29-07-2025
Bleeding HGTV makes sweeping changes in last-ditch attempt to save network amid crisis
HGTV has cancelled seven shows in a bid to cut costs and bring the network into a new era.
In recent weeks, the channel has axed Farmhouse Fixer, Izzy Does It, The Flipping El Moussas, Christina on the Coast, Married to Real Estate, Battle on the Beach, and Bargain Block, which has left fans furious.
According to Deadline, the bold decision to cull the seven programs was to help free up some money.
The publication reports that HGTV home renovation shows can cost up to $500,000 per episode compared to real estate shows, which costs somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000, and can be produced in a shorter period.
'Home reno shows are expensive because all of the materials are jacked up and on delay, the price of wood and marble and everything else is going up so these shows don't make as much sense anymore,' one source told Deadline.
On top of budget issues, a producer claimed some talent were being paid up to $100,000 an episode and were 'afraid to say no.'
'They allowed their talent to run amok,' an insider alleged.
'They gave them some form of creative control and that's harming their own shows. They were so afraid of talent they never said no and the shows aren't delivering anymore.
'They kowtowed to talent and now they're suffering the consequences.'
Additionally, the publication claimed that HGTV has been struggling with ratings, as well as competition from TikTok stars and other channels.
'I don't know if it's a show thing as much of an audience thing where a lot of people are dropping cable,' another source said.
'There was a time when people would just put on HGTV when they were cleaning.'
Daily Mail has contacted HGTV for comment.
Despite the bloodbath, HGTV does have new programming on the way.
Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott are returning with a brand new show, Chasing the West, which is set to premiere on July 30.
The eight-part series will see them help buyers find their dream ranch.
Earlier this month, HGTV announced Queer Eye's Bobby Berk will front a new series, Junk or Jackpot, which 'follows collectors as they discover the true monetary value of their massive and unusual collections.'
The show is executive produced by John Cena.
My Lottery Dream and Zillow Gone Wild both returned to the network this month.
My Lottery Dream, hosted by David Bromstad, sees him 'help clients purchase their fantasy homes with their newly attained fortunes.'
'No matter where these lucky buyers want to settle, David won't stop until he finds luxurious properties that deliver every feature on a lottery winner's wish list,' the synopsis teases.
Meanwhile, Zillow Gone Wild follows comedian and actor Jack McBrayer as he searches the internet for the weirdest, wackiest and wildest properties on the market inspired by the exceedingly popular Instagram account that touts more than two million followers.
