The Woodwright's Shop (1981)
Roy Underhill's beloved PBS series bringing traditional hand-tool woodworking to American homes for over four decades.
The Woodwright's Shop - Series Information
- Original Title: The Woodwright's Shop
- First Air Year: 1981
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (29 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 37
- Number of Episodes: 480
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 1, 1981 (United States - TV-G)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: UNC-TV
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Woodwright's Shop - Plot
The Woodwright's Shop is a traditional woodworking show hosted by Roy Underhill on the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States. It is one of the longest running "how to" shows on PBS. Since its debut in 1979, the show has aired over 400 episodes. The first two seasons were broadcast only on public TV in North Carolina; the season numbering was restarted when the show went national in 1981. It is still filmed at the UNC-TV studios in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
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The Woodwright's Shop - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Roy Underhill
The Woodwright's Shop - FAQs
How long has The Woodwright's Shop been on air?
The Woodwright's Shop has been a PBS fixture since 1979, making it one of the longest-running how-to programs in public television history. It went national in 1981, and with 37 seasons and over 480 episodes, it remains a remarkable testament to the enduring appeal of traditional hand-tool woodworking.
Who hosts The Woodwright's Shop?
Roy Underhill has hosted The Woodwright's Shop since its very first episode. A passionate advocate for traditional hand-tool woodworking, Underhill brings infectious enthusiasm and deep historical knowledge to every project, making complex joinery and period techniques accessible to woodworkers of all skill levels.
Where can I watch The Woodwright's Shop?
You can stream The Woodwright's Shop free on PBS and catch episodes with ads on KQED. It's also available via a Thirteen subscription. Availability may vary by region, so check your local PBS affiliate or the JustWatch page for the most current viewing options.
What makes The Woodwright's Shop different from modern DIY shows?
Unlike most modern DIY programs that rely on power tools and quick results, The Woodwright's Shop focuses exclusively on hand tools and pre-industrial techniques. Roy Underhill demonstrates methods used by craftsmen centuries ago, giving the show a rare educational depth that blends woodworking skill with American craft history.
Where is The Woodwright's Shop filmed?
The series is filmed at the UNC-TV studios located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The first two seasons aired exclusively on North Carolina public television before the show expanded to a national PBS audience in 1981, where it has remained a beloved staple ever since.
Is The Woodwright's Shop still producing new episodes?
The Woodwright's Shop is listed as a returning series and remains in production, a remarkable achievement for a show that debuted in 1979. With 37 seasons completed and over 480 episodes in the archive, it stands as one of public television's most enduring and consistently produced instructional programs.
What content rating does The Woodwright's Shop carry?
The Woodwright's Shop carries a TV-G rating, making it suitable for viewers of all ages. Its calm, educational format and focus on traditional craft make it a genuinely family-friendly program, and it's an excellent introduction to woodworking history and hand-tool techniques for younger audiences and curious beginners alike.
What are similar shows to The Woodwright's Shop?
Fans of The Woodwright's Shop often enjoy Woodsmith Shop, another PBS staple dedicated to traditional woodworking projects, as well as Classic Woodworking and The Woodland Workshop for hands-on craft content. The Repair Shop offers a similar appreciation for heritage craftsmanship, focusing on restoring treasured heirlooms with traditional skills.
More About The Woodwright's Shop
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.