My boyfriend and I are obsessed with HGTV. I mean we will get into arguments about a renovation and not speak to each other for a good 15 minutes about a house we saw on TV. It's a serious topic in our lives. I decided to rank the top five best and the top five worst shows on this network so you don't waste your time and become obsessed like us. So we're going to start with the top five first.
Top Five Best
Number 5: Hawaii Life
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I don't have much bad to say about this one, but not much good either. I'm kind of indifferent towards this one. I realize that I myself will never be able to avoid the type of homes the couples and families are interested in on this show, it's still really neat to see the views and how far your money will get you on one of the islands.
Number 4: House Hunter Renovations
I love renovations. I love seeing old things made new or repurposed in some fashion. This one made the best list, but near the bottom, because it is House Hunters still at its core, making it not very unique. I would much rather the couples and families take my advice, through the television, about which house would be best for them. It would save them, and my relationship, many arguments.
Number 3: Tiny House, Big Living
After watching several of these "tiny homes" shows, I can honestly say that I want a house bigger than 500 square feet. And an actual toilet that flushes. Seriously, though, these houses are pretty cool. I love all the different ways items are repurposed. The couch beds and pull out tables into desk type things are my favorite.
Number 2: House Hunters
While House Hunter Renovations was near the bottom, this one is near the top. This is the original show, starting back in the late 90's. Don't mess with a classic. I love seeing what couples choose for their "forever homes" and what they have to give up in order to maintain budget (or not!)
Number 1: Fixer Upper
This one should've been obvious. My boyfriend and I totally agree on everything is Waco, Texas couple does with their renovations. All of the houses are unique, the style design is tailored to each home owner, and the charisma between Chip and Jo is electric. I often say Chip is just like my Richard, silly but he means well! We have commented several times about how we would be willing to fly Chip and Jo to wherever we end up living just so they will design our house for us! However, I don't understand nor do I share the intense love for shiplap like these two do.
Top Five Worst
Number 5: House Hunters International
This one made the worst list, but just barely. Even though I'm a big fan of House Hunters, the international version is not very interesting. As an average American, I have no idea where some of these places are, how much their currency is compared to the American dollar, and sometimes these are just rich people's vacation homes. Not that "relatable" kind of viewing experience.
Number 4: Property Brothers
Every episode is the same. While they do tailor their designs to each home owner, the plot of the episode is still the same. They go through several homes until they are shown their "future home", one including everything they want but can't afford. Next, close to the end the renovation, one of the home owners wants something more, and usually expensive, added to the house, which Jonathan usually does. The couple is surprised upon arrival, some jokes are made and then its the end.
Number 3: Beach Front Bargain Hunt
Wow. Never have I seen so many people complain about having a house too close to the beach. Never have I seen so many people complain that the fully furnished house they are buying isn't they right "style of furniture" they are looking for. The majority of the people on this show are snobby rich people buying their 78th vacation home.
Number 2: Love It Or List It
If I thought Property Brothers had the same script over and over again, this one is even worse. I have watched numerous episodes and only ONCE have I seen anyone list their old home for a new one that David showed them. What's even more frustrating is that Hillary straight up tells people she will not give them what they want as soon as they say it. Doesn't try to work the budget or get less expensive materials or everything. Also, her British accent can be rather irritating but she can't help that.
Number 1: Flip or Flop
If I see one more gray, monochromatic house, I will go insane. Not only do all of the houses look the same, they are not designed with actual families in mind. Sure my 6-foot marble top island is pretty, but I'm too busy making sure my kids aren't playing in one of the fireplaces or extremely expensive couches. What irritates me even more than the gray is the fact neither of them is there to actually work on the house. Christina designs it, brings a few materials in for show, and then other people actually put it together. Tarek does the first demo day and then supervises for the rest of the episode. I'd like to see them do work like Chip and Jo. Expensive tastes and boring personalities. Definitely not the experience I want when I buy and remodel my house.
