HGTV is trading in hammers and hard hats for candy canes—and longtime fans aren’t thrilled.
The home-renovation network has fans fuming after airing non-design holiday films like Elf, prompting viewers to question whether the brand’s identity is being lost in its festive makeover.
Why Viewers Are Angry
Earlier this month, HGTV aired the 2003 classic Elf twice, a decision that left fans scratching their heads. As one Reddit commenter put it, “We don’t tune into HGTV to watch Elf … I want my design renovation shows, dammit.”
Another user echoed the frustration: “Where are the design shows?!? If this is the new direction of HGTV, I’m out.”
Another person added, “Huh? That just doesn’t make sense. How is Home and Garden TV related to a silly Christmas movie about a giant elf?”
Some viewers even canceled their Discovery+ subscriptions, or said they plan to. For many, the problem isn’t just the holiday films themselves, but what they represent: a departure from the core design and renovation content that made HGTV a favorite.
What’s Been Canceled
The controversy follows a wave of recent cancellations of popular, design-focused HGTV shows. According to several reports, the network pulled the plug on many fan favorites, including:
• Farmhouse Fixer — a warm, down-to-earth renovation series.
• Christina on the Coast — starring Christina Hall, which followed her coastal renovation work.
• The Flipping El Moussas — featuring Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa navigating house flips and family life.
• Battle on the Beach — a renovation competition set by the shore.
• Married to Real Estate — Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson‘s beloved real estate/design show.
• Izzy Does It — which followed Izzy Battres and his family in home design.
• Bargain Block — the creative Detroit-based renovation team led by Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas.
For many, these cancellations—combined with the influx of movies—feel like a shift away from the design-first programming that defined HGTV.
HGTV’s Response
“We’re always looking for ways to diversify our lineup, and we’ve found our fans love to find iconic movies on the schedule,” the network said in a statement.
Upcoming airings include A Christmas Story and Candy Cane Lane.
Earlier in the year, HGTV had already aired films like The Intern and Father of the Bride, suggesting this shift isn’t entirely new—or specific to the holiday season.
Fan Grief Runs Deep
The reaction among longtime viewers has ranged from bemusement to bitterness. On Reddit, some lament what they see as a loss of HGTV’s soul: “We don’t tune in for movies — give us the renovation shows back.”
Others have made more humorous observations, like, “Elf is a wonderful decorator — that’s why!” referencing Buddy the Elf’s over-the-top Christmas transformations.
One commenter argued the network is abandoning diversity. They called out the cancellation of shows such as Bargain Block and Married to Real Estate, which spotlighted LGBTQ and Black homeowners, calling the purge “blatant erasure”.
What’s Next for HGTV
In response to the backlash, HGTV is actually ramping up production: the network announced it will film 100+ new episodes for 2026. Among the slated returns and new projects are The Flip Off, Love It or List It, and Renovation Aloha.
There are also two brand-new holiday specials planned: Hoarding for the Holidays and White House Christmas 2025.
Next, HGTV’s Erin Napier Shares Scary Family Situation: ‘Just When We Gave Up’
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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