Beloved HGTV alum Keith Bynum was “very happy” to see 2025 fade into the sunset. On New Year’s Eve, the Detroit-based designer received thousands of likes and comments on a post in which he wrote that “the first day of this year started off horrifically and honestly it didn’t get much better.”
Bynum, who starred on the now-canceled “Bargain Block” with his longtime fiancé Evan Thomas and their realtor pal Shea Hicks-Whitfield, captioned his carousel of 2025 photos, “Not every year is a great one, but I’m grateful for my friends and that our company survived the onslaught of [expletive] it faced. I can feel a different energy already for 2026 and I love it. Love you all!! Happy new year!”
No Longer Starring on ‘Bargain Block,’ Keith Bynum Says He Feels a ‘Different Energy’ Heading Into 2026
In June, Bynum shared the shocking news that although “Bargain Block” had initially been renewed for a fifth season by HGTV, the network pulled the plug in early 2025. He said the surprise cancellation — one of at least seven shows not renewed by the network — left him and Thomas in a financial tailspin. The couple quickly had to shift from working on the show to taking on design clients across the U.S.
Within 24 hours of sharing his New Year’s Eve post, Bynum had received nearly 20,000 likes and over 1,000 comments from fans expressing their disappointment about “Bargain Block” and hopes that he, Thomas, and Hicks-Whitfield would have a better 2026.
“I really miss you guys your show was the only show I could get my husband to watch with me,” one fan wrote. “He would always say it’s amazing how those guys take a house that look like it should be condemned and fix it up so nice, wish you guys all the luck in the world 2026 be good to them❤️❤️”
“Someone needs to pick you guys up,” another commented. “Keep us informed and we will follow! Smart, handsome, real, talented men. We love you!!! ❤️🙌
HGTVSome fans inquired about “what happened” and why Bynum wrote that the year started out so “horrifically.” In his Instagram Stories, Bynum shared a post about the first anniversary of the New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 in New Orleans, where he and Thomas filmed a “Bargain Block” spinoff in 2024 and fell in love with the community.
Beneath the shared post, Bynum wrote, “I’ll never forget the feeling of panic calling @dmduv468 making sure everyone was okay. Love New Orleans and this broke my heart.”
‘Bargain Block’ Stars Evan Thomas & Shea Hicks-Whitfield Weigh In on New Year’s Hopes
HGTVBynum’s “Bargain Block” co-stars also shared their hopes for 2026. On his post, Hicks-Whitfield commented, “Here’s to Twenty-Twenty-SIX… here for the joy, the glow, and the BLISS!🥂🎉✨️🥰” and he replied, “yess!!! More love kindness and joy!!!”
Thomas, meanwhile, shared more than two dozen photos in his Instagram Stories on New Year’s Eve and recapped the year with brief captions. Over the first photo, taken at Preservation Hall in New Orleans, he wrote, “Goodbye 2025! You were…a trip 🫠”
He noted that highlights included good food, with multiple photos of gourmet dinners, and “consistent” workouts, revealing his washboard abs and massive biceps. He also highlighted photos showcasing their “endless work to create cool and unique spaces … with pretty little details and fabulous luxury.”
After sharing multiple photos of “date nights” and travels with Bynum, Thomas wrote of 2025, “The good comes with the bad … so here’s hoping for more good in 2026.” He also shared a post with photos of design projects they completed in 2025 in multiple states, encouraging fans to reach out if they’re looking for renovation help in the new year.
