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You know, I've just resigned myself to the fact that HGTV has (almost!) hit rock bottom. It's like they have morphed into a reality show channel just like the rest of the non-thinking, non-sensical channels that pander to the low-IQ'd viewer.

And what's the shame is I really like Design Star because it is a competition of contestants that show talent (or none). You can't fake talent. Yes, there is some creative editing going on, but bottom line it is about having (or not having) talent.

I cannot now name a show, other than DS, that I would like to watch on HGTV. The only other show I look for are the reruns of Property Virgin with Sandra. I cannot even stomach HH anymore since that article came out a few weeks ago about it being staged. DIY Network is getting my viewership more and more.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ZenMama,

quote:

HGTV has hit rock bottom.

I kind of doubt this. I think they have a ways to go and it will get worse before it gets any better. (though it is hard to imagine any worse programming).

What do I base my opinion on? Well, I still watch it, though it gets less and less and mostly only when there is nothing else on all the other channels. When my watching gets down to one show a week or less... then that is my rock bottom.

I think HGTV is giving the majority of people what they want.

quote:

Originally posted by metwo:

quote:

HGTV has hit rock bottom.

I kind of doubt this. I think they have a ways to go and it will get worse before it gets any better. (though it is hard to imagine any worse programming).

What do I base my opinion on? Well, I still watch it, though it gets less and less and mostly only when there is nothing else on all the other channels. When my watching gets down to one show a week or less... then that is my rock bottom.

metwo, I concede. I will say it has ALMOST hit rock bottom! LOL! I will still watch the channel for Design Star, Property Virgins, and an occasional My First Place. But the pickings are getting mighty slim.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ZenMama,

metwo, by your definition, HGTV has hit rock bottom with me. Now they've taken the double episodes of Spice Up My Kitchen off(which I never missed) and the one Sarah's House replacement was not enough to get me out of bed this morning. I like Meg's Great Rooms, but not enough to remember to watch it consistently. Out of sight, out of mind seems to apply with me. There is so little on HGTV that I like anymore that I don't even remember to check the listings anymore.

It is possible that all of us are in the minority, and that the general public wants vapid glamour. I always thought of Opray Winfrey as the bastion of thoughtful, respectable television until I realized Love It Or List It came from OWN. So now I've just resigned myself to the fact that I am not HGTV's target audience. When and if they decide to purchase a new series of Sarah Richardson I'll watch.The same for anything involving Pierce & Co.

As much as I like Income Property or Kitchen Cousins the repetitive formula removes any dire necessity to see each and every episode. So the more I see, the less I need to see. Each week of HH marathons just diminishes any desire to keep HGTV in my roster of "go to " stations.

Programming filled with "celebrity" designer wannabe's like Beth Stern, Dina Manzo, Donna Moss, etc. are a real turn off. And Kris Jenner on D.S. was the turning point for me. Oh well, I guess it's back to hunting book store bargain bins for design related hard backs.

Love it or List didn't 'come' from OWN. The channel aired in in the US. It's a Canadian show, and not new.

So...I'm curious. Whenever I visit the message boards, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with HGTV programming. Does anyone from HGTV monitor these boards and take everyone's views into consideration? Just wondering because nothing ever seems to change. The ONLY thing I watch on HGTV lately is Design Stars.

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Originally posted by tewzers2:
So...I'm curious. Whenever I visit the message boards, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with HGTV programming. Does anyone from HGTV monitor these boards and take everyone's views into consideration? Just wondering because nothing ever seems to change. The ONLY thing I watch on HGTV lately is Design Stars.

In a nutshell: No, they don't. The only time I can remember seeing/thinking that TPTB actually paid attention to the dissatisfaction on the MB is a couple years ago when DS was such a dismal flop because of the producer.
The "regulars" who post here may seem like complainers and, in reality, we know it does little good - however are unwilling to just sit by and see a once terrific design avenue slip into the dregs of the lowest common denominator without voicing our dismay. The larger portion of posters really have an interest in intelligent design - some of us are design professionals, some are DIYers, some love to look at shelter magazines and are appreciative of great design. Yes, there are the dive-bombers that swoop in (and are either related to someone on one of the shows or need to be watching Swamp Hog Decorating) to blast us for critiquing their personal favorite, and then there are the ones who truly are tired of back to back Real Estate shows.
If we didn't care we wouldn't bother complaining, but I think most of us are hanging on by our fingertips and about to let go of HGTV.

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Originally posted by doodles64:
...I think most of us are hanging on by our fingertips and about to let go of HGTV.

I've already given up and just based on the traffic on these message boards, I would say I'm not the only one. I remember when the General Decorating board used to move so fast that you had to check in more than once per day to keep up with the posts. Now, the post at the bottom of page one is over a week old. HGTV wanted to appeal to a different demographic and their programming reflects that.

If you want to see what they have on tap for the near future, check out the following article:
http://www.marketwatch.com/sto...g-line-up-2012-06-27

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Originally posted by ChloeGT:

quote:

Originally posted by doodles64:
...I think most of us are hanging on by our fingertips and about to let go of HGTV.

I've already given up and just based on the traffic on these message boards, I would say I'm not the only one. I remember when the General Decorating board used to move so fast that you had to check in more than once per day to keep up with the posts. Now, the post at the bottom of page one is over a week old. HGTV wanted to appeal to a different demographic and their programming reflects that.

If you want to see what they have on tap for the near future, check out the following article:
http://www.marketwatch.com/sto...g-line-up-2012-06-27

Thanks for the link - I am appalled but not surprised. They are actually bringing back the Queen of Blingy Bad Taste - Donna Moss. Looks like 99% of their offerings will be "Must MISS" rather than "Must SEE".

Most of their offerings are underwhelming, especially the millionth iteration of House Hunters.

The only thing that piqued my interest was the Urban Oasis Giveaway. It looks like the new place will be in Miami. I just checked out website of the building it will be in (Paramount Bay) and the views are amazing. I sure wouldn't mind waking up to views of Biscayne Bay every day.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FalleavesMD,

I wonder who all these people are that love the programming at HGTV, because you certainly never hear from them online on any site. I don't think it's just us. I think they are dumbing down their programming to attract the most people, but you have to wonder whether their research about whether they're actually accomplishing that is correct. It may be that they could attract a larger audience if they had really quality programming, but then again they may think they'd have to spend a lot more money in order to improve the programming, so in their minds they think they might as well spend less and attract the most people they can for the least amount of money. I hate to say it but when you really do the math, with this logic, we all lose, including HGTV.

quote:

Originally posted by ntuitive1:
I wonder who all these people are that love the programming at HGTV, because you certainly never hear from them online on any site. I don't think it's just us. I think they are dumbing down their programming to attract the most people, but you have to wonder whether their research about whether they're actually accomplishing that is correct. It may be that they could attract a larger audience if they had really quality programming, but then again they may think they'd have to spend a lot more money in order to improve the programming, so in their minds they think they might as well spend less and attract the most people they can for the least amount of money. I hate to say it but when you really do the math, with this logic, we all lose, including HGTV.

Yes, we've been saying for years that if they would put on quality design programming with bonafide design professionals, they'd have more viewers which would translate into more sponsor interest.
Hey - just had a fabulous idea - what about a show about Donna Decorating the Swamp? Throw a rhinestone collar on the ol' hound dogs, faux paint the gun cabinet, glitter up granny's spittoon and glue sparkles to that ol' sofa setting on the front porch, y'all.

This is all so disappointing. I remember when HGTV first started it was so exciting to finally have something to watch on a regular basis that I loved. I guess I keep hanging on in the hopes that it will come back. Obviously not. They seem to be relying on their website as the go to place for design and decorating ideas. It's fine for additional details, but it's the shows inspire you and make you want to learn more. Looking at pictures just doesn't do it. If all I wanted was pictures for inspiration I would go to Pinterest.

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Originally posted by doodles64:
Yes, we've been saying for years that if they would put on quality design programming with bonafide design professionals, they'd have more viewers which would translate into more sponsor interest.
Hey - just had a fabulous idea - what about a show about Donna Decorating the Swamp? Throw a rhinestone collar on the ol' hound dogs, faux paint the gun cabinet, glitter up granny's spittoon and glue sparkles to that ol' sofa setting on the front porch, y'all.

Doodles, that's hysterical.

You forgot giving the toilet in the front yard a makeover, too.

quote:

Originally posted by santa_fe:

quote:

Originally posted by doodles64:
Yes, we've been saying for years that if they would put on quality design programming with bonafide design professionals, they'd have more viewers which would translate into more sponsor interest.
Hey - just had a fabulous idea - what about a show about Donna Decorating the Swamp? Throw a rhinestone collar on the ol' hound dogs, faux paint the gun cabinet, glitter up granny's spittoon and glue sparkles to that ol' sofa setting on the front porch, y'all.

Doodles, that's hysterical.

You forgot giving the toilet in the front yard a makeover, too.

Oh, Pfft, Santa Fe - La Donna would just throw some glitter on a few flowers and use it for a planter.

In the WSJ Market Watch article referenced by ChloeGT, I noticed no mention of season four of Sarah's House. Either there are no plans to air it or it will be consigned to a TV wasteland like Elbow Room and Curb Appeal's current schedule. The mind boggles!

I wouldn't surprise me one bit, HGTV is famous for cancelling the few good shows that they present.
Is as if they have a mnorbid obsession for only presenting garbage for HGTV consumption.
It has never done one ounce of good to complain, they to my knowledge have never listen to any of our complaints. Actually I come to these Message Board more than I see any of the shows on HGTV

My hope is that people in charge will realize that reality celebs are not interesting without the drama written for them. They are boring and cannot carry a show.Dina Manzo may have some clever ideas,however she is so boring. If they continue along that road a lot of viewers will
leave.The shows need to offer something for the viewer.

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that people in charge will realize that reality celebs are not interesting

I don't think that is going to happen unless we all (meaning the majority of TV viewers) quit watching all reality shows on all channels. And since that is 90% (or so it seems) of TV that will be difficult.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes I just wish they would change the the name to the Real Estate Channel.

Did you say almost???
LMAO

I agree that HGTV has run out of ideas. On the 4th of July and Memorial Day weekend, all they aired was HH.

HGTV used to be my go-to channel when there was nothing else to watch, but now all I see is House Hunters. Over it.