HGTV’s troubles worsen as viewers threaten to BOYCOTT over showing of Christmas movies amid network bloodbath
HGTV fans have been left rattled as the network continues to air Christmas movies, leaving many questioning whether this is a desperate attempt to fill the schedule after a summer of slashing content.
In recent weeks, the channel has aired the 2003 film Elf, as well as other festive favorites.
The 1983 film A Christmas Story, which stars Peter Billingsley, aired twice on November 20.
The bizarre move comes months after HGTV axed several fan favorite shows including The Flipping El Moussas, Christina on the Coast, Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate, Farmhouse Fixer, Izzy Does It, and Battle on the Beach.
Furious viewers have voiced their complaints over the schedule and have lambasted the network for airing Christmas films instead of filling the gaps with home renovation content.
Some have even suggested to bosses that they bring back some of the several shows that were canceled over the summer.
Taking to Reddit, one frustrated fan started a thread which began: ‘Why is Elf on HGTV?’
‘This is the second week in a row that some lame a** old movie is on HGTV,’ they continued. ‘Where are the design shows?!? If this is the new direction of HGTV, I’m out!’
HGTV has been called out for airing the 2003 Christmas film Elf earlier this month
The movie stars Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, who is in a relationship with HGTV star Jonathan Scott
Replying to the thread, another user said: ‘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 angry user wrote: ‘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.’
‘You can link that back to Property Brothers since Zooey Deschanel was in the movie,’ one snarky social media said. ‘I’m sure she gets royalties from it so…’
In a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for the channel said: ‘HGTV is always looking for ways to diversify its lineup, and we’ve found our fans love to find iconic movies on the schedule.’
And it seems as though HGTV will not be bowing to fan pressure as there are plans to air the 2023 comedy Christmas film Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy, on Thanksgiving.
Despite the uproar, the network has recently started airing a new television show that follows people who are so obsessed with Christmas that they spend thousands of dollars each year just to store their ornaments.
Hoarding for the Holidays, which began on November 11, is a four-part show that exposes the lengths some people take to house their expansive collections – and just how much it really costs to be utterly consumed by the festive season.
Hoarding for the Holidays isn’t the only new show headed to HGTV before the end of the year.
HGTV culled numerous shows over the summer, including Married to Real Estate starring Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson (pictured)
Cheap A$ Beach Houses, described as a ‘fantasy lifestyle series,’ will humorously show viewers how to own a slice of affordable paradise when it premieres on December 3.
Across 16 half-hour episodes, bargain buyers will chase their coastal dreams on realistic budgets, proving you don’t need to break the bank to live the beach life.
The synopsis teases: ‘In the series premiere, a quirky couple from Flint, Michigan, will flee harsh winters for sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
‘Their vivacious realtor will search for the ideal waterfront home at a reasonable price, helping them overcome obstacles like her fear of heights in high-rise properties and his obsession with properly installed electrical outlets.’
