understanding each other and their children, but they're guided by their slightly mysterious, philosophical neighbor, Wilson Wilson Jr. (Earl Hindman). Although much of Wilson's intellectual advice is lost in translation to Tim (and his misinterpretations are hysterical), Tim and Jill always learn a little something about their own feelings and each other's with Wilson's help. Strong writing, relatable storylines, and a great cast make this sitcom a winner for families.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Good for tweens

    Hilarious TV show from the 90's. I own the entire series. Several mentionings of sex and a vasectomy. Still very good, though. It's not as bad as you think.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    hillarious; but cheesey acting

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great family show

    Home Improvement is a great show for the family, but some parents might not approve all episodes. There is the occasional mild profanity or reference to sex inside of marriage. In one episode it is discovered that the oldest son has been smoking pot, but it is shown as wrong.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    The Perfect Family Show

    I love this show really much. There is the occasional swear word, the h' word thrown around once or twice, but it maintains a family title. There are plenty of role models and good messages in the show.

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