Rust Valley Restorers and Corus Entertainment constitute a productive union.
In TV land, four seasons is equivalent to decades of wedlock, a marriage that has stood the test of time in a world where many end in annulment.
Perhaps Connor Hall, one of the show’s stars, and wife, Jada, are taking notes.
The Kamloops couple was recently hitched and footage of the knot-tying festivities will be seen on season 4 of the hit show, with Episode 1 set to premiere at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, on History Channel.
“I can’t give out too many details, but it was a good day out at Rust Bros,” Connor said. “We’ll put it that way.”
The documentary series revolves around life at Rust Bros Restorations in Tappen, its engine room classic car builds and the big personalities of Mike Hall and Avery Shoaf, along with the relationship between Mike and son Connor.
Kamloops has featured plenty since the show debuted in 2018, exposure that has reached a worldwide audience since Netflix acquired streaming rights in 2019.
Mike, who grew up in Brocklehurst and graduated from NorKam secondary, said season 4 will include ample Tournament Capital-and-area scenery, along with good publicity for local businesses.
The dreadlocked 65-year-old — his nickname, the Rasta Blasta, a nod to his hair and day job dynamiting rocks — noted this season will highlight the talents of James West of Dubs Kustoms (1271-b Salish Rd.) and Dustin Thomas of Active Care Auto (1658 Valleyview Dr.).
Executive producers Matt Shewchuk and Tyson Hepburn, Rust Valley’s creators, are responsible for the Halls’ unexpected TV-personality turns.
“I kind of blend into the background more so than my dad and Avery,” Connor said of his brush with fame. “They stick out like sore thumbs that have been whacked with hammers.
“I get lots of sideways glances and lots of people that look at me. They’ll look at me for half an hour before they finally say, ‘I know you from somewhere.’ I’ll say, ‘Well, have you watched Rust Valley Restorers?’ And then it all clicks.”
Episode 1 includes the attempted air rescue of a Volkswagen double cab transporter truck that was abandoned in a mine in the Kootenays in the late 1960s.
The 1971 Dodge Super Bee, 1955 American La France fire truck and 1964 Pontiac Parisienne Station Wagon are among the many vehicles viewers will see this season.
“I think these episodes are some of the best,” Mike said.
But are they some of the last?
It was widely reported in October that Mike sold most of the cars in his Field of Dreams in an auction that is central to season 4 storylines.
“We added it up and I had almost 600 cars,” Mike said. “I just turned 65. I’m getting my first old-age pension check.
“Nobody wants to have to deal with my 40- or 50-year car addiction. The least I could do for my family was try and clean up some of the mess while I’m still here.”
So, back to the question — is divorce imminent or can Rust Valley live happily ever after (for at least one more season) on History?
“I could tell you the answer, but I’d have to kill you,” Mike quipped. “Five-hundred cars are gone. There is still a substantive quantity left.”
Added Connor: “It’s not the end of Rust Bros. We still have the shop and a bunch of cars sitting around. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see us again.”
