Bargain Block Season 4 episode: Viewers shows dissatisfaction over the window.

This week, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Bargain Block made its highly anticipated return to HGTV for its fourth season, and the show’s co-hosts Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas are back with even more creative renovations in Detroit.

The season premiere showcased the pair working on two matching homes, each bought for just $6,500, as they embarked on their signature mission of turning dilapidated properties into affordable, stylish homes.

This season, Bynum and Thomas are embracing a “fairy-tale cottages” theme, transforming crumbling structures into whimsical dream homes. One of the first challenges they face in the season opener is preserving a unique round-top front doorway, which Bynum describes as “very fairy-tale looking, like a cottage in the forest with a crazy witch inside.”

Expanding Beyond Detroit?

The biggest news teased in the season premiere is the possibility of expanding the Bargain Block concept beyond Detroit.

Bynum and Thomas are considering taking their renovation expertise to New Orleans, another city with hidden housing potential and challenges similar to those in Detroit. As they travel to the Big Easy, fans will see whether they decide to extend their renovation adventure into this new market.

More Magic to Come

The first episode sets the tone for a season filled with inventive themes and creative transformations. In future episodes, the duo will tackle homes with rainforest-inspired designs, sparked by discovering mushrooms growing inside an abandoned property, as well as casino and Mexico-themed makeovers.

Local real estate expert Shea Hicks-Whitfield continues to bring her invaluable knowledge of Detroit’s housing market, helping the team find and transform properties into affordable, stylish homes for first-time buyers.

With their unique blend of whimsical design and practical carpentry, Bynum and Thomas continue to inspire audiences with their passion for transforming “diamonds in the rough.”

Growth and Evolution

Since Bargain Block debuted in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has seen tremendous growth, drawing nearly 18 million viewers in its previous season.

Bynum and Thomas have continued to hone their craft, delivering even more impressive designs with each new house they tackle. Despite the show’s evolution, the heart of the series remains the same: turning neglected homes into beautifully restored properties while showcasing the creative process, complete with the occasional bumps in the road.

Season 4 promises more of the same magical transformations that fans have come to love, as well as the candid moments that make the show relatable to anyone who’s ever tried to tackle a home renovation.

For viewers who missed Wednesday’s premiere, the new season is available to stream on Max, alongside the first three seasons.

As Bargain Block continues to grow, both in Detroit and potentially beyond, Bynum and Thomas remain focused on their goal: to bring affordable, imaginative homes to life, one block at a time.

First Episode Controversy

The Window That Wasn’t

Throughout the episode, much attention was given to the installation of a new round-top window in the roof peak, with Shea lending a hand. This element was billed as a key feature, set to add charm and character to the house. However, during the reveal, fans were greeted with a small, octagon-shaped window instead, which many viewers found unappealing and out of place.

Fans immediately took to social media and forums to express their confusion. One Reddit user, jph200, commented, “I think the round-top window was on the side of the house. I was a little confused too, but if you go back and look when they’re installing it, it seems like the view from the window is the house next door.” Others were quick to agree, but the general sentiment was one of disappointment. Another user, kimw23, chimed in, “I just watched it on Discovery and it was so tacky. That kitchen and bathroom were awful.”

Mixed Reactions from Fans

While the window swap dominated much of the discussion, other design choices in the episode also came under fire. Some fans took issue with the overall aesthetic of the home, calling it “gaudy” and “loud.” One fan, kmoon89x, shared, “It was really bad. I don’t mind maximalist designs but it was gaudy, and I’m actually kind of surprised at how aesthetically unpleasant it was. Everything was SO loud.”

Another viewer, PartOfIt, expressed frustration with the direction the show has taken: “I wish they still focused on the concept that they were making houses better for new home buyers and families instead of such a strong focus on their profit. It feels gauche given the poverty in the area.”