Chances are if you randomly turn on HGTV during the day or night, you’ll be graced with a rerun of a fan-favorite episode ofHouse HuntersorLove It or List It. Both series are long-running series that tackle viewer’s favorite topics: design and real estate.House Huntershas had its fair share of evolution and spin-offs over the years.Love It or List It, not as much. Aside from a Vancouver spin-off and other international iterations, the only major change the series has faced since 2008 is moving filming to the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. But now,the series is about to endure a major facelift.
Since the get-go,Love It or List, the powerhouse duo ofHilary FarrandDavid Visentinhave hosted and battled. Until now.The show is going in a new direction, replacing Farr with HGTV rising starPage Turner. The revamped iteration is certainly something drastically different. But is change a bad thing? Is this a sign of things to come on HGTV?
Turning a New Page With Farr Out
Love It or ListIt is returning, but it’s under new management. The series is known for its predictable format, often depicting families in conflict. One partner typically feels that their current home is unsatisfactory and wants to move, while the other partner is reluctant to leave and prefers to stay. Naturally, Farr with her flair, comes in to update the home, while Visentin takes the homeowners on a journey to see what potential homes are out there. Utilizing its signature stress, paranoia, and hiccups,each hour-long episode takes viewers on a journey of the highs and lowsof deciding whether they will “love it,” and stay in their home, or “list it,” and move.
A major factor as to whyHGTV fans love the series was the chemistry that Farr and Vistentin had.Call them an old married couple. Their banter and competitive nature were part of the allure and charm. One might think that they hated one another, but their quips kept the monotony of the format entertaining and exciting. Farr’s persona on screen was a bit icy. She was tough as nails. But when you saw the results, nothing else mattered but the magic she made in the homes. How could anyone want to leave after they’ve seen what she can do? Farr’s departure shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise asshe previously told Vulture, “It was becoming boring, and I don’t want to be bored.” Many may mourn the loss of Hilary Farr, but Page Turner’s final walk-through wardrobe will be on par with the old host.
“I Was Emotional Over Things I’d Gone Through for Years”: Christina Haack Discusses That Big Scene From ‘The Flip Off’
The scene between Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa was unscripted.
With Farr out,Turner will bring in a completely different tone.Turner has become a staple for HGTV fans. Whether they’ve seen her onFlip or Flop Nashville,Fix My Flip, orRock the Block, her charismatic personality is part of what’s made her pop. She does have an edge to her, but comparatively, she’s much warmer than her predecessor. Personality is key to these shows. If the audience can’t relate to the individuals they’re watching, there are certainly enough other programs to tune in. Beyond her on-screen persona, Turner brings extensive experience in the world of real estate and design. Her knowledge is vast and will be invaluable for the new direction of the show. She’s a problem-solver and strives to bring the wow factor to every flip. Vistentin, meet your new match!
HGTV’s Latest Change Says a Lot More Than You Think
Love It or List It’s major change may be a guinea pig for the network. Swapping a new face into a beloved franchise is a safe way to explore if further changes can be made.Can other “stale” shows be reinvigorated through a new direction?Many of thebig names on HGTV have had major personal and professional changesthat have affected their IPs. While it has allowed the network to test the waters with new shows, fans still clamor for their favorites.Good Bonescan never be the show that it once was.The network did provide a special seasonthat introduced a potential path for bothMina Starsiak HawkandKaren E. Laine.Can HGTV bring Starsiak Hawk in a revamped version ofGood Bones? Yes!
Tarek El MoussaandChristina Haackwere the “it couple” of HGTV whenFlip or Floppremiered. But life happened, and the show needed to end. They both went on their separate ways, much to the dismay of the fans. And now, they’re reunited onThe Flip Off,proving a revamped concept with old faithful can work.Fans are getting everything they loved fromFlip or Flopand some.House Huntershad a special All-Star seasonthat gave the brightest stars of the network their chance to take eager home-seekers on a tour of potential properties. And it worked! It was lively, fun, and married the best assets the network has.
Like the world of real estate, design, and house flipping, the landscape is ever-changing.At some point,Love It or List Itwould have become stale, as Farr mused. If the stars were not feeling it, the fans would not either. Page Turner’s entry into the show is exciting. She’s a star joining a legacy. This new experiment is scary, but it’s exciting! If we’re not loving it, we can always list it!!
Love It or List Itwill return to HGTV in the Summer of 2025. Previous episodes ofLove It or List Itare available to stream on Max.
