Home Improvement character guide
Who is Al Borland in Home Improvement?
Tim Taylor's bearded, flannel-wearing co-host on Tool Time, the calm and safety-minded friend who keeps the show from falling apart.
By Sitcomdle · Sources and corrections
Updated
Al Borland's Sitcomdle clue card
The five clues the game shows when Al Borland is the answer or a guess.
- Show
- Home Improvement
- Debut
- 1991
- Network
- ABC
- Role
- Main
- Gender
- Male
Al Borland has not been a daily answer yet. Play today's Sitcomdle.
- Show
- Home Improvement
- Played by
- Richard Karn
- First episode
- “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble”Season 1, Episode 9, aired November 19, 1991
- Role
- Main cast
- Network
- ABC
- Occupation
- Co-host of Tool Time
- Show run
- 1991 to 1999
Al Borland is Tim's co-host on Tool Time and his closest friend, a level-headed guy in plaid flannel with a beard. Richard Karn plays him as the straight man to Tim's nonstop projects and grunts.
On Home Improvement, Al Borland's story runs through Tim Taylor (Co-host and Best Friend), Jill Taylor (Friend), Wilson (Friend), Randy Taylor, and Brad Taylor.
Who is Al Borland?
Al co-hosts Tool Time with Tim and gives the show its steady, careful side. He is the one who keeps an eye on safety while Tim is busy making things louder and bigger.
Off the set he is Tim's best friend, and the two of them share a long history of help and teasing that runs through the series.
Personality and storylines
Al is patient, honest, and usually the smartest person in the room when it comes to a repair. He tends to be the voice of reason, which makes him a natural target for Tim's pride and his sudden on-air mishaps.
Al's own life gets its share of attention, including a romance that leads to an on-air proposal on Tool Time. He also takes over hosting duties for a day in one of the show's most memorable episodes.
Legacy
Richard Karn was a recurring player in the first season before he became a regular from season two, and Al grew into one of the show's central figures. His plaid shirts and beard became part of the character's look.
Al's easygoing calm is often remembered as the perfect counterweight to Tim, and many fans think the duo is the heart of the series.
Key Al Borland episodes
- “A Battle of Wheels”Season 1, Episode 21Tim lets Al host Tool Time for a day, and the results are a disaster.
- “Roomie for Improvement”Season 2, Episode 7Tim embarrasses Al on Tool Time.
- “Aisle See You in My Dreams”Season 3, Episode 2Al proposes to Ilene on Tool Time.
Season and episode numbers follow the original broadcast order.
Al Borland: frequently asked questions
Who plays Al Borland in Home Improvement?
Richard Karn plays Al Borland. He was a recurring player in season one and a regular from season two onward.
What is Al's job on Tool Time?
Al is Tim's co-host on Tool Time, the home improvement show within Home Improvement.
Does Al propose on Tool Time?
Yes. In season three, Al proposes to his girlfriend Ilene on the air during Tool Time.
Test yourself: Al Borland quiz
5 questions about Al Borland. Think of your answer, then open the reveal to check it.
- Question 1
Who is Tim's co-host on Tool Time?
- Wilson
- Heidi
- Lisa
- Al Borland
Show the answer
Answer: D. Al Borland
Al Borland co-hosts Tool Time with Tim, and he is known for his plaid flannel shirts and calm, safety-minded advice.
- Question 2
In the first season, what episode has Tim letting Al host Tool Time for a day?
- Mow Better Blues
- Groin Pains
- A Battle of Wheels
- Pilot
Show the answer
Answer: C. A Battle of Wheels
In 'A Battle of Wheels', Tim hands Al the Tool Time reins for a day, and the results are a disaster.
- Question 3
On Tool Time in season three, who does Al propose to?
- Heidi
- Ilene
- Lisa
- Jennifer
Show the answer
Answer: B. Ilene
Al proposes to Ilene on Tool Time in 'Aisle See You in My Dreams', putting his personal life on the air.
- Question 4
Who plays Al Borland in Home Improvement?
- Lamorne Morris
- George Wendt
- Mayim Bialik
- Richard Karn
Show the answer
Answer: D. Richard Karn
Richard Karn plays Al Borland.
- Question 5
In what year did Al Borland first appear on Home Improvement?
- 1991
- 1988
- 1989
- 1995
Show the answer
Answer: A. 1991
Al Borland debuted in 1991, in "Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble" (Season 1, Episode 9). That year is the Debut clue in the game.
Sources and corrections
Reference pages used for this guide, including character, cast, and episode details.
Could Al Borland be today's mystery character? Name them in eight guesses.
Play today's SitcomdlePeople in Al Borland's life
- Tim TaylorCo-host and Best FriendPlayed by Tim AllenThe grunting, power-tool-loving host of the cable show Tool Time, whose own home repairs keep going wrong in suburban Detroit.
- Jill TaylorFriendPlayed by Patricia RichardsonTim Taylor's sensible wife and the voice of reason in the Taylor household, who keeps the family grounded while her husband chases bigger power tools.
- WilsonFriendPlayed by Earl HindmanThe Taylors' wise, mysterious neighbor, whose face is hidden behind the backyard fence for almost the entire run of Home Improvement.
More Home Improvement characters
- Randy TaylorMain castPlayed by Jonathan Taylor ThomasThe middle Taylor son, a smart and mischievous kid who gets into trouble with his brothers and then on his own.
- Brad TaylorMain castPlayed by Zachery Ty BryanThe eldest Taylor son, a sports-minded teenager who spends his high school years chasing girls, grades, and his own independence.
- Mark TaylorMain castPlayed by Taran Noah SmithThe youngest Taylor son, a sensitive and thoughtful kid who often worries about his family and tries to find his place among his brothers.
All Home Improvement charactersEssential Home Improvement episodesHome Improvement triviaMore 1990s sitcom characters