For years, HGTV was the go-to network for home renovation, interior design, and real estate lovers. However, in recent years, many viewers have voiced concerns that the network has lost its charm.
While HGTV still has its loyal audience, various factors have contributed to its waning popularity. From the lack of educational design content to an overreliance on reruns and marathon-style scheduling, several key issues have led to a decline in viewership. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why HGTV is struggling and how 2025 may be the year of a turnaround.
1. Lack of Educational Design Content
One of the biggest complaints from long-time viewers is that HGTV has shifted away from teaching design and instead focuses on simply showing designers and their finished work.
Earlier programming featured instructional segments where viewers could learn DIY skills, understand interior design principles, and get hands-on advice. Today, the majority of HGTV’s shows highlight transformations without educating viewers on how to achieve similar results themselves.
A return to educational design shows—where professionals break down techniques, materials, and budgeting—could re-engage viewers who want to learn rather than just watch.
2. The Missing ‘G’ in HGTV: Where Did the Gardens Go?
HGTV originally stood for “Home and Garden Television.” However, the focus on gardens has dwindled significantly. Many viewers fondly remember garden-focused shows that taught landscaping techniques, featured botanical tips, and showcased backyard transformations.
Now, outdoor spaces are only given a passing mention in home renovation shows, and dedicated gardening programs are nearly nonexistent.
Bringing back true gardening-focused content—whether it’s urban gardening, backyard makeovers, or sustainable landscaping—could help HGTV reconnect with an audience that has felt overlooked.
3. Bring Back Curb Appeal and Front Yard Transformations
Curb appeal is a major factor in home improvement, yet it has been largely ignored by modern HGTV programming.
Shows like Curb Appeal used to focus on transforming the exteriors of homes, but today, most renovations center on interiors.
Many homeowners and renters want ideas for upgrading their front yards, driveways, and porches, yet there is little content dedicated to these aspects of home improvement.
A revival of Curb Appeal or a similar show could cater to an audience eager to enhance their homes’ exteriors.
4. The Need for Small Space Solutions
One of the biggest complaints about HGTV’s current lineup is that it caters mostly to homeowners with large budgets and expansive homes. But what about renters, apartment dwellers, and those in small houses?
Many viewers want to see how they can maximize small apartments, condos, and tiny homes for both renters and owners. There is an increasing demand for content that showcases creative storage solutions, multi-functional furniture, and budget-friendly design hacks for small spaces.
A show dedicated to maximizing small living spaces could attract a whole new audience that feels neglected by current programming.
5. The Disappearance of DIY Shows
HGTV was once filled with shows that taught viewers how to tackle DIY projects, whether it was refinishing furniture, installing backsplashes, or repurposing thrift store finds. Over time, the network has moved toward high-end renovations and luxury remodels, alienating those who enjoyed hands-on, budget-friendly home improvement.
A return to DIY-focused content—such as a reboot of Flea Market Flip or Design on a Dime—could restore HGTV’s appeal to budget-conscious homeowners and renters.
6. Over-Saturation of Shows and Marathon-Style Scheduling
Many viewers complain that HGTV has become too predictable, with the same shows running on a loop. Lottery winner shows and House Hunters air constantly, making it feel like there is no actual schedule—just an endless cycle of marathons.
In the past, HGTV had a structured schedule similar to traditional TV networks. Mornings featured flea market and crafting shows, mid-day had DIY programs, and prime time was dedicated to the biggest hits. Today, it feels more like Netflix, with constant reruns rather than a variety of programming.
A more balanced schedule with fresh content and a wider mix of genres could revitalize HGTV’s appeal.
7. The Impact of Expensive Renovations
Another major reason for HGTV’s declining popularity is the portrayal of expensive renovations as the norm. Many of the network’s shows showcase luxury remodels that cost well over six figures, making them unattainable for the average homeowner. While the transformations are stunning, they often create unrealistic expectations about what home renovations should cost.
Viewers want to see more affordable and practical renovations, as well as budget-friendly design solutions. Bringing back shows that highlight smaller-scale, cost-effective projects could make the network more relatable.
Viewership Decline: 2022 to 2025
The decline in HGTV’s popularity is also reflected in its viewership statistics. Over the past few years, the network has struggled to retain its audience:
- 2022: HGTV saw a 13% drop in average audience size, bringing it below one million viewers to 943,000.
- 2023: Viewership fell by another 18%, ranking it as the 13th most-watched network.
- 2024: The numbers dropped further, with the network averaging roughly 700,000 viewers—a significant decline from previous years.
- 2025: Surprisingly, 2025 has been a positive year so far, with viewership rising to around 800,000. This suggests that recent programming changes or viewer nostalgia may be drawing some audiences back.
Conclusion: Can HGTV Regain Its Spark?
HGTV is still a powerhouse in home renovation television, but its decline in popularity cannot be ignored. The missing educational design content, lack of gardening shows, overemphasis on luxury renovations, and repetitive scheduling have driven away many viewers. However, the rise in viewership in 2025 indicates that there is still potential for the network to make a comeback.
To regain its audience, HGTV must:
- Reintroduce educational design shows.
- Bring back gardening and curb appeal content.
- Showcase small-space solutions for renters and homeowners.
- Revive DIY programming.
- Offer a more structured, diverse schedule.
- Focus on budget-friendly renovations instead of just high-end remodels.
With these adjustments, HGTV could restore its reputation as the go-to network for home improvement enthusiasts of all budgets and lifestyles. Only time will tell if the network takes action—or if viewers continue to seek their home renovation inspiration elsewhere.