The Repair Shop

In a bright, bustling workshop, people bring in treasured items that have been damaged, worn or long forgotten, asking skilled makers to give them new life. Each episode pairs an owner with a team of specialist restorers who assess the piece, agree on a plan and set about careful repairs. You watch timber being stripped, clock mechanisms cleaned, ceramics mended and upholstery rebuilt, while the owners share what the objects mean to them. The focus is on skill, memory and repair rather than spectacle, so episodes move at an unhurried pace and often end on quiet, emotional reunions when restored possessions are returned.

Released in 2017, the series is narrated by Bill Paterson and gathers a rotating crew of experts, including Lucia Scalisi, Dominic Chinea, Steven Fletcher and Brenton West, each offering traditional craft skills onscreen.

The Repair Shop has seeped into popular culture through shareable clips of restorations and emotional returns, prompting conversations about repair culture and heirloom value. Its approachable format and human stories have made certain episodes widely shared on social platforms, encouraging viewers to think differently about mending rather than replacing.

Critical and audience response has been generally positive, reflected in modest ratings like a 7.0/10 average from viewer votes. Reviewers often note the show’s emphasis on nostalgia, hands-on craft and sustainability, and many viewers praise the steady pace and clear explanations of restoration techniques. Themes include generational memory, the dignity of making things last, and the ethics of consumption versus repair.

The series has attracted attention within British television circles, earning nominations and recognition at several industry and audience-voted events. While specifics vary by year, the program’s steady popularity has translated into ongoing commissions, special episodes and an expanded roster of craftspeople, helping it remain a familiar title on daytime schedules.