This Old House Hosts: Bob Vila, Steve Thomas and Kevin O’Connor

This Old House Hosts with the Most: A Legacy of Excellence

For over four decades, This Old House has remained America’s most trusted home renovation show, captivating audiences with its authentic approach to restoring historic properties and teaching homeowners the value of thoughtful renovation. Behind the show’s enduring success stands a remarkable trio of hosts who have each left an indelible mark on television history. For the first time, Bob Vila, Steve Thomas, and Kevin O’Connor came together to reflect on their experiences as the faces of This Old House, sharing insights into how they shaped the show and influenced millions of viewers’ approach to home improvement.

Bob Vila: The Pioneering First Host (Seasons 1–10)

From Homeowner to Television Pioneer

This Old House‘s first on-air host actually began his journey as the show’s first homeowner. In the never-aired pilot that would eventually evolve into the beloved series, Bob Vila and his wife gave a Boston Globe reporter a tour of their beautifully restored circa-1840 Newton, Massachusetts home. What started as a simple documentary moment transformed into something far more significant—the birth of an entirely new genre of television programming.

Bringing Expertise and Authenticity to the Screen

Bob Vila brought a unique blend of qualifications to the hosting role. His degree in journalism, combined with his hands-on experience as a contractor, proved invaluable for the hosting position. “I wasn’t intimidated by a camera; I’d been trained as a journalist,” Bob explains. “But before This Old House, nobody had really been interviewing people like electricians and plumbers.” This fresh perspective revolutionized how home improvement was presented on television, treating contractors and skilled trades professionals as experts worthy of serious airtime and respect.

Highlighting Relatable Renovation Projects

During his tenure, Bob Villa championed renovation projects that viewers could genuinely relate to. Season 7’s low-slung Tampa House, built in the 1950s, stands out as one of his favorite projects from his time on the show. “Renovating a house that was a little run-down, but wasn’t a disaster, let viewers see the possibilities in buying a 30-year-old ranch,” Bob reflects. This philosophy of showcasing achievable renovations rather than only high-end estates made This Old House accessible to everyday homeowners and established the show’s democratic approach to home improvement.

Steve Thomas: The Transition Host (Seasons 11–24)

An Unexpected Audition

Steve Thomas’s path to hosting This Old House began with a casual conversation. After recently returning from shooting a documentary in Micronesia about his true passion—sailing—Steve’s publicist asked what he was working on. Steve mentioned his own residential remodel, a beautiful Georgian Colonial located in Salem, Massachusetts. This brief mention caught the attention of producers, leading to an audition that would change his career trajectory and introduce him to millions of viewers.

Bridging Two Eras of the Show

Steve Thomas took over as host during a critical transition period for the show. He brought a fresh perspective while maintaining the show’s core principles of authenticity, education, and practical guidance. His background in documentary filmmaking gave him a unique ability to tell the stories behind renovations, adding narrative depth to the show’s presentation. During his 14 seasons as host, Steve guided audiences through complex restoration projects while keeping the focus on the people, the homes, and the lessons learned throughout the renovation process.

Kevin O’Connor: The Modern Era Host (Seasons 25–Present)

From Homeowner to Host

Kevin O’Connor’s introduction to This Old House differs from his predecessors, stemming from genuine need and circumstance rather than professional ambition. Kevin and his wife, Kathleen, had purchased a fixer-upper—an enormous 1893 Queen Anne mansion—and quickly realized the project’s scope far exceeded their initial expectations. “We’d bought this fixer-upper, an enormous 1893 Queen Anne, and quickly realized there was way too much to do,” Kevin recalls. “But it was a no-brainer that if you ran into problems, you’d turn to This Old House.”

A Wife’s Letter Leads to Television Fame

In an extraordinary turn of events, Kathleen O’Connor wrote a letter to This Old House magazine describing their predicament. This letter attracted the producers’ attention and led to the couple being contacted about potentially appearing on the show. When producers reached out, the opportunity seemed almost too good to be true. “All I heard was ‘Tom Silva’ and I said yes,” Kevin remembers with enthusiasm. The couple had no idea that filming a segment for what they thought would be a routine consultation would ultimately lead to Kevin being offered the hosting position.

From Ask This Old House to Main Host

The O’Connors’ initial segment was filmed for a new spin-off series called Ask This Old House (which appeared in episode 22), but producers saw something special in Kevin. His genuine approach, his willingness to learn, and his relatable nature as a homeowner facing real renovation challenges made him an ideal candidate to eventually succeed Steve Thomas. After appearing on Ask This Old House, the producers remained in contact, eventually offering Kevin the hosting position for the main series.

Favorite Projects and Memorable Moments

Among all the projects Kevin has overseen as host, the Carlisle House holds special significance. This massive undertaking, which This Old House purchased specifically for renovation, allowed the entire team to work without the pressure of anxious homeowners waiting to move in. “It was this monster of a project where Tom Silva could do whatever he wanted,” Kevin notes. “And when the This Old House-owned house was finished, since there were no homeowners anxious to move in, we got to hang out. Some of my fondest memories are from there. For a couple of months, it was our house.” These down-time moments created lasting bonds within the crew and reminded everyone why they were passionate about the work they were doing.

The Evolution of This Old House

From Local Boston Project to National Phenomenon

What began in 1979 as a modest thirteen-part series on WGBH has evolved into one of the most popular and enduring programs in television history. The show’s original focus on renovating older houses of modest size and value, often featuring homeowners contributing sweat equity to the projects, established a philosophy that has remained central to the program’s identity for decades. This approach democratized home renovation, showing viewers that significant improvements didn’t require unlimited budgets or professional expertise alone.

Industry Recognition and Legacy

The show’s impact extends far beyond entertainment. This Old House has won seventeen Emmy Awards and received 82 nominations, cementing its status as the gold standard in home improvement television. The program has spawned successful spin-offs, including The New Yankee Workshop hosted by Norm Abram, created a thriving magazine that reached millions of consumers monthly, and established profitable websites that continue to educate and inspire homeowners.

The Expertise Behind the Show

A Team of Skilled Professionals

While the hosts serve as the public face of This Old House, the show’s true power lies in the collective expertise of its crew. Tom Silva, the show’s general contractor, has been instrumental in the program’s success, offering practical guidance and demonstrating proper construction techniques. Richard Trethewey brings specialized knowledge in plumbing and heating systems, ensuring that mechanical aspects of renovation receive appropriate attention. Additional experts in landscaping, masonry, electrical work, and carpentry round out a team that represents the best in each trade.

Respecting the Trades

One of This Old House‘s greatest achievements has been elevating the status of skilled trades professionals. By featuring electricians, plumbers, masons, and carpenters as respected experts rather than background support, the show has helped restore dignity to professions that form the backbone of construction and renovation industries. This respectful approach has influenced how trades are perceived in American culture and has inspired many young people to pursue careers in skilled crafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long has This Old House been on the air?

A: This Old House began in 1979 as a thirteen-part series on WGBH and has continued for over forty years, making it one of the longest-running home improvement programs in television history.

Q: Why did Bob Vila leave This Old House?

A: Bob Vila hosted the show from 1979 to 1989, when he left to become a spokesman for Sears Roebuck & Company. He later hosted spin-off programs including Bob Vila’s Home Again and his own show titled Bob Vila.

Q: Who is the current host of This Old House?

A: Kevin O’Connor has been the host of This Old House since 2003 and continues in that role today, having hosted over 380 episodes and earning multiple Emmy nominations.

Q: What spin-offs has This Old House created?

A: The show has spawned several successful spin-offs, most notably The New Yankee Workshop hosted by Norm Abram, Ask This Old House, and Inside This Old House, which features highlights from previous episodes.

Q: How did Kevin O’Connor become the host of This Old House?

A: Kevin O’Connor was initially a homeowner seeking help with his 1893 Queen Anne mansion. His wife wrote to This Old House magazine, leading to him appearing on Ask This Old House. Producers recognized his potential, and he eventually became the show’s host in 2003.

Q: What is the philosophy behind This Old House’s project selection?

A: The show focuses on renovating older houses of varying sizes and values, often featuring homeowners who contribute their own efforts. This approach demonstrates that significant home improvements are achievable for everyday homeowners, not just wealthy clients.