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Tried giving this show a second chance by watching two episodes I had not seen, back to back. Perhaps the answer is common knowledge, but is this scripted? And are the participants, actors? If so, they are the worst actors available, and if they are not, I would be more disappointed. The realtor is the most cliche, smarmy snake oil salesman I can think of, kind of like the Herb Tarlett character on WKRP. The designer is a mess, I've already posted elsewhere about HGTV showing designers ripping apart homes with no plans, insufficient meetings with their contractors, ect.Add to this are the silliest bunch of homeowners yet.

O.K. is it just me and my partner who thought the personal trainer guy was a "lefty"? I mean this guy had to be an actor. His Ryan Seacrest shark fin hairdo alone was enough to get him beat up.

Then the couple with the musical children? Heard of housekeeping? NOT! What slobs. This can't be for real... Any thoughts?

This show has not been on my radar, but in case I am ever tempted to give it a shot, I think I'll switch channels instead and watch "1000 Ways to Die." Thanks for the warning.

I've decided that this show is at least semi-scripted.

One thing I noticed with the personal trainer couple.... the show made it look like they were touring homes that David had found over several days, and that they returned to their home for the "bad news" on several different occasions... but they were wearing the same clothes for every home tour and every "check in".

The reactions to the bad news are always over-reactions and things seem to be set up to add to the drama, even if the sequence of events doesn't make sense.

As in, of course they are going to get the plans approved and permits pulled before they break ground. (unless things are done differently in Canada?)

I suppose that is all done for entertainment purposes.... though it's not what entertains me.

I like to tune in to the reveal, though- because I like to see what was done with the renovation. Sometimes I watch the bulk of the show with the sound muted so I can see the process.

But I'm uncomfortable with the level of conflict in this show, so I find that watching it is not all that enjoyable.

This show has been on Oprahs network OWN
since last January- I have watched most of them and they are mostly the same. He only hits all of the wants with ONE house. And Hillary never foresees problems and runs out of budget!

The ones last week where the "list it" home showed up on Income Property to have the basement turned back into a rental was priceless.

So essentially these are "used" shows from another network? If this is the case then HGTV really is the bottom of the barrel.At least on stations like Boomerang you're getting some some tongue in cheek retro tackiness with your reruns.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles D:
So essentially these are "used" shows from another network? If this is the case then HGTV really is the bottom of the barrel.At least on stations like Boomerang you're getting some some tongue in cheek retro tackiness with your reruns.

Originally they are from the W network in Canada! Then to OWN, now HGTV. I think lot os these shows are from W - Prop Brothers, etc.

HATE this show....seriously

The one with the personal trainer & his wife made me think, "Gee, with the way his wife hates having to lay eyes on his clients, I wouldn't want to fork over a wad of cash every week to that guy." I mean, with her attitude (reflected in the statement, "Oh good, I won't even have to SEE them!" when seeing a house with a side entrance) you just know she's giving them the stink-eye when they intrude on "her" space.

I wouldn't want to have clients coming in & out all the time, either, but if that's what DH did to pay the mortgage I think I'd suck it up.

But turning that triangular post into a massive TV/whatever wall was a big mistake. That was hideous & a big clunky piece of carp in the middle of their space.

This is the worst show that HGTV has on right now.

quote:

Originally posted by ok lady:
This is the worst show that HGTV has on right now.

No... I think Price This Place is even worse.

I think I'd actually enjoy Love It or List It if they'd just get rid of all the fake drama.

quote:

Originally posted by Tomatoqueen:

No... I think Price This Place is even worse.

I think I'd actually enjoy Love It or List It if they'd just get rid of all the fake drama.

I agree- it really is a good idea for a show- what would make you stay in your home?

I agree that I like the idea of this show, but the designer (not a general contractor, not an architect, a designer), doesn't seem to consult with the homeowners on the designs (like turning the triangle into a full blown nightmare of wasted space without even well utilizing the potential storage of such a built in. Often it seems each of the opposing homeowners is trying to make sure that they put in a must have that is nearly impossible (like the episode where they insisted on a dead end street, really?). Additionally, it would seem that AFTER getting the budget would be the time to sit down with the homeowners to manage expectations and make budget decisions like, oh, I don't know....hey what if we use YOUR furniture and less high end materials in this portion...we can save enough to accomplish most of your list. But really the designer just bulldozes her own agenda and decisions forward when she comes to sometimes unforeseeable issues...but often ones that are just because she doesn't know even as much as a home renovator such as myself...i.e....no, we cannot move the entire ducting because you did not figure it in...it was there all along, where was she?

I am totally convinced that the designer's lack of consideration of what the homeowners want is totally staged.

I believe that she does consult the homeowners. They have a plan in place that includes priorities and what might have to be dropped. I believe that most homeowners are actually quite appreciative that issues such as structural, electrical, or plumbing are addressed and corrected. (even if they are disappointed that they won't get a full renovation)

I suspect that the homeowners are encouraged to put their amateur acting skills to work and to act out arguments, disappointments, complaints, and even act angry if they really get into it.

Then all the footage is cut and edited to make it look like they are totally in the dark throughout the process- blindly trusting that it will all turn out well in spite of all their fears and frustrations.... as if the bad news just keeps appearing out of nowhere.


Some people might find that entertaining- and I'm pretty sure the producers are working from that angle.

Funny though... I've learned to look past the bad acting and stupid fake drama (usually by means of FF and MUTE buttons) and I find the renovation process quite interesting.

TQ, don't you see any problems with what you have to go through to enjoy LIoLI? Wouldn't you rather a straightforward design program?

Of course I see problems with it! But I am also a renovation junkie of sorts. So I like seeing the renovation process.

I think I should be watching more DIY network and less HGTV.

quote:

Originally posted by Tomatoqueen:
Of course I see problems with it! But I am also a renovation junkie of sorts. So I like seeing the renovation process.

I think I should be watching more DIY network and less HGTV.

Amen Sister!

This show is completely staged. For some reason HGTV seems to think that an hour of staged fighting, insults and conflict is the way to make this concept interesting. I really like the basic concept of the show. Remodel, or new house?
But listening to people's fake *****ing for an hour is intolerable to me. SO much negativity - and it's not even real!

Producers - terrible call on this one!

Does she ever do a kitchen? In every episode I have watched, she runs out of money and can't do the kitchen she promised.

Awful show.Needs to be cancelled.

I do luv this show,I have to admit I don't like the drama and the small budgets they give Hilary to work with,then blow up because something can't be updated?

Come on $15,000 and they want it all? Geeeshhhhh

I usually like renovation shows, but this one completely irks me - to the point where even the commercials for it irk me.

The show is this: the couple decide on a miniscule budget for everything. David and Hillary trade what are supposed to be witty barbs about each others abilities. David shows the homeowners a couple of crappy homes, Hillary tears up the house before finding out that she can't do something she promised because she didn't bother to check zoning laws or wow there's mold or asbestos...

I just tuen off the channel when it comes on.