In 2003, HGTV took a poll to find out which of its shows was most popular with viewers. The overwhelming response? “Trading Spaces.” The problem? It airs on TLC, not HGTV.
That had to hurt. HGTV had actually passed on the series, essentially handing it to TLC. Now “Trading Spaces” was pulling in bigger ratings than any other series on cable television, including “Spongebob Squarepants” (you know it’s big when…). In those days, everybody was watching “Trading Spaces,” the show that has neighbors redecorate rooms in each other’s homes, often with disastrous results (one word: Hildi).
I was watching, too. Long-time fans will even remember the original host Alex McLeod, who was much less perky than Paige. Before we all had DVRs, it was appointment television. Who could resist a show where homeowners often wept or stormed off camera when they realized their family room walls had been covered in straw, or their beloved brick fireplace had been painted hot pink?
HGTV paid attention to the poll numbers and started churning out their own quickie makeover shows with small budgets like “Design on a Dime,” “Designed to Sell,” and “My First Place.” Meanwhile, viewers increasingly felt “Trading Spaces” fatigue after the juggernaut inundated us with every version imaginable–there were celebrity editions, family editions, college editions–you name it, they tried it.
They canned Paige Davis a couple of years ago in an attempt to “freshen things up,” and ratings really tanked. Now they’re trying to woo us back by re-hiring her. The renovated show will also feature old favorites like Doug, Frank, and Hildi. Will you watch?
I might give it a look, but I think the days of rushing home to see it on Saturday nights are long gone.
If they took another poll today, I doubt anyone would cite “Trading Spaces” as their fave, but maybe I’m wrong. What do you think? What’s your favorite home show these days? Take our poll and vote (below), or let us know in the comments if yours isn’t listed among the choices.
UPDATE: The poll is now closed, and here are the results:
- Trading Spaces
5% - Designed to Sell
30% - Divine Design
20% - House Hunters
30% - Design on a Dime
15%
Julie, thanks for telling me about the blog! Our house gets smaller by the minute as we’re getting ready for yet another kid, but in today’s market, I’m waiting things out and not attempting to sell and move up. So it’s nice to have a place to go to fantacize about a Letterman-like palace. Thanks for the fantasy space! –Cindy
Great to hear from you, Cindy! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been over Trading Spaces for quite a while. I think it was after I read about them not completely finishing rooms and taping on door knobs, etc. Plus I don’t consider sticking hay on the walls (Genevieve) design. Not for people that want to live in it anyway.
My favorite show isn’t listed but it’s Color Splash with David Bromstad- love him.
I’m with you, Amy. It got pretty ridiculous after a while. And I do love Color Splash!
I really got addicted to trading spaces. Right up to when it lost the ability to really decorate and did such hideous things. So many funny and great people. Had some great carpenters.
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