Bob Vila, the pioneering host of PBS’s groundbreaking home improvement series This Old House, has recently shared new details about his compensation during the show’s early years. In an exclusive interview, he disclosed that he was initially paid only $200 per episode, an amount he himself described as being closer to “volunteer work.”
Early Salary and Negotiations
Starting Pay: Vila began at just $200 per episode when the show launched in 1979.
Incremental Raises: Over time, he successfully negotiated higher pay, eventually earning around $1,000 per episode by the late 1980s.
Industry Contrast: Even at its peak, this salary was modest compared to mainstream television hosts, reflecting both PBS’s nonprofit structure and the niche nature of early home improvement programming.
Duration of Tenure
Bob Vila hosted This Old House from 1979 until 1989, helping the show become a trusted authority on renovation and construction.
His approachable style and practical expertise turned him into a household name during the series’ formative years.
Context and Conflicts
PBS Model: As a public television program, This Old House operated with limited budgets, which helps explain Vila’s relatively low pay.
Commercial Conflicts: Vila left the show in 1989 following disputes tied to his endorsement deals—most notably with Rickel Home Centers, which clashed with PBS underwriter Home Depot.
Aftermath: Following his departure, Vila built a highly successful career with Bob Vila’s Home Again and through brand partnerships, far surpassing his early PBS income.
Broader Implications
Undervalued Role: Vila’s comments shed light on how even groundbreaking TV personalities often worked for modest pay in the early days of reality and instructional programming.
Evolution of the Genre: Modern renovation and design hosts earn significantly more, reflecting the commercial success and sponsorship-heavy nature of today’s shows.
Legacy: Despite low pay, Vila’s decade-long tenure cemented him as the face of American home renovation on television.
Conclusion
Bob Vila’s revelation that he earned only $200 to $1,000 per episode for hosting This Old House underscores both the humble beginnings of the home improvement TV genre and the dedication of its early stars. His story highlights the sharp contrast between PBS’s educational mission and the commercial success that later followed him in private ventures.