HGTV’s New Year’s resolutions will put some new spins on old themes. The kick-off for 2007 starts with a proven winner, a six-hour New Year’s Day Holmes on Homes marathon. Returning series are also good bets, while some new titles could make things interesting in the real estate and renovations veins.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Big City Broker gives a behind-the-scenes look at real estate with an original Canadian series about Brad Lamb, an opinionated and passionate urban realtor and developer who calls himself ‘the Condo King.’ From the first phone call to tense bidding wars, he and his agents share hints and tips to ensure a smooth and successful deal. The show premieres Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 8 pm. ET/PT, and is currently skedded as a lead-in to National Open House, which fills the 8:30 pm ET/PT timeslot on Wednesday nights. That series compares home prices in different US cities.
Disaster DIY offers up another Canadian series about an HGTV handyman host on a mission on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 9 pm ET/PT. Bryan Baeumler will seek out ‘do-it-yourselfers’ who’ve dug themselves into holes and steps in to finish the projects off properly.
Finally, another offering coming to HGTV from the U.S. follows the trials and tribulations of two real estate companies, one in Hollywood and one in Malibu. Million Dollar Listing takes viewers through the selling process and the drama of negotiations, starting on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8 pm ET/PT
HGTV is also capitalizing on the phenomenon of the growing number of ‘adult kids’ who refuse to move out of their parents’ homes. Expanding on a subject that’s often featured in the news – and on film with Failure to Launch, plus a recent episode of Dr. Phil – Toronto-based Big Coat Productions is recruiting adult kids (25-35) in Ontario and the tri-state area for Guess What – You’re Moving Out. The prodco is preparing the show for airing in Sept. 2007, while also working on the third season of My Parents House for HGTV. Advertising and marketing opps for Guess What – You’re Moving Out may not come in the form of product placement, but there’s an extensively interactive website in the works to back up the on-air offering.
