HGTV’s Dark Side? Reason why Popular Shows are getting cancelled. Viewers believe “There’s a Pattern”.

For years, HGTV has been the comforting presence in countless homes, captivating audiences with feel-good home transformations, relatable hosts, and inspirational interior designs. From the iconic “House Hunters” to the irresistible charm of “Property Brothers,” HGTV has carved a niche by delivering high-quality, heartwarming entertainment.

But recently, something puzzling and unsettling has surfaced: fan-favorite shows—programs with solid ratings and enthusiastic viewer support—are suddenly vanishing. Fans are bewildered, disappointed, and increasingly suspicious about the hidden reasons behind these unexpected cancellations. The most recent cancallation of the hit shows “Bargain Block”, and “Married to Real Estate”, has taken internet and HGTV community by storm.

To decode the mystery, it’s essential to understand how television success is usually measured. Traditionally, the fate of TV shows depends heavily on ratings and viewership. After all, television production is not charity work; producers and networks expect to turn a profit. Thus, poor ratings usually spell doom for any program, making the cancellations understandable.

Yet, when examining the recent HGTV cancellations, ratings and popularity don’t seem to add up. Take, for instance, “Bargain Block,” featuring Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas. The innovative series drew audiences in with its fresh approach to affordable, stylish renovations in Detroit.

Viewers adored the hosts, and episodes regularly attracted hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers, even peaking above two million at times. IMDb ratings hovered around a stellar 7.9 out of 10, demonstrating strong audience satisfaction.

Similarly, “Married to Real Estate,” starring the beloved couple Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, received glowing reviews for their relatable on-screen chemistry and stunning home transformations. The show regularly amassed millions of viewers, earning a solid 8.0 IMDb rating and becoming one of HGTV’s top five most-watched series. Yet, despite its popularity, the series faced a surprising cancellation, leaving fans stunned and perplexed.

Then there’s “Farmhouse Fixer,” featuring Jonathan Knight. The show uniquely combined historical preservation with modern living, consistently garnering millions of viewers, particularly with its second season premiere, which boasted over 5 million viewers. Despite these impressive numbers and a strong IMDb score of 8.2, the future of the series remains uncertain, with HGTV yet to confirm renewal, igniting speculation and worry among fans.

Bargain Block, Farmhouse Fixer, and the Vanishing of LGBTQ+ Representation

One of the biggest blows came when Bargain Block was reportedly canceled in early June 2025. The Detroit-based renovation series, hosted by partners Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, had become a fan favorite for its blend of creativity, heart, and authenticity. The couple’s quirky dynamic and commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods earned them a devoted following. But after just four seasons, the show was not renewed.

Immediately, Reddit lit up with comments from viewers questioning why a show that had performed well was suddenly off the schedule. “It was one of the best HGTV had, so why cancel it?” one user posted. Another added, “Because it was too normal and down to earth.”

The speculation deepened when fans started to notice other shows featuring LGBTQ+ hosts being quietly shelved. Farmhouse Fixer, led by Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block fame—who is openly gay—was also not renewed for another season. Nate & Jeremiah: Save My House, another design series featuring married designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, hasn’t been heard from since its last air date.

To many fans, these cancellations didn’t feel like coincidences. Posts flooded in claiming the network was intentionally reducing its LGBTQ+ representation. One viral Reddit comment stated: “Bargain Block? CANCELED. Farmhouse Fixer? CANCELED. Nate & Jeremiah? GONE. These weren’t just feel-good shows. They were creative, meaningful, and incredibly popular.”

At the same time, a similar concern has emerged around shows hosted by African American or diverse talent. Married to Real Estate, led by Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, quietly disappeared from HGTV’s lineup despite a strong fan base and good ratings. Many believe its removal is part of a broader trend. “These cancellations all seem targeted,” a viewer wrote on Twitter. “They’re cutting shows with African American couples, diverse casts, and LGBTQ representation. It’s like they want a ‘safe,’ whitewashed version of HGTV.”

Other shows brought into the conversation include Buying Back the Block, Flip or Flop Fort Worth, and Luxe for Less—all featuring hosts of color and all gone after short runs. While some could argue that television is always shifting and shows naturally come and go, the consistency of which types of shows are being axed is raising eyebrows.

What Is HGTV Saying?

So far, HGTV has not publicly commented on these speculations. In most cases, the network simply doesn’t renew a show and moves on to the next one without much explanation. That silence is feeding the theory even more.

Compounding the issue is the fact that HGTV is part of Warner Bros. Discovery—a media giant that’s undergone massive restructuring over the past few years. As the company focuses more on profitability and brand identity, many believe that shows which challenge traditional norms or spotlight marginalized voices may be seen as too “risky” or not lucrative enough.

One fan commented, “It’s become clear that HGTV is playing it safe. Straight, white, wealthy—those are the stories they want to tell now.”

Is There a Pattern?

It certainly feels that way to many. The cancellations have hit a nerve, especially among those who found comfort and inspiration in seeing themselves reflected on screen. HGTV had once seemed like a space where different kinds of families and lifestyles could be celebrated. For many, it was the only place on TV where LGBTQ+ and African American hosts were leading design shows, building homes, and sharing their stories with heart.

Now, those voices appear to be fading. Whether intentional or not, the impact is the same: a community that feels left behind.