Tim Allen and Richard Karn, known best as Tim “the Toolman” Taylor and Al Borland on the hit ’90s sitcom Home Improvement, are set to reunite for a new competition series, currently titled Assembly Required.
More than two decades after the pair co-starred on the popular comedy, the actors are now planning to executive producing a series which has been greenlit for the History Channel and slated to premiere in 2021.
The show will “spotlight the brightest builders from across the country,” as they “breathe new life into everyday household items in desperate need of fixing,” with the show challenging competitors to not just rebuild but to “build it better.”
Allen and Karn will also take a look into the history of each of the items being fixed throughout the episode.
“Let’s face it — we’re living in a throwaway society,” Allen said in a statement.
“We buy, break, replace… rinse and repeat. Whatever happened to repair and rebuild? There are some people who unfriend, unfollow and dispose of anything that offends, annoys or breaks – so I’ve created a show to remind people of the satisfaction and pride that comes from rebuilding something on their own.”
Tim Allen also added that he was excited to join forces and reunite with his former co-star with Karn, adding, “And who better to join me than my buddy from the old Tool Time days – Richard Karn! Now we’re talking More Power!”
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘I’m not a genius, I’m just passionately curious,’” Allen continued. “Well, let’s get curious! Even a chimpanzee would at least show interest, right? Wait – I think I just came up with another idea for the show!”
Eli Lehrer, executive vice president and general manager for the History Channel, said of the forthcoming series, “Our history is defined by the innovations of ordinary dreamers creating extraordinary things, from Thomas Edison’s light bulb to the Wright brothers’ first flight.”
“We look forward to partnering with Tim and Richard, America’s beloved duo, as they challenge a new wave of skilled individuals to think out-of-the-box to build upon the innovations of those before them. We hope this series will inspire viewers to think twice about throwing out that old item, roll up their sleeves and rebuild it better.”
Home Improvement aired from September 17, 1991 to May 25, 1999 with a total of 204 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons.
