After an impressive run spanning seven years and approximately 100 episodes, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine are bidding farewell to their beloved TV series, “Good Bones.” The show, which documents the dynamic mother-daughter duo’s home renovations in Indianapolis, has captured the hearts of viewers.
The announcement of the show’s conclusion came via Mina Starsiak Hawk’s podcast episode, “Mina AF,” released on a Tuesday. Reflecting on the journey, Starsiak Hawk noted that production for the series had concluded months earlier. She shared that saying goodbye was particularly poignant as it marked the end of a decade spent with cherished colleagues.
What began as a simple mother-daughter home renovation project in 2007 evolved into a thriving business venture named “Two Chicks and a Hammer.” In 2014, HGTV approached Laine and Starsiak Hawk to create a pilot episode, and the show debuted in May 2015.
“Good Bones” swiftly became a staple in HGTV’s lineup, amassing a dedicated audience of over 21.7 million viewers by its seventh season in 2022, as reported by Nielsen’s audience figures.
During the podcast episode, Starsiak Hawk opened up about the personal challenges associated with renovating multiple homes concurrently, all while adhering to a demanding production schedule. The juggling act, she admitted, brought about stress as she balanced familial and professional obligations while entertaining millions on the show.
“Our seasons overlapped,” explained Starsiak Hawk. “As we wrapped up homes from one season, we were usually starting work on homes for the next, so we were constantly managing five, six, seven, eight projects simultaneously.”
While bidding farewell to the show brought mixed emotions, Starsiak Hawk expressed optimism about embarking on the next chapter of her life.
Despite its popularity, “Good Bones” hasn’t been devoid of controversy. In April 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency imposed a $40,000 fine on Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc. The EPA alleged that the show violated federal lead paint regulations during renovations at three Indianapolis properties built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint.
In the face of these challenges, the show garnered criticism from some quarters. Critics claimed that “Good Bones” contributed to gentrification and rising property taxes, negatively impacting lower-income residents struggling to afford housing in Indianapolis.
In response, Karen E. Laine defended the show’s intentions in a previous statement. She asserted that rehabilitating vacant properties was a meaningful way to provide families with housing and enhance neighborhoods.
The eighth and final season of “Good Bones” is set to premiere on HGTV on Tuesday, August 15 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
