Popular home and lifestyle network HGTV has unveiled a major content boost for early 2026, confirming the return of three of its most beloved series. The announcement comes just six months after the channel made significant cuts to its programming slate, axing several fan-favourite shows.
A Triumphant Return for Renovation Royalty
Home Town, the heartwarming series hosted by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Erin Napier, will lead the charge with a premiere on Sunday, 4 January 2026. Fresh from captivating a massive 23.3 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms in their last season, the Napiers are set to return to their beloved Laurel, Mississippi. Their new 16-episode run promises more transformative projects for locals, friends, and new residents alike.
This season, the couple will undertake their most ambitious Home Town project to date: a two-episode overhaul of one of Laurel's most iconic homes, owned by the same resident for over 50 years. Other highlights include revamping the local hospital's maternity ward, creating a home for Ben's brother Jesse, and remodelling a property for a newly engaged couple who plan to host their wedding there.
Comedy and Coastal Dreams Join the Line-Up
Also returning in January is the wildly popular Ugliest House in America, fronted by actress and comedian Retta. The show, which drew 12.2 million viewers last season, is back for six new episodes. Retta will tour 15 more properties plagued by shocking designs and outdated styles, with the new season marking her 100th hideous house visit. Her journey begins in the Great Plains, exploring an off-grid mishmash and a man-made metal monstrosity.
For those dreaming of life by the sea, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses returns on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. The series continues to prove that owning a slice of coastal paradise doesn't require a colossal budget, following bargain hunters as they chase their seaside dreams.
New Show and Fan Reactions
HGTV will also debut a brand-new series, Neighborhood Watch, on 7 January. The half-hour show will feature raw and often surprising footage captured from security cameras, smart doorbells, and nanny cams across the United States.
The news of the returning shows, particularly Home Town, has been met with jubilation from fans on HGTV's official Instagram page. Comments ranged from enthusiastic "Yay! Love this show!" to one viewer noting, "I don't like the month of January... But now I am looking forward to it!"
This strategic revival of three hit programmes represents a significant shift for HGTV, offering nearly 40 new episodes to its audience starting in January 2026, following the recent cancellation of other series including Bargain Block and Christina on the Coast.
