Roku has acquired the brand This Old House, encompassing the long-running television series, the magazine, the website, and the show’s complete archive spanning more than 40 years.
This acquisition further cements Roku’s evolution into a media company, following its recent addition of Quibi programming to its catalog. By bringing This Old House into its portfolio, Roku gains a deep library of timeless home improvement content that fits well with its streaming platform.
I’ve long favored Roku as a streaming device because it operates independently of the big-three tech ecosystems. Its neutral, hardware-focused approach has always appealed to viewers who want a dedicated streaming experience without being locked into a single company’s services.
In recent months I noticed Roku offering a substantial amount of This Old House content for free, which now appears to have been a sign of a larger deal in progress. Given Roku CEO Eric Thorkilsen’s track record and strategic vision—he played a role in creating Martha Stewart Omnimedia and previously acquired This Old House from Time Inc.—this move seems like a deliberate, forward-looking step.
This Old House has long exceeded PBS in its potential audience reach, and Roku recognized that its platform could significantly expand the brand’s visibility. Home improvement programming tends to be evergreen: techniques, design principles, and practical advice remain valuable year after year. That enduring relevance makes the show’s extensive archive especially valuable for streaming audiences.
The fundamentals of good construction and renovation change slowly, and This Old House has consistently featured top-tier contractors and hosts with deep industry expertise. That combination of skilled talent and timeless content creates programming that continues to educate and inspire new generations of homeowners and professionals.
Full disclosure: I worked at This Old House for five years. From my experience, no other home improvement program or brand matches the level of quality and expertise the team delivers.
Explore This Old House on Roku to browse episodes and archival content, and view the many house project locations the series has covered over the years.
We look forward to following up with Kevin O’Connor and other members of the This Old House team for more details—stay tuned for further updates.