Well, if you were wondering who might be HGTV’s teacher’s pet, look at the lineup, and it’s pretty obvious. The television empire thatJonathan and Drew Scotthave built over the course of the last two decades is truly a phenomenon. As two of the world’s biggest renovation and real estate experts and personalities,it’s no wonder that HGTV has gone all in on the Property Brothers. With their own production company behind them, seemingly anything they touch turns into HGTV gold.
But even with success, backlash can emerge.Especially now with the bloodbath the network has launched.With multiple shows being canceled, with seemingly more to come,some fans have raised alarms, questioning if there is simply too much of a good thing. With the Property Brothers' latest edition to their IP,Chasing the West, arriving with the renovation show onslaught at its peak, it’s made some wonder if Jonathan and Drew have worn out their welcome.
‘Chasing the West’ Is Premiering at the Worst Possible Time
Timing is everything. To launch back-to-back evenings of Property Brothers' premieres, withCelebrity IOUreturning on July 9 andChasing the Westkicking off on July 30,fans are expressingtheir frustrations that Jonathan and Drew have seemingly been sparedfrom the network’s cancellation spree of its other renovation shows. For two experts in the industry, there is no demolition needed for the Property Brothers. They are sturdy, steadfast, and hold strong, which cannot be said for their peers. Perhaps due to disappointment,the brothers are facing a fury of resentment on social media and Reddit, despite having literally nothing to do with the network’s ongoing decisions.
Despite the slightly unique premise of their new series, HGTV fans are curious about the timing and how it portrays the network. The reflection of axing shows hosted by individuals from minority communities is not lost on the fans, especially with what some viewers see as this show leaning a bit more “conservative,” despite the siblings growing up on a ranch in Canada. Even though they are returning to their roots for this special show, it’s yet to slow down the hive-mind opinions.There is truly a battle brewing regarding the perception of “sameness.”
After Hundreds of Renovations, the Property Brothers Warn Against This “Worst” Kitchen Appliance
This kitchen appliance is a game-changer.
The Property Brothers naysayers are concerned that each new show is just a revamp of what they already have. Then, you have those who see the renovation shows as the same blueprint with different individuals as hosts, usually couples. Either way,HGTV is fighting against a concern that things are “too formulaic.”
HGTV and Food Network Use a Similar Strategy
As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. When it comes to theProperty Brothersshows, they have been an overwhelming success for the network. It’s partially why they continue to greenlight spin-offs and new formats. Like the Food Network, when they find a personality they adore, they go all out for them. Rarely is there a day’s worth of content that doesn’t featureGuy FieriorBobby Flay. Both celebrity chefs have served as influential faces of the network. And like the Property Brothers, they continue to create successful new formats that get viewers engaged.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Divesis like theHouse Huntersof HGTV. You can turn on an episode from a decade ago and still be entertained. Because of that show’s success, Fieri’s ability to bring his charisma to shows likeGuy’s Grocery Games, lovingly nicknamed “Triple G,” makes him a mainstay.Bobby Flay has become the king of food competition shows.Throwdown with Bobby Flay,Beat Bobby Flay, Bobby’s Triple Threat, the list is endless. But the format works. And until viewers let the network know they’re tired of the celebrity chefs,they’re going to keep pumping them out— just like HGTV is with the Property Brothers.
Unfortunately, Jonathan and Drew are getting slack in a situation that has little to do with them.They’re victims of circumstance. This is the entertainment business.They can’t die on the sword and sacrifice their successto save another personality’s program. But they should be acutely aware of how the current situation may affect this upcoming series.Chasing the Westis arriving at a time when viewers are increasingly drawn to Western-based content.Taylor SheridanandYellowstone’s stronghold in the genre is remarkable.
The twins aren’t alone this summer with Western-themed content as Magnolia Network launchesBack to the Frontier. Though different, they have a similar entry point of disconnecting from the present and celebrating the past.Chasing the Westwill be the Property Brothers’ biggest gamble. If viewers punish them due to the network’s current situation, it might signal a new trajectory for future programming.
Chasing the Westpremieres July 30 on HGTV. All episodes will be available to stream on Max.
