HGTVhas been notorious for its formulaic recipe for success. It makes sense to try to replicate a similar concept over and over again if it means viewers will tune in. But over the past few years, the network has strayed away from the blueprint and explored some variations to its winning formula. Looking for love while watching a couple renovate and design a home? Well,let’s introduce you to a slew of amazing other couples who represent all the viewers!
Whether it’s LGBTQ+ individuals or individuals of various ethnicities,the diversity initiative on HGTV is alive and well, and helping the network succeed.The diversity boom is a reminder that there is no one type of individual who can tackle home renovation, design, flipping, and real estate. And the more that HGTV celebrates these voices, the greater the network becomes.
HGTV’s Devotion Toward Diversity Has Been Apparent For Some Time
If you go back and listen toNeda Ulaby’s report on NPR’sMorning Edition, she documented a channel “where you’re able to see Latino, Asian, or African-American people, as well as gays and lesbians, in significantly larger numbers than in much of the rest of broadcast and cable television.” That channel was HGTV. Noting that it features “people of color as hosts and homeowners, as well as designers and retailers,” it might seem like a jarring discussion, but at the time, seeing a Black couple or gay couple searching for their dream property on House Hunters seemed groundbreaking. Eventually, diverse couples would appear on bigger shows likeHome TownandLove It or List It. It was important because many series that were featured on the network in the 2010s focused on towns that were predominantly white, thus, the clients represented were specific to the locale.
But there was always diversity present on the network, even if it was few and far between. It took winningHGTV Design Starto showcase minority full-time hosts including Season 1 winnerDavid Bromstad,Season 2 winnerKim Myles,and Season 8’sTiffany Brooks. And as it so happens, both stars are still kicking on the network in various capacities. With design and renovation shows becoming the mainstay on the network, the hunt for hosts was on. And diversity was present. Acknowledging thatthere is a diversity problem in the industry, HGTV has always been on a mission to rectify it. But the key is having the draw to maintain a run on the network. After all, this is a business. If the ratings are not on their side, not every LGBTQ+ and BIPOC can keep their shows. A pilot can be ordered, a season can air, but that’s not a guarantee of longevity.It’s certainly not a reflection of the network, but more so of the consumer.
Before we dive into our celebration,please note that there will likely be names and shows that are unintentionally excluded.There’s only so much room to speak so highly of everyone’s HGTV success. This is just the start of the impact that visibility has brought into the home renovation and real estate television world. Additionally, beyond bringing diversity to the forefront of the camera, HGTV has also included them behind the scenes to feature true inclusion.
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Who Are the Stars Bringing Visibility to HGTV?
One of the most significant developments has beenthe rise of BIPOC stars on HGTV. With a run onFix My Flipand a stint onRock the Block,Page Turnerwas given one of the biggest honors of the promotion to co-host onLove It or List It. Her exceptional background in real estate and eye for design has afforded her this chance to represent on the long-running series.Married to Real Estateis tackling projects in Atlanta, led byEgypt SherrodandMike Jackson, running to the top of the pack on the network.Mika Kleinschmidt, for her work on100 Day Dream Homeand as aRock the Blockchampion, has become one of the top-tier designers on the network.Michel Smith Boyd, former host ofLuxe for Less, is now a two-time winner ofRock the Block, an honor he alone holds.
For those eager for AAPI representation, the network is improving. Of course, with Design Star, no one could forget the incomparableVern Yip. Then,Fixer Upperfeatured the quintessential perfect couple, which includedJoanna Gaines,who is of South Korean heritage.Taniya Nayakhas been featured on various HGTV projects as a designer and mentor. And when it comes to rising stars, no one quite does it like new superheroes fromRenovation Aloha,KamohaiandTristyn Kalama.When it comes to Latinx personalities, there have been personalities leading the way, likeRico LeónofRico to the Rescue,Veronica ValenciaofRevealed, andRay and Eilyn JimenezofDivided by Design. Thelongevity of their programs has become the biggest issue.
And as for the LGBTQ+ visibility, stereotypes aside,you’d think there might be a larger representation in the designer front. For a very long time, it was Vern Yip and David Bromstad leading the charge. Thankfully, the list is growing. Of course, name association has aided in projects forNate BerkusandJeremiah Brent, as well asJonathan Knight, who is holding down the fort onFarmhouse Fixer.Bargain Blockcelebrated an LGBTQ+ couple withKeith BynumandEvan Thomas. Then it wasDavina ThomasulaandKristin LeitheauseronSmall Town Potential.
HGTV’s devotion to diversity may not be visible to some, but the closer you look, the deeper you understand the network’s history, and the diversity of its hosts has allowed HGTV to find the success it has. Arguments will be made that the blueprint feels like it’s lacking minorities, but it’s not entirely true. At the end of the day,there will always be room to grow and expand.The hard work is never over.
