Courtesy of HGTV
- The latest season of HGTV’s "Good Bones" has kicked off with three episodes.
- The mother-daughter team, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine, will not be collaborating on the show as before.
- Their relationship has become strained, with Hawk revealing in 2023 that they have grown distant.
Months after Mina Starsiak Hawk disclosed the difficulties in her relationship with her mother, Karen E. Laine, both stars are making their return to "Good Bones."
Launched in 2016, their HGTV series showcases home renovations across Indianapolis through their business endeavor called Two Chicks and a Hammer. Although Laine stepped back from day-to-day operations within the company back in 2019, she remained a prominent presence on the series.
Quickly gaining traction among viewers on the network, "Good Bones" also spawned a spinoff titled "Good Bones: Risky Business." However, following an announcement by Hawk in August 2023 regarding the show’s conclusion alongside complications surrounding her relationship with Laine during an episode of her podcast named "MINA AF,” it was unclear what lay ahead for them both professionally and personally.
In July 2023, amidst this turmoil, HGTV revealed plans for a limited season featuring both women who would work independently on separate projects. The season’s inaugural episode debuted on August 14th with a focus on Hawk’s renovation project at a lakeside property intended for family use while the second episode is scheduled to air Wednesday.
A retrospective by Business Insider delves into how the duo rose to fame while examining changes in their familial dynamics over recent years.
A Showcase of Family Dynamics: The Journey of Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine
This family business model enabled several members to join them throughout their television journey as other relatives made appearances on screen over time— including some of Hawks’ siblings.
Hawk has five siblings total: brothers William and CR along with Kelsy (her half-sister from her mother), followed by Tad and Jessica (half-siblings through her father’s remarriage).
Mina married Stephen back in 2016—they share two young children named Jack (5) and Charlotte (2). At one point during 2017 they also looked after Jessica’s daughter Julie according to reports from People.
The pair structured what they often referred to as a “complicated” family network yet appeared united throughout their hometown transformations filled with warmth—much appreciated by fans tuning into HGTV regularly.
Despite appearing blissfully intertwined onscreen however, things were less harmonious off-camera according to comments made by Hawk during August’s discussions about personal issues surfacing post-production days being officially included into family life narratives at home without editing filters;
Navigating Family Change: Challenges Faced By Relationships Within The Family Unit
An episode aired titled “The Pain Of Staying The Same” saw more vulnerable insights shared where respect towards establishing boundaries fell under scrutiny leading up toward hosting his fifth birthday party held just recently one week prior—from further examination needed when considering which familial contacts could benefit Jack most positively during such occasions moving forward became paramount given current circumstances surrounding enduring tensions existing previously stated frustrations might heighten if left unchecked exercising discernment would prove essential!
Rachel Luna/Getty Images
“The emotional toll navigating these engagements meant inviting individuals genuinely present within our daily lives took priority—for instance definite acknowledgment privately emerged situating radical non-invitations prevailed instead without guilt,” she divulged reflecting openness remarkably demonstrating courage indicative authentic communication regardless outcome amidst needful changes potentially applied amid delicate affairs evolving dynamically based around personal liberties upheld mutually yet impacted deeply even now despite constant cordial appearances conflate encounters amongst celebrations adhering typically previous protocols intermittent reconciliatory gestures accommodating Father’s wishes contrasted sharply viewed externally showcasing layers beneath simplistic consolidations defining popular programming occasions unfolding captivating stories felt palpable closely enough leaving audiences yearning clarity evermore!”
“At family gatherings, we often put on a façade of civility, pretending to enjoy each other’s company while secretly harboring negative feelings,” Hawk explained. She noted that her relatives managed to “coexist” on a family holiday, without revealing specifics about that trip. However, she expressed that this approach no longer resonates with her.
“I’m simply not interested in playing those games anymore,” Hawk stated. “It feels disingenuous and false. That’s not the lifestyle I aim for.”
While discussing Jack’s birthday celebration during the podcast episode, Hawk refrained from confirming whether her mother and siblings were invited. Notably absent from the shared event photos were those family members, though in her Instagram post, she acknowledged individuals who support Jack instead.
Eventually, Hawk revealed to People that she opted not to invite them for the occasion after all.
The Conclusion of ‘Good Bones’: An Era Ends
In an earlier 2023 podcast episode released on August 7th, Hawk announced that “Good Bones” would conclude after its eighth season.
“This marks the closing chapter of an era,” she reflected during the episode titled “And That’s A Wrap… Or Is It?”
The decision was made mutually between Hawk and HGTV due to increasing pressures associated with filming; managing five to eight projects simultaneously created significant stress for her team as they balanced television demands.
Although seeking a more manageable work pace was essential for her well-being, Hawk voiced concerns about how scaling back might affect her employees considering fewer simultaneous renovations would trim down the crew size necessary.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Cost Plus World Market
“All my self-imposed pressures became overwhelming,” she admitted. “It made functioning normally challenging; I felt burdened by responsibilities involving others’ lives—my family’s and employees’—and it felt like I was in a constant battle.”
Ultimately deciding to end “Good Bones” proved right in ensuring balance within both her home life and professional commitments.
Though Laine did not publicly address the series finale directly, she indicated enthusiasm towards future endeavors with HGTV via comments under an Instagram announcement regarding their eighth season promotion dated August 10th.
An Instagram user lamented about their disappointment regarding the show’s conclusion: ”It’s sad Good Bones is ending!” In response, Laine noted positively, “Just because Mina is closing this chapter doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t around for me ahead.”
Navigating Complicated Family Dynamics During Filming
Mina Starsiak Hawk revealed in a recent podcast episode from October 2023 that there has been a communication breakdown between her and her mother, stating, “We do not talk. It has been a long time.”
HGTV Reveals Limited Run of ‘Good Bones’ Set for July 2024
On July 17, HGTV announced the upcoming season of “Good Bones,” scheduled to debut on August 14, nearly one year after the eighth season’s launch.
This new installment features Hawk and her mother Laine engaged in home renovations; however, they will be working separately this time. The series will have an abbreviated three-week runtime.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images
The latest edition of HGTV’s popular show “Good Bones” captures how Mina Starsiak Hawk and her mother Karen E. Laine navigate their evolving lives beyond their home renovation projects in Indianapolis—a statement from Business Insider indicated.
Mina is set to acquire an outdated yet charming lake house near Indianapolis that requires significant cosmetic enhancements to transform it into her ideal family retreat. Meanwhile, Karen embarks on a fresh endeavor in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she plans to invest her retirement savings into a bungalow that presents more challenges than anticipated before becoming a vibrant beachside sanctuary.
Solo Appearances: The Dynamic Between Hawk and Laine Changes in Season 9
The premiere episode aired on August 14th and highlighted Hawk’s renovation efforts on the lake house she bought with her husband Stephen situated in Martinsville, Indiana. On social media platforms like Instagram, Laine encouraged fans to tune into the show by sharing a photo of Hawk on the day the episode debuted.
“The new series ‘Good Bones: New Beginnings’ premieres tonight at 9 PM on @hgtv featuring Mina’s lake house transformation,” she promoted while mentioning that episodes showcasing her Wilmington renovations would follow on August 21st and 28th at the same time slot.
This inaugural episode also unveiled how Hawk is navigating changes professionally after stepping back from close collaboration with her mother. She shared insights regarding staffing changes at Two Chicks and a Hammer—now reduced to just one full-time employee—and indicated intentions to undertake notably fewer renovation projects per year compared to twelve previously completed by the company annually. Footage illustrated adjustments such as renting out their former headquarters for Two Chicks and transitioning their original store location called District Co., which will reopen elsewhere.
Laine did not feature in this first installment nor was she mentioned by name by Hawk during its airing; however, later that week Hawke shared an Instagram post highlighting both Laine and fellow ”Good Bones” star Michael J. Coyle while promoting upcoming episodes—confirming through captions that she would not appear alongside them this time around.”
“Another exciting episode is set for tonight! Tune into @hgtv 💪🏼 When designing for personal use rather than resale adds so much room for creativity with colors—it transforms everything,” she conveyed along with noting “But I won’t be featured today; you’ll catch some familiar faces though!”
