As an expert in the world of classic sitcoms, I am often asked about the iconic show Home Improvement. This beloved series, which aired from 1991 to 1999, followed the life of Tim Taylor, a handyman and host of a home improvement show called Tool Time. Along with his wife Jill and their three sons, Tim navigated through the ups and downs of family life while also showcasing his love for all things DIY. One of the most common questions I receive is what city did they live in? While the answer may seem straightforward, there are actually a few different theories and explanations surrounding the location of the Taylor family's home.
The Setting of Home Improvement
The show was set in a fictional suburb called Greendale, which was said to be located in Detroit, Michigan. However, there are some inconsistencies with this information throughout the series.For example, in one episode, Tim mentions that he grew up in Bloomfield Hills, a real suburb of Detroit. But in another episode, he claims to have grown up in Highland Park, another real suburb. Additionally, there are several references to other cities and states throughout the series. In one episode, Tim mentions that he went to college in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In another episode, he talks about his time living in Denver, Colorado.
These inconsistencies have led some fans to question whether Greendale is actually located in Michigan or if it's just a fictional town with no specific location.
The Real-Life Inspiration
While the show may have been set in a fictional suburb, the inspiration for Home Improvement actually came from a real-life home improvement show called This Old House. The creator of Home Improvement, Matt Williams, was a fan of the show and wanted to create a sitcom that combined comedy with DIY projects. However, This Old House was set in Massachusetts, not Michigan. This has led some fans to believe that the Taylor family's home is actually located in Massachusetts, not Michigan. But there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.The Production Location
While the setting of the show may have been up for debate, the actual filming location of Home Improvement is not.The show was filmed on a soundstage at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. This is where the iconic Tool Time set was built and where all of the interior scenes were filmed. However, some exterior shots of the Taylor family's home were filmed in a real neighborhood in Studio City, California. This is where you can see the iconic white picket fence and the familiar brick facade of the Taylor house.
The Legacy of Home Improvement
Regardless of where the Taylor family's home was located, there is no denying the impact that Home Improvement had on popular culture. The show was a huge success and launched the careers of its stars, including Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Home Improvement also popularized the idea of DIY projects and home improvement shows.It inspired countless spin-offs and parodies, including Tim Allen's own show Last Man Standing. The iconic catchphrase "more power!" and Tim's grunting noises have become synonymous with the show and are still referenced in pop culture today.
