Top 10 Best HGTV Shows of All Time
#10: “My Lottery Dream Home” (2015-)
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What would you do if you won the lottery? Most people would put their winnings toward the biggest purchase they’d make in their whole lives. Host David Bromstad helps lottery winners search for their new property, taking into consideration their new account balance. On another show, families might have more modest budgetary concerns. That all changes on “My Lottery Dream Home” where the sky’s the limit. It might be closer to the wish fulfillment side of HGTV's programming, but it allows viewers to live vicariously through some of the luckiest people in the world.
#9: “Gardening by the Yard” (1996-2009)
Whether you were a new or veteran homeowner, Paul James had your back with his yard and garden tips. “Gardening by the Yard” shifted the focus to gardens with a lighthearted and down-to-earth attitude. Paul offered advice on a variety of garden topics from flower beds to pests. In rare form from other HGTV shows, Paul invites viewers to his own Oklahoma home to show how his techniques work on a practical level. It might not be the right show for everybody. But for aspiring green thumbs, this show provided just enough inspiration to get out and build the perfect garden.
#8: “Flea Market Flip” (2012-)
“Flea Market Flip” is a simple concept done well and a perfect example of HGTV’s easygoing programming. Two sets of contestants buy a separate item from a flea market, then each team shows off their creativity by refurbishing their piece. Afterwards, they attempt to sell the resulting item at a flea market. With any luck, each team turns a profit with their unique furniture or home display items. It’s a refreshing approach to a competition show — one that has a positive environment instead of a cutthroat atmosphere. If anything, the show highlights the ability to find treasure in the unlikeliest of places.
#7: “Love It or List It” (2008-)
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Among the core lineup in the HGTV family, “Love It or List It” delivers an engaging premise for viewers. How much do you really love your current home? With that question in mind, hosts Hilary Farr and David Visentin vie for the contestants' hearts in a tug of war between keeping or selling a home. Try as he might, realtor David often has a hard time convincing the family to sell. Hilary transforms the house in such a way that the family comes to appreciate the home in a whole new light. It’s always fun to watch and theorize about whether the family will part ways with their house.
#6: “Beautiful Homes” (2012)
Sometimes all you need is a camera tour of a huge house to quench the thirst of HGTV viewers. In 2012, the channel created their own version “MTV Cribs” called “Beautiful Homes.” The show was knowingly extravagant without going overboard. The series’ fantasies were much needed for many viewers, making this trip down luxury lane a nice bit of escapism. Ever wonder what happens behind the gates of the nicest neighborhoods in America? Luckily, “Beautiful Homes” had us covered with majestic fountains, spiral staircases, and a healthy dose of candy-coated viewing.
#5: “Holmes on Homes” (2001-09)
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In Canada and the U.S., Mike Holmes was the heroic contractor that saved families from poor home building and renovation situations. Part investigator, he searched homes for construction mistakes and oversight. While other HGTV shows preferred to show the glossy side of home building, Holmes explored the potential negatives lurking behind the drywall. Like a builder superhero, the handyman host swooped in to correct the building mistakes of the past. Both entertaining and informative, “Holmes on Holmes” taught viewers what to look out for in terms of their own homes.
#4: “Flip or Flop” (2013-)
Since 2013, now exes Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack have invited viewers into their world of house flipping. Even after a divorce, the power of HGTV keeps the two working together. Their personal lives aside, Tarek and Christina have a knack for redesigning houses that’s unmatched on the network. Not only did “Flip or Flop” inspire several spin offs, but Christina also hosts her own show “Christina on the Coast,” following her solo home exploits. Whether you’re watching for the eventual house reveal or the hosts’ relationship, “Flip or Flop” provides more than enough entertainment value for one show.
#3: “Property Brothers” (2011-)
The Scott brothers can’t help but remain a fixture of the HGTV lineup. Through their various spin offs, such as “Buying and Selling,” the two refuse to slow down for even a second. Drew and Jonathan cover all the bases as they help people find and renovate homes on a budget. Providing both real estate and renovation advice, the Scott twins’ upbeat attitude keeps even the shakiest building scenarios fun. While they occasionally bicker like any siblings would, they always deliver a professional and detailed look at each job. A decade after their first show aired, the Scott empire continues to help homeowners all over the country.
#2: “Fixer Upper” (2013-18)
Before leaving for their own network, Chip and Joanna Gaines established their family-friendly brand with “Fixer Upper.” It’s one of the HGTV shows that goes beyond the usual network branding, allowing the Gaines family to imbue the show with their own quirky personalities. A trademark of the series is the contrast between Chip’s giddy, childlike energy and Joanna’s poised creativity. It’s no wonder that the two have gone on to create a media empire, as their camera-ready personalities brought another renaissance to HGTV. Even as the Gaines shift to other projects, there’s always the memories of “Fixer Upper” to cheer us up. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Income Property” (2008-16) Homeowners Fix Up Their Property to Generate Additional Funds “If Walls Could Talk…” (1998-2008) Families Find Hidden Treasures While Restoring Old Homes “Good Bones” (2016-) An Indianapolis Mother & Daughter Team Up to Flip Abandoned Properties
#1: “House Hunters” (1999-)
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After over two decades of home entertainment, there’s a plethora of defining HGTV shows. In the end, there’s no way that “House Hunters” can’t be number one. After all, it’s the entire HGTV model encapsulated in one sleekly produced package. Keeping the format simple, prospective buyers tour three homes and must choose one of them at the end. The show spawned successful spin-offs including “House Hunters International” and “Tiny House Hunters”. Whether you love the original or its many variations, there’s no denying the streamlined and endlessly watchable energy of “House Hunters.”
