Home improvement shows have become a beloved part of television, offering viewers creative ideas, practical advice, and expert guidance to transform their living spaces. Whether you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, update a bathroom, or overhaul an entire home, these shows offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best home improvement shows that have captured the hearts of audiences and made an impact on the renovation world.
1. Fixer Upper
One of the most iconic home improvement shows, Fixer Upper is hosted by the dynamic duo Chip and Joanna Gaines. The show focuses on transforming rundown, outdated homes into stunning spaces that feel both stylish and functional. Chip, the contractor, and Joanna, the designer, work together to give each family a dream home within a set budget.
What makes Fixer Upper particularly enjoyable is the warmth and charm that Chip and Joanna bring to every project. Their ability to combine beautiful design with practicality has made them household names in the renovation world. With Joanna’s signature style and Chip’s hands-on construction expertise, every episode leaves viewers inspired and excited about their own home improvement projects.
Why Watch It:
- Stunning before-and-after transformations
- Insightful design ideas that balance aesthetics with practicality
- A fun and relatable dynamic between Chip and Joanna
2. This Old House
A pioneer in the home improvement genre, This Old House has been airing since 1979 and continues to be a trusted source of information for homeowners and DIYers alike. The show focuses on large-scale home renovations, particularly older homes in need of restoration.
What sets This Old House apart is its attention to detail and its expert team, which includes experienced contractors, designers, and tradespeople. Hosted by Kevin O’Connor, the show walks viewers through complex renovation projects, often addressing structural issues, plumbing, electrical work, and the preservation of historic details. Whether you’re tackling a renovation yourself or simply love seeing the transformation of old homes, This Old House is a must-watch.
Why Watch It:
- In-depth tutorials and guidance for larger, more complex renovations
- Expertise in restoring older homes
- Educational content for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike
3. Property Brothers
The Property Brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott, have become synonymous with home renovation television. The show follows the brothers as they help families find and renovate fixer-upper properties to suit their needs and budgets. Jonathan, the contractor, handles the construction and renovation side of things, while Drew, the real estate expert, takes care of finding the perfect home and managing the budget.
Property Brothers stands out for its blend of design and real estate expertise. The brothers create beautiful, functional spaces, often on a budget, making it an accessible show for homeowners looking for affordable renovation solutions. With their engaging personalities and practical advice, the Scott brothers have earned a devoted fan base.
Why Watch It:
- Budget-friendly renovation tips and solutions
- The engaging, entertaining chemistry between Jonathan and Drew
- Practical advice on home buying and renovation
4. Home Town
Home Town, hosted by husband-and-wife team Ben and Erin Napier, focuses on revitalizing homes in their small hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. The couple specializes in transforming historic and outdated houses into beautiful homes while preserving the unique charm and character of each property.
Ben, a skilled carpenter, and Erin, a talented designer, work together to give each home a fresh, modern look while keeping the spirit of the past alive. Their thoughtful, community-focused approach makes Home Town stand out from other renovation shows, offering heartwarming stories and personal connections to the families they help.
Why Watch It:
- Focus on preserving the charm and character of historic homes
- Beautiful, functional designs with a touch of Southern charm
- A heartwarming, community-driven approach to renovations
5. Love It or List It
A fan favorite, Love It or List It adds an exciting twist to the home renovation genre. Hosted by Hilary Farr and David Visentin, the show follows homeowners who are unhappy with their current living space. Hilary, an interior designer, renovates their home, while David, a real estate agent, finds them a new property that could better suit their needs.
At the end of each episode, the homeowners must decide whether to “love” the home after its renovation or “list” it and move to a new place. The competitive nature of the show, combined with the dynamic personalities of Hilary and David, makes Love It or List It both entertaining and informative.
Why Watch It:
- A fun, competitive twist on home renovations
- Engaging real estate decisions for homeowners
- Insight into both home design and the real estate market
6. Good Bones
Good Bones, hosted by mother-daughter duo Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk, focuses on renovating homes in Indianapolis’ older neighborhoods. The show’s mission is to breathe new life into dilapidated properties while keeping costs affordable and staying true to the homes’ original character.
Karen, a seasoned contractor, and Mina, a designer, are hands-on throughout every project, making their work accessible and relatable for viewers. The show’s focus on affordable renovations and revitalizing entire communities has made Good Bones a favorite among fans looking for practical home improvement solutions.
Why Watch It:
- Affordable renovation ideas for budget-conscious homeowners
- A community-driven approach to home improvement
- The close-knit relationship between Karen and Mina adds a personal touch
7. Dream Home Makeover
Hosted by Shea McGee and her husband Syd, Dream Home Makeover showcases the work of Shea’s design firm, Studio McGee, as they transform homes with a clean, modern aesthetic. Each episode follows a different family or couple as they work with Shea to create their dream space, combining functionality with timeless style.
Shea’s signature design style emphasizes light, airy spaces with a touch of elegance, making Dream Home Makeover perfect for those looking for contemporary, high-end home design inspiration. With a focus on creating beautiful yet livable spaces, this show is perfect for viewers who want to learn how to make their home feel stylish and inviting.
Why Watch It:
- Elegant, modern design ideas that blend style and functionality
- Insight into creating high-end spaces that are livable and comfortable
- Inspiration for homeowners looking to make their homes both beautiful and functional
8. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Although it originally aired from 2003 to 2012, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition remains one of the most impactful home improvement shows in television history. Hosted by Ty Pennington, the show would overhaul the homes of deserving families in just a week, often transforming properties in dire need of repair into stunning, life-changing spaces.
What made Extreme Makeover: Home Edition so memorable was its focus on families facing difficult circumstances, such as illness or financial hardship. The renovations weren’t just about aesthetics—they were about giving families a new start, and the emotional reactions from homeowners made the show unforgettable.
Why Watch It:
- Heartfelt, emotional home makeovers that change lives
- Dramatic transformations completed in record time
- A sense of community and compassion behind every renovation
Conclusion
From Fixer Upper to This Old House, home improvement shows offer a wide range of inspiration, design tips, and expert advice for homeowners and DIYers. These shows not only entertain but also empower viewers to tackle their own renovation projects with confidence. Whether you’re looking for affordable updates, intricate historical restorations, or modern design ideas, these shows provide plenty of insights that can help turn your vision into reality.
By watching these popular home improvement programs, you can find the motivation, knowledge, and tools you need to begin your own home transformation—one project at a time.