HGTV just renewed a bunch of shows so you can continue to salivate over all the fancy homes available around the world! The network has renewed a slew of new programs, including Beachfront Bargain Hunt, Caribbean Life, Island Life, Mexico Life, Island Hunters, Hawaii Life and Beachfront Bargain Hunt Renovation all for the 2017 season. In total, that equals 146 new episodes for all seven of the shows that will be airing this year on the network.
As you can see, there's a running theme here. Each series is centered around families searching for new homes in locales exotic to that of standard American living. Almost every show here centers around a beachfront property, with the exception of Mexico Life, which even then features a fair amount of beaches. That theme is no coincidence, as network executives say all these shows have a common element that pleases viewers and advertisers alike. This "lifestyle fantasy programming," as it's being called, is a winning formula that HGTV looks to be capitalizing on this year.
Beachfront Bargain Hunt, in particular, had a strong start to its season, as it posted its highest premiere numbers ever. The series, which is airing during the winter season here in the colder parts of America, definitely plays into the concept of "fantasy programming" that HGTV is talking about. I'm 100% guilty of popping these shows on and seeing the amazing beaches and houses and wishing I had the kind of dough to make that happen. I sunburn pretty easily, though, so maybe television is a better alternative to the harsh reality my fair skin would experience in all day sunshine.
The shows join currently running Love It Or List It, which was renewed in late 2016, and a plethora of others that are expected to return. One big question mark was what would happen to long-running show Flip or Flop when couple Tarek El Moussa and Christina El Moussa announced their split. The couple has said they are committed to continuing the series in spite of their divorce, and recent statements by El Moussa have indicated that things are going well. Needless to say, shows like Beachfront Bargain Hunt and the others shouldn't suffer from any marital issues in their shows.
So the next time you find yourself watching HGTV and wishing you could get a home in the Caribbean for something in your price range, keep in mind the rest of us are right there with you. Personally, I'm just one unknown rich uncle death away from a property of my own! Better yet, maybe someone you know is about to appear on one of those 146 new episodes coming this year. Keep an eye out, and try to buddy up so you can make your dreams a reality! If you'd like to see what else is coming up on television, take a look at our midseason premiere guide.
