When it was announced last year that Good Bones was ending its run on HGTV, fans were heartbroken. The show was a huge hit and stood out from other home renovation programs thanks to the unique mother-daughter duo, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine.
Behind-the-scenes issues led to the end of the show, but now the network has brought it back with a new series, Good Bones: New Beginnings. Although the new series adds some new elements to the show, it has some noticeable flaws in its three-episode run.
Since it began in 2016, Good Bones has been known for its real and gritty portrayal of home renovation. Unlike other renovation shows that easily show before-and-after transformations, Hawk and Laine were open about the challenges they faced.
“Good Bones: Fresh Starts” Provides An Additional Layer of Leads
Their strong and lively dynamic kept viewers interested throughout the eight seasons. However, when reports came out about the duo not getting along and Hawk sharing personal stories on her podcast, Mina AF, the show ended last year.
Despite this, HGTV brought them back in a new form—still together but separated in the series, which retains its lively spirit but feels somewhat disconnected.
In the latest season, Good Bones: New Beginnings, Hawk and Laine take on personal projects outside their usual home renovations in Indianapolis. The three-week series focuses on their individual growth.
Hawk works on a personal project for her family—a charming, 5,000-square-foot lakehouse in Martinsville, Indiana. Meanwhile, Laine invests her retirement savings into a 120-year-old beach bungalow in Wilmington, North Carolina, facing challenges like severe weather.
As the show continues, it broadens its scope by adding new elements that enhance its depth. Instead of focusing solely on renovations and buyers like before, this season provides a more intimate look into their personal lives.
Hawk becomes more open about her emotions and shares her struggles with closing her store, District Co., in Broad Ripple. The special 90-minute episode offers an intimate look at her personal decisions and family connections, especially after her sister-in-law’s death.
On the other hand, Laine seeks a fresh start with her toy poodle, Adelle. She leaves behind the harsh winters and embraces a new chapter in retirement. As she renovates the beach bungalow into a colorful retreat, she draws inspiration from local art and murals.
Although she faces challenges traveling between her homes, Laine remains positive and keeps her vulnerability away from the cameras. We still see her warm side when interacting with family and friends.
Good Bones: New Beginnings keeps the focus on family and community, which viewers love. However, there is some tension between Hawk and Laine. The show, which is more of an extension of Good Bones than a spinoff, shows no interaction between the two leads in their respective episodes.
Hawk stays in the Indianapolis area with her family, while Laine balances time between her home and Wilmington. The lack of their collaboration might take away from what fans originally enjoyed. However, this setup could lead to new shows on HGTV.
Fans hoping for a reconciliation between Hawk and Laine might be disappointed, as the show clearly sets them on different paths.
Despite their chemistry being a key draw, this series shows they can succeed independently. There is still fun and warmth in the episodes, along with the humor fans expect, but their different styles and tastes are evident.
Hawk’s family provides strong support, particularly her husband Steve, as they navigate their new business and family life. The show highlights their dedication to family and community, making it an engaging watch. Laine quickly adapts to Wilmington’s culture and makes friends, showing that retirement is just the beginning for her.
Good Bones has always highlighted female leadership in a male-dominated industry, and Laine’s ongoing success reinforces this message.
While Good Bones: New Beginnings may not fully capture the original charm of Hawk and Laine working together, it offers a fresh look at their separate journeys.
The lack of interaction might disappoint longtime fans, but the series sets up potential for new and exciting directions. The show may not be the perfect continuation fans hoped for, but it lays the groundwork for future seasons.
