HGTV star Ben Napier has delivered a heartening update for fans, confirming that a television series documenting a major property restoration will indeed air, despite the project being ravaged by a fire earlier this year.
A Devastating Blow to Restoration Dreams
The 42-year-old television personality and his wife Erin, 40, faced a crushing setback in August when a massive fire tore through The Heirloom, a 30-room hotel in Laurel, Mississippi. The couple had spent months helping friends remodel the property for a new HGTV spin-off series. The disaster struck tragically before the hotel could welcome its first guests.
Erin Napier shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram at the time, writing, 'We held each other and watched while the brave fire fighters from the Laurel Fire Department worked for hours to get it under control. Today feels like a funeral.' The fire occurred just days after they had publicly confirmed the new show was in the works.
In the immediate aftermath, Erin expressed profound doubt about the future of the television project. 'I don't know what will happen next or if you'll ever get to see this HGTV show now,' she said. 'I don't know much of anything.'
Positive News: The Show Will Go On
In a significant and positive turnaround, Ben Napier has now revealed that the episodes will premiere in 2026. Speaking to USA Today, he affirmed, 'The episodes are going to air,' noting that the likely broadcast window would be later in that year. While an exact air date remains unconfirmed, this announcement assures viewers they will eventually see the couple's hard work on the ill-fated project.
Home Town Returns with New Season in January
Fans of the Napiers will not have to wait until 2026 for their next fix, however. The beloved original series, Home Town, is set to return for a new 16-episode season on January 4. The couple will resume their mission of revitalising outdated homes and historical locations in their cherished small town of Laurel, Mississippi.
This new season promises ambitious projects, including a two-episode overhaul of one of Laurel's most well-known homes for an owner who has lived there for over five decades. Other highlights will feature a makeover of the local hospital's maternity ward, a home transformation for Ben's brother Jesse, and a remodel for a newly engaged couple planning to host their wedding at the property.
In other HGTV news, the network has also announced a new series titled Wild Vacation. The show will follow actresses Sherry Cola and D'Arcy Carden as they explore America's most eccentric and unique vacation rentals across eight half-hour episodes.
