Home and garden television fans across the UK have been left bewildered and frustrated as HGTV continues to fill its schedule with Christmas films, prompting accusations of desperation following a summer of significant content cuts.
Festive Films Replace Favourite Shows
The network has recently broadcast several holiday classics, including the 2003 film Elf and the 1983 classic A Christmas Story, which aired twice on November 20. This programming shift comes just months after HGTV made the controversial decision to cancel numerous fan-favourite home renovation programmes.
The axed shows include The Flipping El Moussas, Christina on the Coast, Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate, Farmhouse Fixer, Izzy Does It, and Battle on the Beach. This substantial reduction in original content has left noticeable gaps in the schedule, which the network appears to be filling with festive cinema rather than new property programming.
Viewer Outrage Erupts Online
Angry viewers have taken to social media platforms to voice their complaints about the unexpected schedule changes. One frustrated fan started a Reddit thread that captured the general sentiment, writing: 'Why is Elf on HGTV? This is the second week in a row that some lame a** old movie is on HGTV. Where are the design shows?!? If this is the new direction of HGTV, I'm out!'
The thread attracted numerous agreeing comments, with one user stating: 'I love Elf, but I'd be highly p***ed if I noticed it was on HGTV. But this is why I don't mess with cable anymore.' Another commenter directly addressed the network's management, suggesting: 'We don't tune into HGTV to watch Elf. Sounds like HGTV management needs to bring back some of the cancelled programs that actually highlighted home building, remodeling, landscaping and interior design. MAYBE.'
Some viewers even made sarcastic connections, noting that Zooey Deschanel, who stars in Elf, is in a relationship with HGTV star Jonathan Scott of the Property Brothers. One social media user quipped: 'You can link that back to Property Brothers since Zooey Deschanel was in the movie. I'm sure she gets royalties from it so...'
Network Response and Future Programming
In a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for HGTV defended the scheduling decisions: 'HGTV is always looking for ways to diversify its lineup, and we've found our fans love to find iconic movies on the schedule.'
Despite the significant fan backlash, the network shows no signs of reversing course. HGTV has announced plans to air the 2023 comedy Christmas film Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy, on Thanksgiving.
Amid the controversy, HGTV has begun airing some new content, including Hoarding for the Holidays, a four-part series that premiered on November 11. The show follows people who are so dedicated to Christmas that they spend thousands of pounds annually to store their extensive ornament collections.
Another new programme, Cheap A$ Beach Houses, described as a 'fantasy lifestyle series,' is scheduled to premiere on December 3. Across 16 half-hour episodes, the show will follow bargain hunters pursuing their coastal property dreams on realistic budgets. The series premiere will feature a couple from Flint, Michigan, looking for waterfront property in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, with their realtor helping them overcome various obstacles.
