HGTV’s highest-rated competition series isn’t just returning—it’s changing the rules of engagement. Rock the Blockwill head to Las Vegas for Season 7, premiering in early 2026, with a twist: star designers teaming up with celebrity co-builders who are self-professed design obsessives. The network confirmed the Sin City setting, the early-2026 window, and the new pairings, positioning the show as the tent-pole returning amid a year of cancellations and schedule shakeups across the lineup.

At its core, Rock the Block pits multiple teams against one another to add the most appraised value to identical new-build homes. Season 7 keeps the DNA intact—six weeks, identical properties, head-to-head competition—but sweetens the pot with celebrity partners, a $275,000 spend per team, and Vegas-specific house specs: single-level layouts, multi-generational suites, RV garages, and private courtyards.

The Strategy: Lean Into Scale and Star Power

Rock the Block has held HGTV’s number-one spot for years, consistently outperforming other series in key demographics. As HGTV trims its broader lineup, this series remains its centerpiece. The decision to bring celebrities into the mix is clearly designed to widen the audience, blending design enthusiasts with fans of music, sports, and reality TV. It’s also notable that the budget has been increased from last season’s $250,000 to $275,000 per team—at a time when most unscripted TV shows are scaling back. This underscores just how important the franchise is to HGTV’s schedule and branding.

Why Las Vegas Is a Smart (and Tricky) Design Lab

Choosing Las Vegas as the new location isn’t just for flash. Desert climates bring a specific set of design challenges and opportunities. Teams will need to consider passive cooling, shade structures, water-smart landscaping, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. The addition of multi-generational suites and RV garages aligns with real buyer demand in the Sunbelt—where families often live under one roof and recreational lifestyles are common.

The format’s appraisal-based scoring means strategic, value-driven design will still rule the day. But Vegas allows for more architectural drama and bold aesthetic statements, which could be a double-edged sword for teams tempted to prioritize “wow” moments over practical value.

Meet the Duos—and Their Likely Strategies

• Scott McGillivray & Brooke Hogan: Expect an investment-first strategy paired with stylish finishes. Scott’s analytical approach to layouts and Brooke’s design eye could make them strong contenders.

• Taniya Nayak & Drew Lachey: Taniya’s warm, hospitality-driven aesthetic paired with Drew’s performer instincts suggests show-stopping entertaining spaces and emotionally resonant design.

• Mina Starsiak Hawk & Vernon Davis: Mina’s renovation expertise and Vernon’s competitive edge could yield bold spatial planning and athletic, lifestyle-friendly designs.

• Kim Wolfe & Chelsea Meissner: As Survivor alums and real-life friends, their communication will likely be fast and efficient. Expect practical creativity and strong project management under pressure.

The Format Levers: Budget, Time, Appraisals—And a Vegas Flourish

Season 7 keeps the familiar six-week timeline and identical shell homes, ensuring a level playing field. Appraisal-based scoring remains the ultimate decider, keeping designs grounded in market realities. And, in classic Rock the Blockfashion, the winners will not only claim bragging rights but also have the street named after them—an on-brand, Vegas-worthy flourish that cements their legacy on the block.

Why Rock the Block Survives When Others Don’t

In 2025, HGTV canceled a wave of shows—including several fan favorites—as part of a strategic reshuffle. Against that backdrop, Rock the Block stands out as a reliable ratings magnet that generates strong social media buzz, sponsorship opportunities, and repeat viewership. Its blend of design competition, real estate stakes, and star personalities gives it a resilience few other unscripted shows can match.

The Season 6 Comparison—and What to Watch Now

Season 6, set in Utah, featured a “rookies vs. veterans” theme with a lower budget. The appraisal-based scoring sometimes divided fans, but it kept the show’s real estate foundation solid. With the introduction of celebrity partners in Season 7, one key question is whether their star power will elevate creativity or become a distraction from value-driven design. Another will be how teams adapt to the specific demands of the Vegas housing market—where multi-gen layouts, RV storage, and courtyard living could be the decisive factors.