EXCLUSIVETwo more HGTV shows face the ax as cancelation bloodbath spirals
HGTV went on a cancellations spree last week, axing several of its popular shows - and a network source tells the Daily Mail that more changes are coming.
'We had to stop the bleeding,' said the senior source, who claimed that revenues were underperforming and the network needed to act.
'We were hemorrhaging money. So in order to stop the bleeding, we had to have a bloodbath. It was calculated cuts to make things make sense, financially.'
Without warning, HGTV pulled the plug on Farmhouse Fixer, Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate and Izzy Does It. The sudden cancellations sent shockwaves through the HGTV fandom, and left employees of several shows fearing for their jobs.
'Decisions are still being made,' said the insider, who works directly with programming. 'It sucks for everyone involved but that's the TV business. Everyone understands that. Cable networks are struggling now, and we all have to make smart decisions.'
Farmhouse Fixer host Jonathan Knight confirmed that his show, co-presented by Kristina Crestin, had been axed on Wednesday after three seasons.
'A lot of you have been asking about the future of Farmhouse Fixer,' he said. 'I am sad to say HGTV has decided not to move forward with another season.
'While I'm still processing the reasons that led to their decision, Kristina and I are so grateful for all your support over the past three seasons. Television has been so incredibly fun for us.'
New Kids on the Block singer Jonathan Knight was one of the network's more recognizable stars as the host of Farmhouse Fixer
Ben and Erin Napier, the network's biggest stars, have not been affected by the cancellations
It was a surprise move by the network, given that former New Kids on the Block singer Knight is one of the most recognizable stars on the HGTV roster.
'He's well-known for sure,' said the network insider, 'but there are hosts on our shows who are more the face of the network. We're not getting rid of [Hometown hosts] Ben and Erin Napier anytime soon. They're probably the biggest stars we've got.'
The decision to keep or cut a show comes down to revenue, and the Napiers enjoy the network's highest ratings.
Each episode of Hometown garners around one million viewers, and is rebroadcast several times throughout the week.
Other top performers include Rock the Block, My Lottery Dream Home, 100 Day Dream Home, Castle Impossible and House Hunters International.
'Obviously, things can change but the ratings performers are probably pretty safe,' said the insider. 'House Hunters International is a bit more expensive to produce, but the ratings justify it.'
But some of the lesser-known shows, including Luxe for Less and Unsellable Houses, are facing uncertain futures.
Izzy Does It was cancelled after one season on HGTV
Married to Real Estate was one of the HGTV cancellation casualties
The show Izzy Does It was an easier cancellation decision, the executive said, because it was just entering Season 2 and had not yet built a devoted fan base.
Host Israel 'Izzy' Battres has not issued a statement directly addressing his show's cancellation, but did respond to a fan online.
'Unfortunately, no season two,' Battres said, 'but we're truly thankful for everyone watching and supporting us!!'
Married to Real Estate's hosts Mike Jackson and Egypt Sherrod described the decision to axe their show as 'unexpected' in a joint statement.
'Mike and I just landed back in the States after an unforgettable family trip through the Mediterranean, and we're met with unexpected news: HGTV has decided not to move forward with Married to Real Estate,' it read.
'While the chain of events leading up to this is disheartening, we are deeply grateful. Grateful for four incredible seasons. Grateful for our amazing crew and supportive fans.'
The network insider acknowledged that the cancellations were 'brutal' but believes that all those impacted would find other projects.
'There are so many opportunities in home renovation media, whether it's on a network like HGTV or something online or something totally different. I am pretty sure everyone will land on their feet.'
