The dream of a Home Improvement revival seems increasingly unlikely, as Patricia Richardson has spoken out against Tim Allen’s claims that a reunion was in the works. On the Back to the Best podcast, Richardson, who famously played Jill Taylor on the beloved sitcom, revealed that not only was she never consulted about a potential return, but she was also confused by Allen’s public statements suggesting that the original cast was on board for a reunion.
The Revival That Never Was
In recent years, Tim Allen has teased that a Home Improvement revival might be in the works, even going as far as to claim that the cast members were all enthusiastic about returning. However, Richardson has set the record straight, telling listeners on the podcast that she had never been approached by Allen about the idea. She explained, “I would hear on [social media] that he was coming out publicly and saying this stuff about how everyone was on board to do a Home Improvement reunion… but he never asked me, and he never asked Jonathan [Taylor Thomas, who played Randy Taylor].”
In fact, Richardson called Jonathan Taylor Thomas to see if he had been asked about the supposed reunion. According to her, Thomas was just as bewildered as she was, responding with, “No. Why is he going around telling everyone that we’re on board when he hasn’t talked to you or me?” Richardson didn’t mince words about the situation, accusing Tim Allen of lying to the public about the reunion’s viability, saying, “He was lying to people and telling them that I was on board and I didn’t know anything about it.”
Why a Home Improvement Revival Wouldn’t Work
Richardson also expressed her doubts about the idea of a revival, explaining why she doesn’t believe it would make sense to bring Home Improvement back, even if the entire original cast were interested. She pointed out that several key factors would make a reunion difficult, starting with the troubled legal history of one of the original stars. Zachery Ty Bryan, who played the oldest Taylor son Brad, has had multiple run-ins with the law, including a felony charge. Given his legal troubles, Richardson believes he wouldn’t be able to return to the show.
Beyond that, Richardson pointed out that other cast members, including Taran Noah Smith (who played the youngest Taylor son Mark), haven’t acted since their Home Improvement days, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas is no longer interested in pursuing an acting career. The biggest hurdle, however, is the absence of Earl Hindman, the actor who portrayed the iconic character Wilson. Hindman passed away in 2003, and Richardson noted that a reunion without Wilson would fundamentally alter the essence of the show.
“I would not want to [do a revival],” Richardson said bluntly. “I mean, Zach is now a felon… Taran hasn’t acted since he left the show… Jonathan is not really interested in acting… and we don’t have Wilson. So if we did it without Earl, and also we have just two kids—probably, if that—it’s not going to be the same show at all.”
Tim Allen’s New Project: A Familiar Premise
Richardson also alluded to the fact that Allen’s current projects, such as his new show about a father trying to reconnect with his estranged child, feel like familiar territory, given his history in Home Improvement and movies like Jungle 2 Jungle. “But I noticed this time, he doesn’t have a wife. He’s divorced,” Richardson remarked, suggesting that the lack of a central female figure in the new show only highlights how different the dynamic would be if they tried to recreate the Home Improvement magic.
No Home Improvement Revival, No Problem
Richardson’s candidness about the revival rumors likely signals the end of any hope for a Home Improvement return, at least with the original cast. While Tim Allen’s public enthusiasm may have raised expectations, it’s clear that the heart of the show—the family dynamics between Tim and Jill Taylor—isn’t something that can be recreated without the full participation of the original stars, and certainly not without the iconic presence of Wilson.
As Richardson herself put it, bringing back the show in its original form would simply be impossible without key figures like Earl Hindman, and with the other cast members having moved on from acting. She remains proud of the legacy the show left behind, and it seems she’s content to let Home Improvement rest as the classic series it was, rather than attempt a revival that wouldn’t live up to its past.
Home Improvement is currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+, allowing fans to relive the iconic sitcom in its original glory, even as hopes for a reunion fade.
