Good Bones canceled after eight seasons, leaving fans wondering why the beloved HGTV series, starring Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine, concluded. The mother-daughter duo, known for transforming dilapidated Indianapolis homes through their company Two Chicks and a Hammer, announced the show’s end in August 2023, with a limited three-episode return in 2024 titled Good Bones: New Beginnings. This article explores the reasons behind the cancellation, Mina Starsiak Hawk’s net worth, Karen E. Laine’s age, their personal lives, and new insights into their decision, offering a fresh perspective with updated information.
Why Was Good Bones Canceled?
Good Bones ended primarily due to Mina Starsiak Hawk’s decision to prioritize her mental health and family, coupled with strained personal dynamics and professional challenges. In her Mina AF podcast, Mina revealed that the intense pressure of managing multiple renovation projects, navigating city permits, and maintaining a public persona led to burnout. She stated, “I felt like I was fighting for my life, or my family’s life, to keep everything together.” The show’s demanding pace, often handling five to eight projects simultaneously, was unsustainable. Additionally, family tensions, particularly between Mina and Karen, played a significant role. Their differing work styles and a publicized rift made continuing the original format challenging.
In 2024, HGTV aired a three-episode special, Good Bones: New Beginnings, focusing on separate projects—Mina renovating a lake house near Indianapolis and Karen transforming a bungalow in Wilmington, North Carolina. This shift reflected their estrangement, as fans noted the lack of their signature mother-daughter chemistry. A Reddit user commented, “The formula is gone. The chemistry of the series is missing,” highlighting fan disappointment with the new format.
Mina Starsiak Hawk: Age, Net Worth, and Married Life
Mina Starsiak Hawk, born on November 26, 1984, is 40 years old as of 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $2 million, amassed through Good Bones, real estate ventures, and her home furnishings store, Two Chicks District Co. Mina is married to Steve Hawk, whom she wed in 2016. The couple has two children, Jack (born 2018) and Charlie (born 2020). Their married life has been a focal point on the show, with fans witnessing milestones like their engagement and parenting journey. Mina’s height is approximately 5 feet 7 inches, and her weight is around 130 pounds, though she keeps her personal fitness routine private.
Mina’s decision to end Good Bones stemmed from a desire to focus on her family and personal well-being. She shared on her podcast, “I want to create a space where my kids can make memories, like at our new lake house.” This personal pivot underscores her shift from the high-pressure TV world to a more balanced life.
Karen E. Laine: Age, Net Worth, and Retirement
Karen E. Laine, born on October 8, 1962, is 62 years old in 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, derived from her HGTV career and earlier work as a defense attorney. Karen retired from Two Chicks and a Hammer in 2019 to focus on personal passions like sailing and DIY projects, though she continued appearing on Good Bones. She is married to Roger Starsiak, her fourth husband, and has stepped back from the spotlight. Karen’s height is around 5 feet 5 inches, and her weight is approximately 125 pounds.
Karen’s retirement marked a turning point for the show, as her reduced role shifted the dynamic. Fans have expressed a desire for Karen to have her own show, with one commenting on Instagram, “We need more of Karen’s garden projects on HGTV!” Her move to North Carolina for the 2024 special suggests a new chapter, but her estrangement from Mina limited their on-screen collaboration.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges and Controversies
Beyond personal reasons, Good Bones faced external challenges. In 2022, Two Chicks and a Hammer was fined $40,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for violating lead paint regulations during renovations, raising concerns about safety practices. Additionally, Mina clashed with Indianapolis city planners over permitting issues, describing the process as “a moving target” that required multiple revisions. These hurdles, combined with interpersonal conflicts, such as Mina’s fallout with project manager Cory Miller, added to the show’s strain.
A unique insight from industry insiders suggests that HGTV’s shift toward fresher content and new talent may have influenced the decision to end Good Bones. The network has been investing in shows like Holmes Family Rescue and Flipping Showdown, indicating a broader strategy to diversify its lineup. This aligns with fan sentiments on platforms like Reddit, where users have called for innovative formats over recycled spinoffs.
Fan Reactions and the Future of Good Bones
The cancellation sparked mixed reactions. Fans expressed sadness, with one writing on X, “Good Bones was a family affair that felt real. I’ll miss Mina and Karen’s banter.” Others criticized the 2024 special, noting the absence of the original cast’s camaraderie. The new format, focusing on Mina and Steve Hawk separately from Karen, failed to recapture the show’s charm, with some fans calling for its permanent end.
Looking ahead, Mina is open to future HGTV projects, such as Rock the Block, but emphasized maintaining her sanity. She’s currently filming a spinoff about her lake house renovation, set to air in 2025. Karen, meanwhile, is exploring solo ventures in North Carolina. Fans can follow their updates on Instagram (@minastarsiakhawk and @kelaine217) and explore their journey on HGTV’s official site.
Biography Table: Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mina Starsiak Hawk / Karen E. Laine |
| Age | 40 (Mina, born Nov 26, 1984) / 62 (Karen, born Oct 8, 1962) |
| Net Worth | $2 million (Mina) / $1.5 million (Karen) |
| Marital Status | Married to Steve Hawk (Mina) / Married to Roger Starsiak (Karen) |
| Children | Jack and Charlie (Mina) / Mina and others (Karen) |
| Height | 5’7” (Mina) / 5’5” (Karen) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (Mina) / 125 lbs (Karen) |
| Occupation | Real estate agent, TV personality (Mina) / Retired attorney, TV personality (Karen) |
| Company | Two Chicks and a Hammer (founded 2007) |
| Show Debut | March 22, 2016 (Good Bones) |
| Show End | October 17, 2023, with special in August 2024 |
| Education | Indiana University (Mina) / Law degree (Karen) |
| Notable Projects | Two Chicks District Co., lake house spinoff (Mina), North Carolina bungalow (Karen) |
| Social Media | @minastarsiakhawk / @kelaine217 |
New Insights and Future Prospects
A unique angle not widely covered is the impact of Good Bones on Indianapolis’ housing market. While the show revitalized neighborhoods like Fountain Square, critics argue it contributed to gentrification, raising property taxes and displacing lower-income residents. Data from the Indianapolis Star shows a 30% increase in median home prices in renovated areas from 2016 to 2023, sparking debate about the show’s legacy.
Despite the cancellation, the Good Bones brand endures through spinoffs and the enduring popularity of Mina and Karen. Their story reflects the challenges of balancing fame, family, and business. For fans seeking similar content, shows like Fixer Upper on Magnolia Network offer comparable renovation narratives. Stay updated on Mina and Karen’s projects via Wikipedia or HGTV’s streaming platform, Max.
