Hometime airs on public television, TLC, and in syndication.

A virtual grand-daddy in the world of home improvement television, Hometime first premiered in 1986 on public television.

The brainchild of host and executive producer, Dean Johnson, the program’s goal was to tackle home improvement projects that an average couple might undertake. Mind you, this “average” couple had every power tool in the world at their disposal and a seemingly infinite supply of how-to knowledge!

JoAnne Liebeler joined Hometime in 1987. One year later, in a subtle shift designed to bring more entertainment value to the show, the producers decided to create more comedic situations and to further imply that Dean and JoJo were married. This resulted in some of the show’s most memorable moments, including a meteorite crashing through a deck (necessitating a new outdoor spa) and a pioneer sequence for the log cabin mini-series.

Since JoJo’s departure in 1992, two other Hometime “wives” have stepped into the show’s work boots. Robin Hartl continues to co-host the show.

For the record, Dean Johnson’s real-life wife is named Kathi. Meanwhile, JoJo can’t seem to get away from those Scandinavian “Deans.” Instead of Dean Johnson, she currently works with Dean Pedersen.

                            

Lovely log lair

Wooded worksite

Candid camera

The Hometime crew has some downtime while waiting for construction to progress on the log cabin. The entire project took nearly a year to complete.