# This Old House (1979)

> America's longest-running home improvement series follows a single whole-house renovation from start to finish, with its hosts and craftsmen explaining each step.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/2274

## Facts

- Seasons: 48
- Episodes: 1219
- Episode runtime: 30 min
- Status: Returning Series
- Genres: documentary, reality
- Created by: Russell Morash
- Network: PBS
- Cast: Steve Thomas Rooney, Bob Vila, Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey, Norm Abram, Jenn Nawada, Mauro Henrique
- TMDB rating: 8.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078701/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: subtle
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: calm, warm, instructive, comforting, cozy

## What critics say

Critics broadly agree the show is a trusted, well-crafted source of practical home renovation education, valued for its patient, expert hands-on approach.

## Synopsis

This Old House (1979-present) is a United States public television documentary reality series created by Russell Morash for PBS, the longest-running home improvement show on American television. Each season follows one whole-house renovation as it moves through demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical work, and finish carpentry, with the camera staying close to the work. Hosts Bob Vila, Steve Thomas Rooney and Kevin O'Connor guide viewers through the project, while master carpenter Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey and Norm Abram explain techniques, tools and materials in patient, hands-on detail. The engine of the show is the question of how a tired old house can be restored well, with each episode built around a concrete task such as shingling a roof, repairing a foundation or fitting a kitchen. Shape and scale come from its long run of forty-eight seasons and more than twelve hundred episodes, all of them standalone segments that can be watched in any order. The tone is calm, warm and instructive, with a comforting, cozy rhythm and a steady respect for craft and tradition. Fans of Ask This Old House, Hometime and The New Yankee Workshop will find the same practical generosity here, and viewers who enjoy renovation shows like Property Brothers will recognize its makeover appeal.

## Shows like This Old House

- [Dirty Jobs (2005)](https://ember.film/tv/2456)
- [Flipping Out (2007)](https://ember.film/tv/12177)
- [Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)](https://ember.film/tv/684)
- [The Houseboat (2021)](https://ember.film/tv/94079)
- [Antiques Roadshow (1997)](https://ember.film/tv/31057)
- [Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1967)](https://ember.film/tv/13)
- [American Pickers (2010)](https://ember.film/tv/29483)
- [Love It or List It (2008)](https://ember.film/tv/31227)
- [How It's Made (2001)](https://ember.film/tv/1647)
- [Grand Designs (1999)](https://ember.film/tv/1727)

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