User reviews

I love this segment just as much as any of the other segments. I think those folks that criticize it were simply born without a sense of humor, or perhaps they're alien or something ( here to determine the status of our technology maybe!). It's supposed to inject some silly levity into the show , as well as inform the watcher as to what the object is and how it's used. I'm fortunate to only be stumped some of the time, I do know what most of them are, mainly because I'm a 74 year old retired woodworker -AND I do try to keep up with newer product developments ( and it's not easy!!! By the way I find I can identify every one of the What Is It items-especially if I've already seen the episode! Isn't that truly amazing???

A brand new show in 2003, Ask This Old House gave a lot of us what we wanted: a show dedicated to helping all kinds of people with their individual home maintenance issues.

The guys cover everything from the simplest of tasks (putting a deadbolt lock on a door) to the complex installing a toilet in a basement bathroom, complete with drains and pumpout system).

There's a little light humor and good camaraderie, and the segment they call "What is it?" is particularly amusing and informative. It's incredible that they can keep coming up with so many obscure and weird tools.

I am at a loss as to why this show's average rating is a low six. It is a very informative show without any of the reality TV-like drama that accompanies some of the DIY shows. I love it because I just want the knowledge and none of the worthless drama. Furthermore, the difficulty of the projects they do is right in my comfort zone (I used to work summers with my Dad and Uncle doing home remodeling and maintenance, so I have a good base, but I lack the decades of experience that they have). Most of the projects are practical/pragmatic in nature. In another words they're not about prettying up the place to sell (new paint, furniture, etc), but about fixing problems or adding functionality. Projects include plumbing, electrical, general carpentry, flooring, and even landscaping. Anyway, it's a great show and hope it lasts another ten years.

I have always loved this show. Both me and my brother agree the "what is it" segment is silly and unfunny. It would be so much better if they just introduced the new gadgets and told us what they are used for.

Ask This Old House is a fantastic and practical spinoff of the original This Old House, bringing the expertise and charm of the PBS classic directly to viewers' homes. While the parent show focuses on large renovation projects, Ask This Old House takes a more personal, hands-on approach - with the experts traveling the country to help everyday homeowners solve real-life repair and improvement problems. Hosted by Kevin O'Connor, and featuring the familiar faces of Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey, the late Roger Cook, and landscape designer Jenn Nawada, the show blends education, humor, and genuine care for craftsmanship. The fact that the crew has visited all 50 states speaks volumes about their commitment to connecting with viewers and making home improvement accessible to everyone.

Each episode is structured in a fun and engaging way, with segments that keep things fresh and interactive. "Guess the Tool" challenges both the experts and the audience, while the recurring bit where the team reviews real contractor mistakes offers both laughs and valuable lessons. What sets Ask This Old House apart is its balance between teaching and entertainment - it's never condescending, and it always feels authentic. Even after all these years, the camaraderie between the hosts remains as warm and genuine as ever. Whether you're an experienced DIYer or just someone trying to fix a leaky faucet, Ask This Old House continues to prove that no project is too big - or too small - when you've got the right knowledge and the right people.

Very informative and tons of content. Could watch this all day. In fact, i do. Im in the trades and know alot of the topics but there is still plenty to learn here and lots of inspiration for projects. Its.good to have information for people to see that diy is not that hard.everything from plumbing and roofing repairs, to gardening, to hvac. Most extremely simple tasks and some more advanced for those that want a challange. The cast has great chemistry together and have brought there skills to the show for many years. Pair ask this old house with the classic this old house and the this old house makers channel and there is so many hours of good tv, you will never run out of new topics.