Tim Allen is famous for his role as Santa Claus, but he also spent eight years on network television as the title character in Home Improvement. During that time, the show became a household name and spawned an entire generation of DIYers. The series was funny and informative, with its mix of scripted comedy and real DIY tips. Its memorable characters—particularly the bumbling but lovable Tim The Tool Man Taylor—became a cultural touchstone.
Home Improvement ran from 1991 to 1999. It was created by Carmen Finestra, David McFadzean, and Matt Williams. Its popularity coincided with a boom in the housing market, which was spurred on by the rise of DIY home projects.
During its run, the sitcom earned many awards and nominations. It won a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award, among others. In addition, it received several nominations for the Kids’ Choice Awards and the Young Artists Awards. It was a hit with audiences and remained popular throughout its run, despite some critical skepticism.
The show followed the adventures of Tim Taylor (Tim Allen) and his family. He hosted his own eponymous home improvement TV show called Tool Time, cohosted by his friend and mild-mannered host Al Borland (Richard Karn). The series featured his no-nonsense wife Jill Taylor (Patricia Richardson), their three sons Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), and Mark (Taran Noah Smith), and the wisecracking next door neighbor Wilson (Earl Hindman), who would dispense sage advice from behind a fence.
Though Tim is a klutz, he’s also a good family man and genuinely cares about his loved ones. He’s also a skilled handyman who can take on some challenging tasks. His enthusiasm for his work often gets him in trouble, however, as he ignores warnings and goes beyond the scope of what’s needed. His catchphrases—”More power!” in particular—became a defining aspect of his character.
Over the years, Allen has continued to expand his acting career. He’s starred in movies and released comedy specials. He’s also made appearances at conventions and engaged in online communities. His popularity has even led to a line of Home Improvement-themed merchandise. Nevertheless, he remains close to his former cast mates. He and Karn, along with Richardson’s widow, Debbe Dunning, reunited for a television special in 2003 called Tim Allen Presents A User’s Guide to Home Improvement, which included favorite clips from the show, insider tips, and a question-and-answer session with the audience.