I do miss Joe Ruggiero and "Homes Across America." I wish HGTV would put together another show like that.
They also used to have a show just about lofts. Miss that one, too.
I think what we (and the channel) are really missing these days are shows with good design. The only show on HGTV that really gets into good design is "Divine Design." I either need to get TIVO, or HGTV needs to put that show in a different time slot, though. I miss it every week.
I get that there are people out there who want to know how to decorate on a budget. Shoot, I decorate on a budget. What I enjoy, though, is learning what designers are doing and then try to do something similar on a budget. That's why "Sensible Chic" was a good show -- the first version, not the second. I don't mind watching someone craft a frame or build a bookcase, but I don't want to see any more big screen TV's surrounded by yards of tacky fabric. Seriously.
When "Trading Spaces" became popular, HGTV took hold of their concept and tried to imitate it with all sorts of shows that surprise the homeowners. I don't want to be surprised. I want to be inspired. Once Ty Pennington made a hit out of "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," Vern Yip had to do his own version. Don't those Atlanta homeowners know by now that they'll come home to two new rooms instead of just one? Vern seems like a nice enough guy, but his show doesn't even begin to compare with Ty's.
I also agree with Alamo North's assessment that there's very little "G" in HGTV anymore. Maybe HGTV's programming is truly catering to the masses. If so, I must be on the fringe, somehow, and that fringe must've gone out of style in the early 2000's.
40 comments:
Oh, I so do agree!!!
I agree also!
I use to watch HGTV years ago, but it is not the same.
Boring stuff!!
In agreement here too. I would love to see more elegant decorating shows and some garden shows - I hardly ever watch it anymore either!
Penny
I agree, too. It seems that there are a lot of us on the fringe.
As for great decorating ideas, I've gotten more in the past two months since I began blogging than from a year's worth of HTV (I just went ahead and took the "g" out, seems they took it out long ago).
Honestly? I haven't watched HGTV in 2 or 3 years. I think I just got oversaturated with the same ol', same ol'. I agree...the shows we mention (This Small Space, Divine Design, Lynette Jennings) focused on good design.
Another show I enjoyed was Country Home (is that right?) I think Mary Emmerling might have been tied into that one, but a brunette hosted it.
Speaking of old shows...do you remember the one Gary Collins used to host back in the late 80s? It was on during the day and geared toward women. They would have different segments, including craft/decorating segments. Dang it...that is driving me nuts! I have to go look it up!
Oy, what a disappointment. I just Googled Gary Collins and I guess he's been charged with two DUIs in recent years.
http://blog.nj.com/entertainment_impact_celebrities/2007/10/large_GarryArrest.jpg
Oh...and it was called The Home Show.
I loved that show Homes Across America too - it was fabulous. I still remember many of the houses shown - Karla Katz's in NOLA, etc. need to bring it back.
btw - The Bushes live in a Tanglewood - not River Oaks! It's a newer, ranch burger type neighborhood, but still very exclusive.
I hardly watch HGTV anymore b/c it's really changed over the years. When I first discovered it, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I have notebooks full of ideas I'd copy down while watching them and later on, I taped many, many shows which I still enjoy watching for inspiration. Don't know who HGTV is getting feedback from because it seems a lot of us feel the same way.
My favorites were Homes Across America, Kitty Barthalomew, and some kind of country show. The only decent ones are Devine Design (which they've moved and now I don't know when it comes on) and I like Vern Yips show but you are right, they should know by now about the 2 rooms!
Judy
Oh...I was so thinking the same thing! I took the day off and watched it most of the day. Nothing. NOTHING. No design...at all. I actually used to *tape* This Small Space. And I loved that loft show, too!
{Sigh.}
Amen! I've been pondering most of these same issues when it comes to HGTV. "Divine Design" is one of my favorites, but I have to TiVo it or I miss it every time. I still couldn't tell you when it's actually on.
And "Homes Across America" was one of the best! I always drooled over the houses he took us through. I'm sad it's gone.
I watched Vern's show a couple of times but it doesn't do much for me. I wondered the same thing about the "second room surprise." I doubt it's much of a real surprise to anyone any more! Ha. -Julia
for years i have been looking on the web for ANY info on Lynette Jennings. It is like she dropped off the face of the earth-- she was a wonderful host and i would hope she has not become ill or worse. let me know if anyone has info.
I miss all of the old shows on decorating and the hosts that were on hgtv and the cookings hosts on foodnetwork. I am tired of Rachel Ray and Sonny ( think that's her name)
I thought I was the only one, who didn't care for the new show line-ups on HGTV. Fine Living was replaying some of the decorating shows, but now they are turning into the Food Channel (go figure). I am sick, sick, sick of Holmes on Homes and Property Virgins. Some of us actual own homes that we are happy with and just need a little inspiration.
HGTV was created to help those of us who are not rich to create a beautiful home. Now all we have are pretty boys and pretty girls with tight clothes. None of them offer any information. I have stopped watching and hope that " THIS OLD HOUSE" or P Allen Smith never stop filming. Lynette Jennings was and I'm sure still is beautiful, however she had background to teach us and did for several years. I miss her.
I saw Christopher Lowell on one of those VH1 "I Love the 80's" type shows and he had the word Commedian under his name. Say WHAT??? I also heard several years ago that Susan Crenshaw was teh anchor of a Texas News Station. And Lynette Jennings has a "Partner" Last I hear, she had gotten married. I think about them every time I turn on the uplight behind my potted palm : )
I did a search to find old hgtv shows and found your blog! I too miss the design and decorating. When I check to see what's on I see so many shows about real estate, I think they should name the network All About Real Estate. The Home and Garden part hardly exists anymore.
I use to love the old HGTV but since it changed their programing & went to to dull distastful shows I dont watch it anymore its been about 5 years now
My friend and I just had a conversation that echoed all the comments I just read.The old HGTV was so much more tasteful and interesting. Homes Across America was a favorite. I also really liked Country Homes. I don't even watch HGTY any more as the current programing doesn't interest me.
Count me in as a disappointed viewer. In fact I think the name HGTV should be changed to TREC..."The Real Estate Channel." Boring, boring, boring. How many big, poorly constructed, tacky homes do we have to see. And, if I have to hear one more 'entitled' person say..."Well, I really wanted granite" I think I'll be sick.
Is anybody at HGTV listening???????
I soooo agree. I am looking for some old episodes when HGTV was good, like Homes Across America, Country Living etc. But it's like they disappeared.
Sarah Richardson (Sarah's House) is outstanding design. Other than she and Candace, I don't watch HGTV anymore, like many of you.
I too am soooo disappointed in the shows on HGTV. Maybe they will pay attention to our words and make some changes.
Wow!!!My thoughts exactly!There is nothing to watch. BRING BACK THE OLD SHOWS!!! Keep Candice!Sarah!Bring back Kenneth Brown!L Jennings!Small spaces !!!
I am sick of finding homes, selling homes, where rich people live and how they live, renting apts and buying a first house. Where is Carol Duval, Designing on the dine, Gardening by the yard, Designing Cents. I never watch HGTV or DIY for that matter. I had this channel on all the time. Wonderful ideas at a price I could pay. No one I know watches anymore. Get a clue HGTV. : (
Country at Home with Mary Emerling! Thank goodness I had good sense to tape every show! But alas my tapes are wearing out!
I agree with all the commits. Too much real estate and I'm a retired RE broker. Now theres a new one Selling London, who wants to watch that. Loved Homes Across America, Divine Design (not her new show). I love Sarah Richardson also the new one this winter Donna Decorates Dallas. I wish they would wake up!!!! From Mary
I just came across your blog post while trying desperately to remember the name of "Sensible Chic." Everything you said still applies, even more so now, but thanks for helping me remember the name of the show I was looking for!
The one that just blew me away was on a recent episode of one of the ridiculous shows(the name escapes me but it is the one with the 2 twin by brothers) where the couple has a budget and they are trying to decide what to cut. Fast forward to the end & there's a SIX THOUSAND DOLLAR SHOWERHEAD!!! More than enough $$$ to cover the unexpected cost of the problem they encountered...utterly ridiculousc & insulting...elitist is what I would call this channel now days.
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I agree, but I feel Joe Ruggiero is in a league of his own. His HGTV show was great, real style and good taste. He is still around designing wonderful things. I noticed he is on the advisory board of a very exclusive men's publication, Manner of Man Magazine. He appears to be involved in of a number of boards and organizations. As always he is doing great things of long lasting quality.
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won't fail me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really thought you'd have something interesting to say.
All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
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And I thought I was the only one that misses the good older shows that HGTV "used" to show us...thank goodness I also taped some of my favorites. I hope they read these coments and get the message that this new stuff is not for everyone.They mostly talk to fast as if everything is in speed drive. Just plain boring same ol' same ol'. Take the hint HGTV!!!
HGTV in the last five years has steadily declined. HGTV stands for HOME GARDEN TV where are the garden shows like landscapers challenge or garden design challenge and there was a show back in the late 90's where the female host visited gardens all over the country it was amazing. HGTV should change its name to RERMTV real estate remodeling show. Also all these rerums during the day of flip or flop, property Brothers and the horrible annoying love it or list it are making people sick of watching anything on HGTV. There was a time I dreaded the fact that HGTV could be cancelled on cable now I could care less who over is in charge of programming should be fired HGTV is dying RIP I will in memory appreciated the once exceptional programming. no longer a fan,Bill in Palmetto FL
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