HGTV star unloads on network in scathing post after show's shock cancellation

Daily Mail​

06-07-2025

Bargain Block star Keith Bynum left fans stunned with a blistering swipe at HGTV after his show fell victim to the network's shock cancellation spree.
Without warning, HGTV pulled the plug on Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate and Izzy Does It - with sources warning DailyMail.com more changes are coming.
The sudden cancellations sent shockwaves through the channel's fandom last week, and left employees of several shows fearing for their jobs.
As news spread, Bynum - who starred on Bargain Block with his boyfriend of over a decade Evan Thomas - shared an Instagram post confirming the axe has fallen on their home renovation series after four seasons.
Bynym then candidly expressed his feelings about the 'fickle world' of television, his career in which has taken place almost entirely on HGTV.
'Tv is full of a lot of great people but it's also full of some of the worst people I've ever encountered,' the 38-year-old tellingly wrote.
'The last six months have been a pretty wild journey,' he wrote in an Instagram post uploaded shortly after news spread of the cancelations.
'Our entire business and lives have been put through the ringer at the hands of a giant corporation, yet we persist lol,' he quipped.
'Though you may not be seeing us for much longer on HGTV, we're excited that we've built such an amazing base of followers and we're very excited about the future. Everyone always told us TV is a fickle world and they are very right,' he added.
'Tv is full of a lot of great people but it's also full of some of the worst people I've ever encountered. Evan and I have always tried hard to stick to what we know and what we're good at which is being ourselves.'
Striking an upbeat tone, he told his more than 130,000 followers: 'We love you all and we're very excited to announce what's next soon!'
On the Fourth of July, HGTV's Battle on the Beach joined the channel's scrap heap as co-host Alison Victoria revealed the show had not been renewed for season five.
Shortly after the initial raft of cancellations, network sources spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about the thinking behind the move.
'We had to stop the bleeding,' said the senior source, who claimed that revenues were underperforming and the network needed to act.
'Decisions are still being made,' said the insider, who works directly with programming. 'It sucks for everyone involved but that's the TV business. Everyone understands that. Cable networks are struggling now, and we all have to make smart decisions.'
Farmhouse Fixer host Jonathan Knight confirmed that his show, co-presented by Kristina Crestin, had been axed on Wednesday after three seasons.
'A lot of you have been asking about the future of Farmhouse Fixer,' he said. 'I am sad to say HGTV has decided not to move forward with another season.
'While I'm still processing the reasons that led to their decision, Kristina and I are so grateful for all your support over the past three seasons. Television has been so incredibly fun for us.'
It was a surprise move by the network, given that former New Kids on the Block singer Knight is one of the most recognizable stars on the HGTV roster.
'We were hemorrhaging money. So in order to stop the bleeding, we had to have a bloodbath. It was calculated cuts to make things make sense, financially.'
'He's well-known for sure,' said the network insider, 'but there are hosts on our shows who are more the face of the network. We're not getting rid of [Hometown hosts] Ben and Erin Napier anytime soon. They're probably the biggest stars we've got.'
The decision to keep or cut a show comes down to revenue, and the Napiers enjoy the network's highest ratings.
Each episode of Hometown garners around one million viewers, and is rebroadcast several times throughout the week.
Other top performers include Rock the Block, My Lottery Dream Home, 100 Day Dream Home, Castle Impossible and House Hunters International.
'Obviously, things can change but the ratings performers are probably pretty safe,' said the insider. 'House Hunters International is a bit more expensive to produce, but the ratings justify it.'
But some of the lesser-known shows, including Luxe for Less and Unsellable Houses, are facing uncertain futures.
The show Izzy Does It was an easier cancellation decision, the executive said, because it was just entering Season 2 and had not yet built a devoted fan base.
Host Israel 'Izzy' Battres has not issued a statement directly addressing his show's cancellation, but did respond to a fan online.
'Unfortunately, no season two,' Battres said, 'but we're truly thankful for everyone watching and supporting us!!'
Married to Real Estate's hosts Mike Jackson and Egypt Sherrod described the decision to axe their show as 'unexpected' in a joint statement.
'Mike and I just landed back in the States after an unforgettable family trip through the Mediterranean, and we're met with unexpected news: HGTV has decided not to move forward with Married to Real Estate,' it read.
'While the chain of events leading up to this is disheartening, we are deeply grateful. Grateful for four incredible seasons. Grateful for our amazing crew and supportive fans.'
The network insider acknowledged that the cancellations were 'brutal' but believes that all those impacted would find other projects.
'There are so many opportunities in home renovation media, whether it's on a network like HGTV or something online or something totally different. I am pretty sure everyone will land on their feet.'