The Houseboat
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Houseboat renovation has cursing, drinking, and heart.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Houseboat
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE HOUSEBOAT is a German reality series (with English subtitles) about two musicians who've decided to renovate the houseboat that belonged to the late German country singer Gunter Gabriel. Musician and web developer Fynn Kliemann won Gabriel's houseboat at action for 20,000 euros. Now he and singer and songwriter Olli Schulz are working together to renovate it into a musical space that will be moored on the Elbe River. But once they begin the project, the two musicians, who have no renovation experience, quickly realize that the amount of work and money that they'll have to put into it is a lot more than they thought.
Is It Any Good?
This lighthearted makeover show features two German musicians who have decided to buy and renovate a houseboat that once belonged to a beloved country singer. As the two start the project, they find themselves over their heads: They realize that the houseboat needs to be completely gutted and rebuilt in order to pass inspection, let alone transform into a viable music space.
Olli, the older, more conventional musician, and Fynn, a popular YouTube personality, web series creator, and musician, seem like complete opposites. But as things seem to go endlessly wrong, the two somehow manage to keep their spirits up, the dry humor going, and their friendship intact. They are also extremely committed to what they're doing. Ultimately, The Houseboat is a lively renovation show that has a lot of heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what life is like on a houseboat. What are the costs involved with maintaining a residence that floats on the water? Is there anything you can't do in it?
The Houseboat focuses a lot on renovation, but it also focuses on friendship. Despite being so different, what makes Olli and Fynn such good friends?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 9, 2021
- Cast: Fynn Kliemann , Olli Schulz
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Reality TV for the Whole Family
Family TV Shows to Watch Together
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate