'The Woodwright's Shop' Renewed for 2 Years

Roy Underhill’s long-running PBS show “The Woodwright’s Shop” was renewed Wednesday for two years by its sponsor, State Farm Insurance.

That means that “The Woodwright’s Shop” will be around for a 31st and 32nd season. And this is the first time that State Farm has ever renewed the show for two years.

“Thanks to State Farm for making the world safe for serious, subversive woodworking comedy,” Roy said over a celebratory burrito lunch. “We’ve been serving all your steampunk woodworking needs since 1979.”

Roy heard the news today while I was teaching a class in sharpening at his woodworking school, The Woodwright’s School, in Pittsboro, N.C. After announcing the news of the renewal to the students (who responded with a round of applause) Roy asked the students to hoist him on their shoulders.

At first, no one took him seriously. But of course, he was (see above). He, um, pleaded with the students to hoist him up. They did. And then proceeded to open the trash can at the school to dump him. (This is nicer than the traditional two-year swirlie.)

After finishing up his burrito and tortilla chips, Roy put down his drink.

“I’ve got two seasons of shows to fill,” he said. “Ask the readers to send me ideas for people and things they’d like to see for the next two years.”

You can do just that using the contact form at Roy’s school. Click here to make a suggestion.

And congratulations Roy!

— Christopher Schwarz