Breaking New Ground

If all that Robert Hartwell ever contributed to this world was his Broadway career, he'd still have left this world a better place for having been here.

But he didn't stop there.

He bought an abandoned historical home, saved and transformed it, and gave us a lesson in History, humanity, and color therapy in the meantime.

Breaking New Ground is billed as a "Building & Renovation, Food & Home" show as a Max Original, but I believe Max has missed its true value in its historical information on many levels.

Robert's renovation journey is this show - not the construction. I mean, how many times in your life do you absolutely*need* to see people smashing cabinets with sledgehammers and shooting nails out of pneumatic "guns?" "Oh, so THAT'S how you pour concrete? I've never seen that a thousand times before." There are too many TV/streaming shows that go in-depth about the act of construction, and don't even consider that the buildings & people have stories of their own.

I know this is my personal bias - I have degrees in History, I'm an author of historical studies, history is my first love. I studied Architectural History, Art History - I geek out on this stuff. Plus, the history attached to people & objects Robert addresses in this show is the kind of information I study. His focus on this building's past, his past, the convergence of the two now and the implications for the future is almost everything for me in this show - the construction & design are the 2nd-most important part of Robert's renovation journey.

If you only want or need to watch people bashing through walls with sledgehammers, welding, painting, nailing, laying concrete, etc., it's very simple, watch something else.

This renovation show is unique, informative and inspiring. It's also not boring or fake.

Based on this show, I could use a lot more Robert Hartwell in my life.

I am not going to hate on this brother. He gives off rich and inspirational vibes. I only gave it a 9 because we could have had a real deep dive into his childhood. I need every piece of the drama, the name calling, the bounce back! I also am interested in how and what happened back at his original home when most of the time he wasn't there. Also, is this a party house or his retirement home. 🏠 I didn't know if I loved back and forth between episodes was needed, but I want backstory, backstory, backstory. Sure I know he was Broadway but what does that future look like - retirement - traveling back and forth? I still want as much as I am getting and more.

I was personally quite offended by this show for a few reasons. Robert Hartwell clearly tries repeatedly in every episode to take advantage of a long history of cultural trauma, and to try to make it about himself. There is no proof of many of the wild claims he makes about slaves in the house or in the surrounding property, and it's almost as though he keeps bringing up slaves as some grotesque buzz word to keep the viewer's interest, as it is a very dry home renovation show beyond these ridiculous assertions.

He also is quite rude to his contractor and staff which I cannot forgive. He fails to truly showcase the real genuine talents which are the people he's hired to do the actual work of renovating the house for him, because he so desperately grips the attention to keep it on himself every second of every episode.

Honestly, give Trixie Mattel's show a shot before you waste your time on this one. Even in the wig, her head isn't as big as Robert Hartwell's.

Robert Hartwell's new home renovation show, *Breaking New Ground*, feels like a missed opportunity. Initially, Hartwell's provocative Instagram post hinted at a dramatic narrative: reclaiming a house built by enslaved individuals. Unfortunately, this compelling premise seems to have been abandoned, leaving viewers with a show that lacks the depth and engagement it promised.

Instead, the series delves into historical themes but fails to make them captivating or relevant. The result is a presentation that feels flat and uninspired. Hartwell's home renovation reveal is also somewhat disheartening; while he presents a lavishly decorated space, it turns out that much of the high-end decor was provided for free, a common practice in the industry that Hartwell does little to address.

Hartwell comes across as out of touch, and his attempts to infuse the show with interest fall short. The overall impression is of someone striving too hard to be compelling while missing the mark on genuine intrigue and authenticity.

I saw Robert's original post on Instagram when he purchased his home and thought it was going to be a traditional renovation show. Instead, it turned out to not only be entertaining but deeply emotional and empowering. Robert's enthusiasm and genuine passion for bringing forgotten stories and neglected spaces back to life are contagious. Each episode beautifully balances historical depth with modern creativity.

What sets this show apart is its ability to seamlessly weave together themes of resilience, history, and transformation. Robert shares the rich narratives behind each of the rooms he renovates and brings so much heart into every project, making it impossible not to be drawn in by the stories of those who came before him or those who supported him along his journey to where he is today.

Plus, his outfits are fantastic!

Whether you're a fan of home renovation shows or someone who simply loves a great story, Breaking New Ground delivers on all fronts.