Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Laughs and lessons abound in whole-family sitcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Home Improvement
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say the show is generally considered cute and humorous, appealing to families with its relatable characters and entertaining plots, although some parents express concerns about the inclusion of innuendos and sexual themes as the series progresses, especially in later seasons. While many appreciate the show's ability to initiate important conversations, others feel its portrayal of marriage dynamics and occasional toxicity may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- family friendly
- humor and lessons
- appropriate for ages
- occasional innuendos
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a beloved family favorite that entertains audiences of various ages with its humor and relatable characters. However, it contains occasional inappropriate content, such as mild language and references that might best be suited for viewers over a certain age.
- family-friendly humor
- age-appropriate
- mild language
- some adult themes
- relatable characters
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOME IMPROVEMENT, 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). 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. 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).
Is It Any Good?
This series was a favorite for eight seasons on ABC in the '90s, and it continues to entertain fans in syndication and on DVD. Tim and Jill 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).
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 Home Improvement a winner for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of communication within a family and in Home Improvement. Why is this an important character strength? Why do family members need to be honest and open with each other?
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? How do the Taylors work out their problems? Does their situation seem realistic to you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 17, 1991
- Cast : Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Patricia Richardson , Tim Allen
- Network : Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Communication
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 26, 2025
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