In a heartfelt conversation, Mina Starsiak Hawk, the beloved HGTV personality and star of Good Bones, credited HGTV legends Chip and Joanna Gaines for paving the way for her show's authentic and relatable approach to reality TV. Mina, who recently bid farewell to her show after eight successful seasons, opened up during an episode of her "Mina AF" podcast about the importance of honesty and transparency in her journey on HGTV.
Mina Starsiak Hawk Shares Her Thoughts on Reality TV Authenticity
On Tuesday, March 5, Mina, now 39, sat down with sociologist Danielle Lindemann for an engaging chat on her podcast. The conversation delved into the often-debated topic of reality TV's authenticity. Fans have long wondered whether the drama and situations portrayed on shows like Good Bones are genuine or staged for entertainment. Mina addressed this head-on, emphasizing the importance of staying true to herself and her family during the show.
She shared, "I think there’s always a little bit of truth in everything, whether it’s the characters we play or the stories we tell. For me, the experience HGTV gave us was 100% real. My mom and I had a serious conversation with the network before we started. We wanted to ensure that if we were going to do this, it had to reflect our real lives, our family, and our business."
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How Chip and Joanna Gaines Revolutionized HGTV
Mina attributes much of HGTV's evolution to Chip and Joanna Gaines and their groundbreaking show, Fixer Upper. According to Mina, their series marked a turning point for the network, shifting the focus from scripted reality TV to showcasing real people and their genuine stories.
"Honestly, I believe it all started with Fixer Upper. When Chip and Joanna came along, HGTV began to change. With the rise of social media, they started finding real people with real businesses who could bring authenticity to the screen. Fixer Upper was the first show that truly changed the direction HGTV was heading in," Mina explained.
She continued, "Before, HGTV was all about hosts. You'd just pop someone in front of the camera, and they'd showcase beautiful kitchens. But with Chip and Joanna, it wasn't just about being a host. They were running a business, hosting a show, and being themselves all at the same time. It was a whole new level of reality TV."
Mina's Journey with Good Bones
Mina and her mom, Karen E. Laine, began their HGTV journey in 2016 with the first season of Good Bones. The show quickly became a fan favorite for its raw and unfiltered look at the renovation process and the mother-daughter dynamic. Mina revealed that she used to avoid watching HGTV because she felt it was "staged and fake." However, she was determined to bring a different perspective to the network.
"We had a crucial conversation with the network. We wanted to make sure that if we were going to do this, it had to be real. We didn't want to be part of a show that felt scripted or overly polished," Mina said. "What you saw on Good Bones was all true and accurate. We filmed year-round, producing 13 episodes per season. When you consider that each episode is edited down to just 42 minutes of TV, it's a tiny snapshot of the entire year."
Mina hopes that fans of Good Bones take away the message that authenticity and honesty can make for compelling television. Her journey on HGTV was not just about renovating homes but also about sharing her real life with the world.
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As Mina and Karen wrapped up their final season of Good Bones in October 2023, they left behind a legacy of honesty and authenticity. Their show resonated with viewers who appreciated the realness of their struggles and triumphs in the world of home renovation.
