HGTV Controversy: Viewers Rallying over New HGTV Show Ideas.

Due to a lack of fresh content and a tendency to recycle familiar formats, HGTV has experienced a notable decline in viewership, amounting to nearly 13% since January 2024. Concerns among fans have emerged regarding the channel’s perceived stagnation, with criticisms focusing on repetitive programming and the perceived difficulty in engaging with new shows, save for a select few such as “No Demo Reno,” “Hometown,” “Fixer to Fabulous,” and “Bargain Block.” In response to these sentiments, fans have initiated a rallying effort aimed at proposing innovative concepts for HGTV shows, with the goal of revitalizing the channel’s appeal and rekindling its popularity. Here are few ideas viewers have proposed and thousands of people are actually supporting these ideas.

1. Space Design on Budget

Amidst the clamor for fresh programming on HGTV, a proposal on Reddit has gained significant traction, garnering thousands of enthusiastic supporters. The concept, titled “Help Me Design My Space,” offers a refreshing departure from traditional renovation-focused shows, emphasizing creativity within existing constraints and budget-friendly solutions accessible to everyday individuals.

The essence of the show lies in its emphasis on design rather than extensive renovation. Participants seek guidance in transforming their spaces, yet the emphasis is not on overhauling with costly renovations. Instead, the focus is on leveraging existing elements and incorporating affordable yet stylish solutions to achieve a desired aesthetic.

The proposed format resonates with viewers as it aligns with the realities faced by many. Gone are the exorbitant demands for high-priced fixtures or furnishings, replaced instead by practical recommendations tailored to everyday budgets. This approach reflects a shift towards relatability, catering to the needs and aspirations of a broader audience.

2. DIY skill Buildings.

Another compelling idea gaining traction among HGTV viewers is a DIY show that focuses on teaching practical skills, such as tiling. Unlike traditional home improvement programs that often gloss over the finer details, this proposed show delves into the nitty-gritty of various tasks, providing viewers with the knowledge and confidence to tackle projects themselves.

The concept resonates with audiences seeking genuine learning experiences, emphasizing hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step instructions. By equipping viewers with valuable skills, the show empowers them to take charge of their home improvement endeavors and achieve professional-looking results without the need for expensive contractors.

In an exciting turn of events, viewer engagement reveals overwhelming support for this educational approach, with many expressing a desire for programming that prioritizes skill-building and practical knowledge. This grassroots movement underscores the demand for content that goes beyond entertainment, offering tangible value and empowering viewers to become more self-sufficient in their home improvement endeavors. Here are few DIY mentorship the show could focus on,

1. Painting Techniques: From basic brush strokes to more advanced methods like faux finishes and stenciling, viewers can learn how to transform their walls with paint.
2. Basic Plumbing Repairs: Teaching viewers how to fix common plumbing issues such as leaky faucets, clogged drains, and running toilets can save them money and hassle.
3. Electrical Wiring and Safety: Providing guidance on simple electrical tasks like replacing outlets and light switches while emphasizing safety protocols and best practices.
4. Carpentry Skills: Introducing viewers to fundamental carpentry techniques such as measuring, cutting, and assembling wood for various projects like shelves, tables, and storage solutions.
5. Outdoor Landscaping: Offering tips and tricks for beautifying outdoor spaces, including planting and maintaining gardens, building raised beds, and installing pathways or patios.
6. Furniture Restoration: Teaching viewers how to breathe new life into old furniture through techniques like sanding, staining, painting, and upholstery.
7. Tile Installation: In addition to tiling, as mentioned, the show could cover grouting, sealing, and other aspects of tile work for both floors and walls.
8. Drywall Repair: Demonstrating how to patch holes, apply joint compound, and sand drywall to achieve seamless repairs.
9. Basic Sewing and Upholstery: Teaching viewers how to sew simple projects like pillows, curtains, and slipcovers, as well as basic upholstery techniques for furniture.
10. Home Organization: Providing strategies and DIY solutions for decluttering and organizing various areas of the home, such as closets, kitchens, and garages.

3. Gardening Shows

As an avid viewer of HGTV, it’s evident that the network has built its reputation on providing captivating and informative content centered around home and garden improvement. However, despite the ‘G’ in HGTV standing for Gardening, it’s surprising that there is currently a noticeable absence of dedicated gardening shows within the network’s lineup.

Given the network’s established expertise in showcasing the beauty and potential of outdoor spaces, it seems like a natural progression for HGTV to expand its programming to include gardening-focused content. By doing so, HGTV can leverage its existing platform and loyal audience to provide viewers with valuable insights and inspiration for cultivating stunning gardens and outdoor landscapes.

Hosted by seasoned gardening experts and horticulturalists, “Missing ‘G'” would delve into a wide array of topics, ranging from landscape design principles and plant selection to sustainable gardening practices and DIY projects. Each episode is carefully crafted to educate, entertain, and inspire, catering to both novice gardeners seeking guidance and seasoned enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge.

 

Other Proposed Ideas.

• A show that takes small spaces and uses design to maximize storage and layout. Really smartly using every square foot of space. Have seen hints of this in tiny house shows, would be great to see it in a house size between 750 sqf and 1500 sqf – what many of us have.
• A show that incorporates accessibility into design and still looks great and fabulous. Again, this has been hinted at in a few shows, but it would be great to see a whole show where a home is designed around this, and it can still be nice, stylish and aspirational, as all of HGTV’s shows must be.
• Apartment Reno – tips and tricks on how to decorate a space you’re not allowed to excessively modify, and/or any modifications you do make, need to be easily undone (replacing light switch plates, for example, would be allowed; adding cabinet hardware, would not be).There’d probably have to be a heavy focus on furniture selection and layout, lamps, rugs, etc, but I bet there’s other stuff which could be done (removable wallpaper accent wall?) that most people wouldn’t think of, so tell us. 🙂