Popular HGTV presenters Ben and Erin Napier have announced they will be unable to host the upcoming season of their spin-off series, Home Town Takeover. The show is set to film in Canada for the first time, but the American couple are legally prohibited from leading the project due to strict Canadian broadcasting rules.
Canadian Regulations Force Hosting Change
In a recent interview, Erin Napier, 40, explained the situation. She stated that she and her husband Ben, 42, are not 'legally allowed' to helm the Canadian edition of the show. Their production company is based in Canada, and the crew were passionate about the project. However, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulations mandate that at least one of the two lead performers must be Canadian.
"Because we are Americans, we are not legally allowed to host the show," Erin told Cinemablend. "We can only be in it as, like, guest stars." The rules also require a Canadian to fill either the director or screenwriter role. Consequently, a new presenting duo will front the series while the Napiers make guest appearances.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and a Separate Setback
The news sparked divided reactions among fans on social media. On Reddit, some questioned the decision to work with a Canadian production company, with one user writing, "Maybe, just maybe, they should have used a US production company." Another commenter noted the long-standing work restrictions in Canada, which prioritise citizens for available jobs. However, not all feedback was sympathetic, with one critic bluntly stating, "Good. The faster they go away, the happier I'll be."
This professional hurdle follows a personal setback for the couple earlier this year. A massive fire destroyed The Heirloom hotel in Laurel, Mississippi, a 30-room property they had spent months helping friends to remodel for a separate HGTV show. Erin described the devastating incident as feeling "like a funeral" and initially cast doubt on the project's future.
Looking Ahead: New Episodes Confirmed
In a positive update, Ben Napier confirmed this month that the episodes documenting the hotel project will indeed air, with a premiere expected in 2026. Furthermore, fans won't have to wait long to see the couple back on screen. A new series of their flagship show, Home Town, is set to premiere on 4 January. The pair will return to revitalising outdated homes and historical locations in their beloved small town of Laurel, Mississippi.
