Home Improvement (Syndicated)

common sense media says

Laughs and lessons abound in whole-family sitcom.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: The series offers lessons about family and problem solving. There's some male/female role stereotyping, but it's always played for laughs.
Positive role models: Both parents stress values like doing the right thing, education, and respect, while encouraging their kids' exploration of other interests. Wilson often offers philosophical guidance to the Taylor family.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Very occasional boy/girl flirting and kissing. Tim and Jill trade affectionate banter.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Occasional brandless soda and junk food.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Home Improvement

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Syndicated
Cast: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Patricia Richardson, Tim Allen
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Syndicated

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9

Most useful reviews by all members

GummiBearGirl
kid, 13 years old
 
Funny Tween Show
Great Show, but there is a lot more stuff about sex and drugs in later episodes.

sports4u
kid, 11 years old
 
perfect for tweens above 9
i was confused when i saw kissing in a season 4 episode of home improvement .thats why i dont want anyone under 9 watching this show ranked 7 out of my 25 favorite shows

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
 
hillarious; but cheesey acting

DuckyCow1
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

ht3696
teen, 15 years old
 
~(:*
good show!

Reyesfan7
teen, 17 years old
 
Great Show!
Apropriate for any age. No swearing! If there is any swearing, there's like 7 out of all 8 seasons. Great and very funny. Watch it if your over 3! Only 3! Your not going to understand it, but you'll still laugh when Tim gets hurt. My 3 year old brother does. It's on every night on Nickelodeon. 9:00-9:30 & 9:30-10:00. Or 10:00-10:30 & 10:30-11:00. But not both!

Jordynd94
teen, 17 years old
 
It is a great show for older kids and up. Kids can easly watch it with there parents.

mikejason
parent of 18 year old
 
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shrek31003
kid, 8 years old
 
home inprovement
awsome because i love it its on nick@nite tbs nick@nite[passific]

ScorpiNi
kid, 12 years old
 
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.

ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
 
Very good show.

siry
teen, 18 years old
 
Home Improvement is a funny T.V. show that will entertain both younger and older audience members! Makes me and my family laugh! Home Improvement is a great show for all of the family! Arrr! Arrr! Arrr! (Tim Taylor Grunt)

 
Full of slapstick, but still witty enough for older viewers
Home Improvement is a very funny T.V. show that will entertain both younger and older audience members. There is plenty of slapstick humor with Tim constantly causing accidents, but there are still plenty of witty remarks that will keep older audience members engaged. Parents should know that there is a lot of slapstick humor, but unless it directly relates to the plot, no one is seriously hurt. There are some occasional sensual remark made by the adults, but they will easily pass over kids heads. In closing, Home Improvement is a great show for all of the family.

 
Awesome Show
Home Improvement is filled with slapstick humor, tender family moments, and LOTS of laughs. Appropriateness varies from show to show. Some have sexual themes, others discuss issues that just aren't okay for younger kids.

Crazy_Kat
teen, 14 years old
 
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.

shmulik98
teen, 13 years old
 
Great for tweens and up!
Great lessons! There are some s*x things, but i think under 9 won't "get" it. In on episode, Brad gets caught doing drugs, but he learns a lesson.

 
Eh.
I never cared for it, but it's pretty tame.

 
SEXUAL CONTENT: pause. VIOLENCE: not an issue LANGUAGE: pause. SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: not an issue COMMERCIALISM: not an issue DRUGS/ACHOLHOL: pause.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age