"Breaking New Ground" brings personal touch to home renovation on MAX

July 2, 2024

"Breaking New Ground" is MAX's flavored answer to home renovation. The series introduces us to Broadway star Robert Hartwell, who has an accredited career starring in musicals such as "Memphis", "Hello, Dolly!", and "Motown". He's a performer, entrepreneur, and educator whose passion led him to transform a 200-year-old house with vision and creativity.

Produced by Scott Brothers Entertainment, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), Jane Van Deuren, Damani Baker, and Josie Crimi, Breaking New Ground is a six-episode MAX Original series that debuted on June 27. It will air a new episode every week through August 1. The logline reads that the first episode is a renovation story that celebrates the resilience of Robert's journey and those who came before him. 

In the first episode, Hartwell, in 2020, purchased a cash-offered Historical home that is over 200 years old. He faced the daunting task of demolishing and completely renovating it from the ground up in just nine months. With the purchase in Great Barrington, MA, he learns the home's historical significance: It was built in 1820 when slavery was legal. Hartwell chronicles his journey to discovering himself through renovating and spreading joy and laughter along the way to the lives of the people he encounters.

Courtesy: HBO

When he purchased the home, Hartwell took to Facebook and Instagram, which garnered over 1 million likes. In his post, he stated, "...I wish I could've told my ancestors when they were breaking their backs in 1820 to build this house that 200 years later, a free gay black man was going to own it and fill it with love and find a way to say their name even when 200 years later they still thought I would be "off the table." We are building our own tables. I've never been prouder to be a black man. Come to my White House any time. I can't wait to have you! Glory to God in the highest. I'm a homeowner."

The first episode gives us an inside look at him in New York as he narrates he is "a performer, entertainer, and entrepreneur; a gay, Black man in America, and this is my White House."

Hartwell lives his life with authenticity and pride as he introduces himself to the locals, with a population of "7,172 +1." Interviews from key figures and the women who continue to shape who he is include Hartwell's mom and friends, who provide uplifting commentary and assist him through the renovation process, with his vibrant personality on full display.

If the first episode is any indication, this series is not just about home renovation but chronicling his personal journey. Construction during Covid and the passing of Robert's aunt, Paulette, provides personal touches that highlight Breaking New Ground is more than just your run-of-the-mill home renovation series. It's a story filled with genuine heart, humor, and determination.

Courtesy: HBO

When Hartwell's home is finally completed with finishes that showcase his vibrant personality, he shows the parlor room to his mother and stepmother, adding, "I wouldn't have been able to do it without them."  

It's feel-good moments like these that are worth watching as we witness his resiliency and creativity, honoring those people who were living in the house before him.

Don't miss Breaking New Ground streaming now on MAX