Reality shows… love ’em, or hate ’em, there is no denying their popularity. For those who like to get ideas for home improvement or who may be interested in buying a home, the home builder TV shows are a good way to get ideas. Which television home shows were the most popular, by viewer standards?
That all depends on whether you are just looking to get new ideas for fixing up your home, or whether you just enjoy watching home shows. For example, certain people who are reality TV junkies might be more likely to watch home improvement shows like “Flipping Out”, as opposed to someone who generally just wants to learn about home improvements and might prefer a program like “This Old House”.
The most popular home show in the country can be determined by the number of people watching, where they live, what time the show is on, etc. Although there are other great shows not mentioned, especially on a regional level, here is a list of well-known and widely popular home improvement shows and a description of what each show is about:
#10 Property Brothers: This HGTV hit has two handsome brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott as hosts. Drew works as real estate agent, helping them locate and choose a home, and Jonathan works with a team to transform it. The banter between the two brothers and the homeowners makes for a delightful hour, while also giving real tips to viewers at home.
#9 Property Virgins: Cineflix runs this series and the host, Egypt Sherrod takes “newbie” first-time homebuyers on a quest to find their perfect dream home. Along the way, she helps them through bidding wars and guides them through the rough terrain of the home buying process.
#8 This Old House: (DIY and PBS) – One of the longest running TV reality shows in home improvement, this show still has its classic touch of humor mixed with real home improvements where the public can learn valuable tips. This Old House first launched in 1979, even before “reality shows” were an iconic term used to describe the style of the TV series. It remains high in popularity among homeowners.
#7 House Crashers: This is for the people who love to watch destruction! The demo crew comes into someone’s unsuspecting home, demolishes it and then renovates it to look better than ever!
#6 HGTV Dream Home 2015: Of all the home reality TV shows – particularly those that deal with home improvements – this may be one of the most informative of them all. A real person in real situations is pure reality TV fun, and this one actually gives away a dream home to one lucky person every season!
#5 Love It or List It: After a home starts to need a lot of repairs, it leaves the homeowners faced with a decision of whether to fix it up and keep it, or sell it. This show uses an interior designer and real estate agent as the hosts. People either love it, or “leave” it!
#4 HGTV Star – For the first seven seasons, this show was called HGTV Design Star. The show’s main focus is on the interior design side of things. The twist is all the drama between contestants as they battle it out for the right to have the best interior designs and win recognition as the show’s ‘Design Star’.
#3 Flipping Out (Bravo): This show’s success relies heavily on the drama of Jeff Lewis and his fascinating crew as they show America how to ‘flip a house”. They are an act, in and of itself!
#2 Rehab Addict (HGTV): – Although the name suggests a “rehab” of some other kind, this name actually fits along with the show’s theme of saving old, historic homes and restoring them back to a top condition.
#1 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ (ABC) – This was a lighthearted, yet wildly popular show that may be the top contender because of the thoughtful drama and inspiration. The theme was to find someone in need of a new home (who had either outgrown theirs or who lived in a decrepit home). Everyone liked to see the people in distress get the help that they deserved!
“Extreme Makeover” may have had the most viewers, but there is huge demand for other home shows and reality TV home builder shows. If you love home improvement programs, you can skim through the channels and get everything from home construction advice to home decorating tips, interior decorating, renovation ideas and all of these shows come with plenty of drama! What’s your favorite Home Improvement Show?
